SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER
Over 2 years since last inspection. Current conditions may differ from available data.
Salem North Healthcare Center has received a Trust Grade of C, indicating that it is average and falls in the middle of the pack among nursing homes. It ranks #537 out of 913 facilities in Ohio, placing it in the bottom half, and #8 out of 11 in Columbiana County, meaning only a few local options are better. The facility is currently worsening, with issues increasing from 3 in 2023 to 5 in 2024. Staffing is rated at 2 out of 5 stars, with a turnover rate of 52%, which is around the Ohio average, indicating potential instability among staff. Additionally, the center has received concerning fines totaling $23,163, which is higher than 76% of Ohio facilities, suggesting compliance issues. There is good RN coverage, exceeding that of 93% of state facilities, which is a strength since registered nurses can identify problems that nursing assistants might miss. However, there have been notable deficiencies, such as a critical incident where a resident did not receive proper monitoring and insulin administration, resulting in dangerously high blood sugar levels. Other concerns include meals not being served at the correct temperatures and improperly labeled frozen foods, which could affect the quality and safety of residents’ meals. Overall, while there are strengths in RN coverage, the facility has significant areas that require improvement.
- Trust Score
- C
- In Ohio
- #537/913
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 52% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ○ Average
- $23,163 in fines. Higher than 65% of Ohio facilities. Some compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 52 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Ohio. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 20 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Ohio average (3.2)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Ohio avg (46%)
Higher turnover may affect care consistency
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 20 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
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
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review, staff interview, review of online medication resources, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to ensure residents did not receive unnecessary or duplicate ...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on resident interview, observation, staff interview, record review, and review of the facility policy, the facility failed to ensure foods were served at a palatable temperature. This had the po...
Read full inspector narrative →
Oct 2024
2 deficiencies
1 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on closed medical record review, review of telehealth progress notes, Life flight progress notes, policy review, and inter...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on closed medical record review, policy review and interview, the facility failed to timely notify Resident #70's represen...
Read full inspector narrative →
Mar 2024
1 deficiency
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
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, staff interview, and review of the facility policy, the facility did not ensure frozen foods in the reach-in freezer were labeled and dated appropriately to prevent food spoilage...
Read full inspector narrative →
May 2023
1 deficiency
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
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review, observation, staff interview, and review of facility policy, the facility failed to maintain a m...
Read full inspector narrative →
Feb 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
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review the facility failed to ensure Resident #38's bed was functioning appropriately resulting in...
Read full inspector narrative →
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
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
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, the facility failed to ensure Resident #38 received proper assistance with ac...
Read full inspector narrative →
Dec 2022
4 deficiencies
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, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure Resident #60's fall interventions were in place to help prevent falls. This affected one Resident (#60) out of one Res...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review, observation and staff interview, the facility failed to follow physician's orders for tube feed formula infusion time and proper labeling of tube feed formula. This aff...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure laboratory testing was obtained prior to initiating antibiotic therapy for a resident with a possible infection. This ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation and interview the facility failed to maintain sanitary conditions during observations of meal preparations . This affected all residents except for Resident #18 and Resident #21 w...
Read full inspector narrative →
Mar 2020
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0676
(Tag F0676)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on medical record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a resident received restorative nursing programs in ...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, medical record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure physician's orders and recommendations...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
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, the facility failed to ensure Resident #37 had interventions in place for sig...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to monitor therapeutic levels for thyroid medication. This affected one (Resident #31) of five residents reviewed for unnecessary medica...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, record review and policy review, the facility failed to ensure palatable meals for Residents #53, #67, #43, #30 and #42. This had the potential to affect the 72 reside...
Read full inspector narrative →
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 observation, personnel record, medical records, policy review and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure sanitary procedures during a pressure ulcer dressing change, post incontinence...
Read full inspector narrative →
Jan 2019
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on medical record review and interview, the facility failed to monitor a resident's vital signs and oxygen saturation levels according to physician orders. This affected one (Resident #143) of t...
Read full inspector narrative →
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Laboratory Services
(Tag F0770)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Resident #29 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses which included dementia and depression.
Review of the phar...
Read full inspector narrative →
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 1 life-threatening violation(s). Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 20 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $23,163 in fines. Higher than 94% of Ohio facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- • Grade C (51/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Salem North Healthcare Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Ohio, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Salem North Healthcare Center Staffed?
CMS rates SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER's staffing level at 2 out of 5 stars, which is below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 52%, compared to the Ohio average of 46%.
What Have Inspectors Found at Salem North Healthcare Center?
State health inspectors documented 20 deficiencies at SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER during 2019 to 2024. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death) and 19 with potential for harm. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Salem North Healthcare Center?
SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER 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 COMMUNICARE HEALTH, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 86 certified beds and approximately 49 residents (about 57% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in SALEM, Ohio.
How Does Salem North Healthcare Center Compare to Other Ohio Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Ohio, SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (52%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Salem North Healthcare Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "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 Immediate Jeopardy citations and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Salem North Healthcare Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 1 Immediate Jeopardy citation (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Ohio. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Salem North Healthcare Center Stick Around?
SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 52%, which is 6 percentage points above the Ohio average of 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 Salem North Healthcare Center Ever Fined?
SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER has been fined $23,163 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Ohio average of $33,310. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Salem North Healthcare Center on Any Federal Watch List?
SALEM NORTH HEALTHCARE CENTER 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.