Cycle 1
Health 2025-11-25 · Fire 2025-11-25
7 health deficiencies
Top issue: Quality of Life and Care (2 deficiencies)
2 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Emergency Preparedness (1 deficiency)
Fitchburg, MA
Highlands, The
4-star overall rating with 3-star inspections with 7 recent health deficiencies with 2 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
335 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA
(978) 343-4411
Overall
4 / 5
CMS overall stars
Health inspections
3 / 5
Survey and complaint cycles
Staffing
3 / 5
RN + nurse staffing
Quality measures
5 / 5
Resident outcomes and process measures
Quick facts
Facility snapshot
Beds
168
Certified beds
Average residents
155
Average occupied residents
Ownership
For-Profit
Publicly displayed owner type
Chain
Life Care Centers Of America
Operator or chain grouping
Approved since
1988-12-08
CMS approved date
Coverage
Medicare + Medicaid
Participation flags
Staffing
Hours and turnover
RN hours / resident day
0.46
Registered nurse staffing
LPN hours / resident day
1.07
Licensed practical nurse staffing
Aide hours / resident day
2.48
Nurse aide staffing
Weekend hours
3.56
Weekend nurse staffing
RN turnover
48%
Annual RN turnover
Total nurse turnover
31%
Annual nurse turnover
Quality measures
Resident outcomes and process scores
| Measure | Facility | State | National | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.4 |
1.9
0.5 pts better
|
1.9
0.5 pts better
|
Long Stay · 20240701-20250630 |
| Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.5 |
1.5
About the same
|
1.8
0.3 pts better
|
Long Stay · 20240701-20250630 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 59.5% |
92.2%
32.7 pts worse
|
93.4%
33.9 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 92.0% |
94.8%
2.8 pts worse
|
95.5%
3.5 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q3-2025Q2 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 2.7% |
3.5%
0.8 pts better
|
3.3%
0.6 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 3.7% |
12.0%
8.3 pts better
|
11.4%
7.7 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 10.6% |
5.2%
5.4 pts worse
|
5.4%
5.2 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 23.0% |
19.2%
3.8 pts worse
|
19.6%
3.4 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 15.0% |
22.5%
7.5 pts better
|
16.7%
1.7 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% |
0.1%
0.1 pts better
|
0.1%
0.1 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 10.0% |
17.7%
7.7 pts better
|
16.3%
6.3 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 7.9% |
17.6%
9.7 pts better
|
14.9%
7 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.2% |
1.0%
0.8 pts better
|
1.0%
0.8 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.0% |
2.0%
2 pts better
|
1.7%
1.7 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 28.9% |
21.7%
7.2 pts worse
|
19.8%
9.1 pts worse
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 4.4% |
4.6%
0.2 pts better
|
5.1%
0.7 pts better
|
Long Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 19.6% |
77.1%
57.5 pts worse
|
81.7%
62.1 pts worse
|
Short Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 8.7% |
11.8%
3.1 pts better
|
12.0%
3.3 pts better
|
Short Stay · 20240701-20250630 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 0.3% |
1.3%
1 pts better
|
1.6%
1.3 pts better
|
Short Stay · 2024Q4-2025Q3 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 50.4% |
77.7%
27.3 pts worse
|
79.7%
29.3 pts worse
|
Short Stay · 2024Q3-2025Q2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 25.9% |
25.8%
0.1 pts worse
|
23.9%
2 pts worse
|
Short Stay · 20240701-20250630 |
Survey summary
Recent inspection cycles
Cycle 2
Health 2024-07-23 · Fire 2024-07-23
6 health deficiencies
Top issue: Resident Assessment and Care Planning (3 deficiencies)
5 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Gas and Vacuum and Electrical Systems (2 deficiencies)
Cycle 3
Health 2023-03-20 · Fire 2023-03-20
5 health deficiencies
Top issue: Quality of Life and Care (2 deficiencies)
4 fire-safety deficiencies
Top issue: Emergency Preparedness (1 deficiency)
Fire safety
Fire-safety citations
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
K321 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Corrected 2026-01-12
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
E31 · Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Provide emergency officials' contact information.
Corrected 2026-01-06
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
K347 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
Corrected 2024-09-24
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
K914 · Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Corrected 2024-08-16
F · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
K918 · Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Corrected 2024-08-20
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
E41 · Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Corrected 2024-08-20
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
K712 · Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Corrected 2024-08-16
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-20
K712 · Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Corrected 2023-05-17
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-20
E41 · Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Corrected 2023-04-24
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-20
K341 · Smoke Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.
Corrected 2023-05-16
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-20
K918 · Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Fire Safety
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Corrected 2023-04-24
Inspection history
Recent health citations
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
F804 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Health
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Corrected 2025-12-19
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
F880 · Infection Control Deficiencies
Health
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected 2025-12-19
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
F656 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected 2025-12-19
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
F676 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
Corrected 2025-12-19
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
F690 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Corrected 2025-12-19
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
F773 · Administration Deficiencies
Health
Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.
Corrected 2025-12-19
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2025-11-25
F842 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Corrected 2025-12-19
E · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
F658 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Corrected 2024-08-16
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
F656 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected 2024-08-16
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
F690 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Corrected 2024-08-16
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
F812 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Health
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected 2024-08-16
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2024-07-23
F883 · Infection Control Deficiencies
Health
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Corrected 2024-08-16
B · Minimal harm
2024-07-23
F641 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Corrected 2024-08-16
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-20
F580 · Resident Rights Deficiencies
Health
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Corrected 2023-04-03
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-20
F698 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Corrected 2023-04-03
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-20
F700 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Health
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.
Corrected 2023-04-03
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-20
F812 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Health
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected 2023-04-03
D · Potential for more than minimal harm
2023-03-09
F656 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Health
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected 2023-03-30
Penalties and ownership
What sits behind the stars
Ownership
Preston, Forrest
5% Or Greater Direct Ownership Interest · Individual
Bonilla, Carlos-Andres
W-2 Managing Employee · Individual
Cross, Cindy
Corporate Officer · Individual
Life Care Centers Of America, Inc.
Operational/Managerial Control · Organization
Thurmond, Joan
Corporate Officer · Individual
Nearby options
Other facilities in reach
#1
Fitchburg Healthcare
Fitchburg, MA
2-star overall rating with 2-star inspections with 15 recent health deficiencies with 3 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
#2
Fitchburg Rehabilitation And Nursing Center
Fitchburg, MA
1-star overall rating with 1-star inspections with $43,719 in total fines with 11 recent health deficiencies with 9 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
#3
Keystone Center
Leominster, MA
1-star overall rating with 2-star inspections with $33,476 in total fines with 7 recent health deficiencies with 1 fire-safety deficiencies in the latest cycle
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