Highlands, The

335 NICHOLS ROAD, FITCHBURG, MA 01420

Independent ratings: No payments from facilities
B

Near federal staffing minimum — above average inspection record.

Quality Breakdown

RN Staffing
Registered nurse time each resident receives daily. Federal minimum: 0.55 hrs.
0.46 ✗ Below federal minimum (0.55)
Health Deficiencies
Violations found during federal inspections over the last 3 years.
7
CMS Ratings
Overall and Staffing quality ratings from CMS (1-5 stars).
Quality: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Staffing: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
NursingHomeGrade Score
67/100

Data last updated: April 12, 2026

Inspection Deficiencies

Health inspections identify violations of federal standards. Severity ranges from no actual harm (A–F) to immediate jeopardy (J–L).

Most recent inspection (November 25, 2025)

D Potential harm — isolated F0773 Status: Corrected

Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.

Administration Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 19, 2025

E Potential harm — pattern F0880 Status: Corrected

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Infection Control Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 19, 2025

E Potential harm — pattern F0804 Status: Corrected

Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 19, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0676 Status: Corrected

Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 19, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0690 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 19, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 19, 2025

D Potential harm — isolated F0842 Status: Corrected

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected December 19, 2025

Inspection cycle 2 (July 23, 2024)

D Potential harm — isolated F0883 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Infection Control Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 16, 2024

D Potential harm — isolated F0812 Status: Corrected

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 16, 2024

D Potential harm — isolated F0690 Status: Corrected

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 16, 2024

B No harm — pattern F0641 Status: Corrected

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 16, 2024

D Potential harm — isolated F0656 Status: Corrected

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 16, 2024

E Potential harm — pattern F0658 Status: Corrected

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected August 16, 2024

Inspection cycle 3 (March 20, 2023)

D Potential harm — isolated F0812 Status: Corrected

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected April 3, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0698 Status: Corrected

Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected April 3, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0700 Status: Corrected

Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected April 3, 2023

D Potential harm — isolated F0580 Status: Corrected

Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Resident Rights Deficiencies — Deficient, Provider has date of correction, corrected April 3, 2023

Quality Assurance & Integrity

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D

FITCHBURG HEALTHCARE

1199 JOHN FITCH HWY, FITCHBURG, MA 01420

36/100 score 0.47 hrs RN staffing 15 deficiencies

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