SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C
Over 2 years since last inspection. Current conditions may differ from available data.
Safire Rehabilitation of Northtowns has received a Trust Grade of D, which means it is below average and raises some concerns about the facility's quality of care. It ranks #555 out of 594 nursing homes in New York, placing it in the bottom half of all facilities in the state, and #34 out of 35 in Erie County, indicating only one local option is better. Unfortunately, the facility is worsening, with the number of issues increasing from 2 in 2024 to 5 in 2025. Staffing is a relative strength, with a turnover rate of 36%, which is below the state average, though the overall staffing rating is only 2 out of 5 stars. While there have been no fines reported, which is a positive aspect, significant concerns have been noted in the inspector findings. For instance, the facility was short-staffed on 15 out of 30 days, which could impact resident care, and there were failures in infection control practices, such as not using proper precautions during care activities and neglecting to address positive Legionella water samples. Overall, while there are some strengths, potential residents and families should carefully consider the serious deficiencies observed.
- Trust Score
- D
- In New York
- #555/594
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 36% turnover. Near New York's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most New York facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 44 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for New York. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 33 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
-
Staff turnover below average (36%)
12 points below New York average of 48%
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below New York average (3.0)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
10pts below New York avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 33 deficiencies on record
Mar 2025
5 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
Deficiency F0604
(Tag F0604)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (#NY00365639) during a Standard survey completed on 3/28/25, the facility did not ensure the resident's ri...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (#NY00335062, NY00338640, and NY00...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, observation, and record review conducted during complaint investigations (NY00348183, NY00338640, NY00335062...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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 F0836
(Tag F0836)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (#NY00348183, #NY00338640) during a Standard survey completed on 3/28/2025,
the facility did not operate and provide se...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (#NY00347069) during a Standard su...
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Nov 2024
1 deficiency
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
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interviews, and record review conducted during the Onsite Post Survey Revisit #1, the facility did not ens...
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Feb 2024
1 deficiency
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
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review during the Abbreviated survey (complaint # NY00329948) completed on 2/15/24, the facility did not store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accor...
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Sept 2023
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interviews during the Standard Survey completed on 9/18/23, the facility did not allow ...
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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
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (#NY00294631) during a Standard survey completed on 9/18/23, the facility did not ensure that the resident's representat...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a Standard survey completed on 9/18/23, the facility did not...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0809
(Tag F0809)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review conducted on a Standard survey completed 9/18/23, the facility did not ensure each resident be provided at least three meals daily, at regular times c...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0801
(Tag F0801)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review conducted during a Standard survey completed 9/18/23, the facility did not employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out t...
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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
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a Standard survey completed 9/18/23, the facility did not provide food and drink that were prepared by methods that conserved flavor...
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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, interview, and record review conducted during a Standard survey completed 9/18/23 the facility did not store, prepare, distribute, and serve food in accordance with professional ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review conducted during a Standard survey completed on 9/18/23, it was determined that the facility did not ensure maintenance of an infection prevention and control prog...
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Jan 2023
2 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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview, observation, and record review conducted during a complaint investigation (#NY00309036) completed on 1/24/22, the facility did not ensure that all alleged violations including abus...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, observation, and record review during a complaint investigation (NY00309036) completed on 1/24/23, the facil...
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Nov 2021
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Grievances
(Tag F0585)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review conducted during the Standard survey completed 11/19/21, the facility did not ensure that grievances were filed on behalf of residents and thoroughly investigated....
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (NY00282505) during the Standard survey complete...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during the Standard Survey (Complaint# NY00272002 & NY00272117) com...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review conducted during the Standard survey completed 11/19/21, the facility did not ensure that residents who require dialysis received services consistent with professi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0805
(Tag F0805)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a Standard survey completed on 11/19/21, the facility did not provide food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs for ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review during the Standard survey completed on 11/19/21, the facility did not implement written policies and procedures for screening employees that would prohibit and pr...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review during the Standard survey completed on 11/19/21, the facility did not maintain all essential mechanical, electrical, and patient care equipment in s...
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Feb 2020
9 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review conducted during a Complaint investigation (Complaint #NY00248905) during the Standard survey completed on 2/18/2020, it was determined the facility did not ensure...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review conducted during a Standard survey completed on 2/18/20, it was determined th...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review completed during the Standard survey completed on 2/18/20, the facility did n...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interviews, and record review conducted during the Standard survey, completed on 2/18/20, the facility did...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interviews during the Standard Survey completed on 2/18/20, the facility did not allow ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review during the Standard survey completed on 2/18/20, the facility did not establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to p...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review during the Standard survey completed on 2/18/20, it was determined that the f...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0730
(Tag F0730)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on staff interview and record review conducted during the Standard Survey completed on 2/18/20, the facility not ensure that two (#1 and #11) of three Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) received 12 hou...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Room Equipment
(Tag F0908)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview during the Standard survey completed on 2/18/20, the facility did not maintain all essential mechanical, electrical and patient care equipment in safe operating cond...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "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.
- • 36% turnover. Below New York's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 33 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (40/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C 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 Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C Staffed?
CMS rates SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 36%, compared to the New York average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C?
State health inspectors documented 33 deficiencies at SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C during 2020 to 2025. These included: 30 with potential for harm and 3 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C?
SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C 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 SAPPHIRE CARE GROUP, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 100 certified beds and approximately 89 residents (about 89% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in TONAWANDA, New York.
How Does Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C Compare to Other New York Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New York, SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (36%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (1 stars) is much below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "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?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?" These questions are particularly relevant given the below-average staffing rating.
Is Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C 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 Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C Stick Around?
SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C has a staff turnover rate of 36%, which is about average for New York nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C Ever Fined?
SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C 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 Safire Rehabilitation Of Northtowns, L L C on Any Federal Watch List?
SAFIRE REHABILITATION OF NORTHTOWNS, L L C 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.