Highlands, the
335 Nichols Road · Fitchburg, MA · 01420 · 9783434411
168 certified beds For profit - Limited Liability company Chain: Life Care Centers of America
Why this verdict
- Inspection results are getting worse cycle over cycle, not better.
- No federal fines or payment denials in CMS’s 3-year window.
Red flags
No red flags in the current CMS record. Genuinely good news — pair it with an in-person tour before deciding.
Score breakdown
Quality-measure stars are deliberately excluded — they're largely self-reported by facilities. Full method.
CMS ratings & staffing
Overall: 4 of 5 Inspections: 3 of 5 Staffing: 3 of 5 Quality measures: 5 of 5
| Total nurse hours / resident-day | 3.83 | 3.48 min · 4.1 strong |
|---|---|---|
| RN hours / resident-day | 0.41 | 0.55–0.75 |
| Weekend hours / resident-day | 3.45 | ≈ weekday level |
| Nursing turnover / year | 24% | median 45% |
| Fines (3-yr window) | none |
Inspection citations (17 in the current record)
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Potential for harm · D November 25, 2025
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected December 19, 2025 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · D November 25, 2025
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
Corrected December 19, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D November 25, 2025
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 December 19, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D November 25, 2025
Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.
Corrected December 19, 2025 · Administration
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Potential for harm · E November 25, 2025
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Corrected December 19, 2025 · Nutrition and Dietary
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Potential for harm · D November 25, 2025
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Corrected December 19, 2025 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · E November 25, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Corrected December 19, 2025 · Infection Control
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Potential for harm · D July 23, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Corrected August 16, 2024 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · E July 23, 2024
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Corrected August 16, 2024 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · D July 23, 2024
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 August 16, 2024 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D July 23, 2024
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected August 16, 2024 · Nutrition and Dietary
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Potential for harm · D July 23, 2024
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Corrected August 16, 2024 · Infection Control
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No harm found · B July 23, 2024
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Corrected August 16, 2024 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning
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Potential for harm · D March 20, 2023
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Corrected April 3, 2023 · Resident Rights
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Potential for harm · D March 20, 2023
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Corrected April 3, 2023 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D March 20, 2023
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 April 3, 2023 · Quality of Life and Care
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Potential for harm · D March 20, 2023
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Corrected April 3, 2023 · Nutrition and Dietary
Family & resident reviews — a separate signal, never mixed into the score
No approved reviews yet. If your family has experience with this facility, yours could be the review that helps the next family decide.
Sign in to share your family's experience — reviews are moderated and never affect the Safety Score.
Source: CMS Care Compare (public domain), data as of June 1, 2026 · CCN 225315 · certified since December 8, 1988. The score is a screen, not a verdict on any one resident's experience — read how it's computed, then visit in person.