ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Essex Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns regarding the quality of care provided. Ranked #505 out of 594 facilities in New York, they are in the bottom half of nursing homes statewide and #3 out of 3 in Essex County, meaning there are no better local options available. The facility is worsening, with issues increasing from 6 in 2022 to 11 in 2024, and staffing is a major concern, evidenced by a poor 1-star rating and an alarming 81% turnover rate, well above the state average of 40%. While it is positive that they have no fines on record, the nursing home has lower RN coverage than 90% of state facilities, which is problematic as registered nurses play a crucial role in identifying care issues. Specific incidents include unkempt living environments, with dirty floors and walls, as well as inadequate food safety practices, such as expired sanitizer test kits and improperly calibrated thermometers, which raise concerns about the overall hygiene and safety of the facility.
- Trust Score
- F
- In New York
- #505/594
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 81% turnover. Very high, 33 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most New York facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 19 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for New York. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 19 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below New York average (3.0)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
34pts above New York avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
33 points above New York average of 48%
The Ugly 19 deficiencies on record
Nov 2024
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and interview during the recertification survey, the facility did not ensure that residents and/or their designated representative were fully informed of potential finan...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, record review, and interview during a recertification survey and abbreviated survey (Case #NY00351614), the facility did not ensure it protected the resident's right to be free f...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interviews during a recertification survey, the facility did not ensure comprehensive care plans were reviewed after each assessment and revised based on changing goals, pre...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview during the recertification survey, the environment was not free from accident hazards over which the facility had control. Specifically, dangerous tools were left un...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and staff interview during the recertification survey, the facility did not dispose of garbage and refuse properly. Specifically, the waste contained in dumpsters was not covered....
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview during the recertification survey, the facility did not ensure necessary housekeeping and maintenance services were provided to maintain a clean, san...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview during the recertification survey, the facility did not ensure food was stored, prepared, distributed, or served in accordance with professional stan...
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Jun 2024
4 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and interviews during an abbreviated survey (Case #s sNY00328017 and NY00340585), the faci...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interviews during an abbreviated survey (Case #sNY00328017 and NY00340585), the facility did not ensu...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interviews during an abbreviated survey (Case #sNY00328017 and NY00340585), the facility did not ensure that all alleged violations involving abuse were reported immediately...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, and interviews during an abbreviated survey (Case #sNY00328017 and NY00340585), the facili...
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Dec 2022
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0551
(Tag F0551)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interviews conducted during the recertification survey, the facility did not ensure 1 (Resident #75) of 2 residents reviewed for advance directives had the right to formulat...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews during the recertification survey dated 12/11/22 through 12/19/22, the facility did not notify The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) of an occurrence where the health an...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interview during the recertification and an abbreviated survey (Case #NY00289586), cond...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, interviews and record reviews during a recertification and an abbreviated survey (Case #NY00298692), survey 12/11/2022 through 12/19/2022, the facility did not ensure residents ...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review and interviews during the recertification survey, the facility did not ensure a clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for 2 of 3 resident units (units 1 and ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interviews during the recertification survey dated 12/11/22 through 12/19/22, the facility did not store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with...
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Mar 2020
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and staff interview during the recertification survey, the facility did not provide effective housekeeping and maintenance services. Specifically, floors were not clean, and wardr...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations and interviews during the recertification survey, the facility did not ensure that each resident received, and the facility provided food and drink that was palatable, attractive...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most New York facilities.
- • 19 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade F (35/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
- • 81% turnover. Very high, 33 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
About This Facility
What is Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within New York, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare Staffed?
CMS rates ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 81%, which is 34 percentage points above the New York average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs. RN turnover specifically is 80%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare?
State health inspectors documented 19 deficiencies at ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE during 2020 to 2024. These included: 19 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare?
ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by CENTERS HEALTH CARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 100 certified beds and approximately 92 residents (about 92% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in ELIZABETHTOWN, New York.
How Does Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare Compare to Other New York Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New York, ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (81%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's high staff turnover rate and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in New York. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare Stick Around?
Staff turnover at ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE is high. At 81%, the facility is 34 percentage points above the New York average of 46%. Registered Nurse turnover is particularly concerning at 80%. RNs handle complex medical decisions and coordinate care — frequent RN changes can directly impact care quality. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare Ever Fined?
ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Essex Center For Rehabilitation And Healthcare on Any Federal Watch List?
ESSEX CENTER FOR REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.