Fairhaven Healthcare Center
476 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854
Fairhaven Healthcare Center, a 169-bed for profit - limited liability company nursing facility in Lowell, MA, holds a 2-star CMS overall rating - below the 3.0-star national average, ranking #266 of 338 rated homes in MA on CMS overall stars (with health+staffing+quality tie-breaks), with nurse staffing below the national norm. 1 inspection finding reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy level.
CMS combines health inspections, nurse-staffing levels, and clinical quality measures into the overall star rating, read the components below; they often tell a sharper story than the headline.
Phone: 5089960364
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- 2 / 5
- Below average · CMS overall · nat'l 3.0
- #266 of 338
- In-state rank among rated MA homes
- 3.23
- Well below average · nurse hrs/day · nat'l 3.86
- 44
- Inspection findings · 1 serious
The verdict
Fairhaven Healthcare Center, a 169-bed for profit - limited liability company nursing facility in Lowell, MA, holds a 2-star CMS overall rating - below the 3.0-star national average, ranking #266 of 338 rated homes in MA on CMS overall stars (with health+staffing+quality tie-breaks), with nurse staffing below the national norm. 1 inspection finding reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy level.
- 2 / 5
- CMS overall · national 3.0
- #266 of 338
- In-state rank among rated MA homes
- 3.23
- Nurse hrs/resident-day · national 3.86
- 44
- Inspection findings · 1 serious
CMS force-curves overall stars within each state; read health, staffing, and quality sub-ratings alongside the headline.
In-state ownership mix · peer inventory
How 341 MA nursing homes split by ownership sector
This facility is recorded as For profit - Limited Liability company. Sector buckets collapse CMS ownership_type into For-profit, Nonprofit, and Government, orthogonal to the RN/LPN/CNA hour bar below.
Health Inspection
Staffing
Quality Measures
Long-Stay Quality
Facility Information
- Provider Number
- 225458
- Ownership
- For profit - Limited Liability company
- Provider Type
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Beds
- 169
- Residents
- 129
- In Hospital
- No
- County
- Middlesex
- Last Inspection
- Sep 26, 2025
Staffing Data
How the 3.23 total nursing hours per resident-day are staffed:
- RN Hours
- 0.37 (nat'l avg: 0.69)
- LPN Hours
- 0.88
- CNA Hours
- 1.98
- Total Nursing Hours
- 3.23 (nat'l avg: 3.86)
- PT Hours
- 0.00
- Nursing Turnover
- 49.5%
- RN Turnover
- 54.5%
What the CMS Record Reveals About Fairhaven Healthcare Center
According to CMS Nursing Home Compare, Fairhaven Healthcare Center ranks #266 of 338 rated nursing homes in MA on overall stars (tie-broken by health+staffing+quality, then fewer fines). Fairhaven Healthcare Center operates 169 certified beds in Lowell, MA with approximately 129 residents currently in care, and carries a CMS overall rating of 2 out of 5 stars (health inspection 2★ · staffing 2★ · quality 2★).
The inspection file contains 44 deficiency records from recent surveys, of which 1 reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy threshold on the CMS scope-and-severity grid. CMS enforcement records show 1 penalty totaling $15K levied against this facility. Reported nurse staffing runs 3.23 total hours per resident day (national average 3.86); RN hours specifically are 0.37 per resident day.
Classified as "For profit - Limited Liability company" ownership and operating as a "Medicare and Medicaid" provider, Fairhaven Healthcare Center falls into a category where comparative context matters. Reported nursing staff turnover at this facility is 49.5% (CMS payroll-based measure).
Why sub-scores and the CMS methodology matter
The overall score is a composite of three weighted sub-ratings published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: health inspection results, staffing levels, and quality measures. Because CMS caps the overall score at the health-inspection tier and then adjusts up or down based on staffing and quality, the sub-scores often tell a sharper story than the headline star count alone, a 3-star facility with weak inspection history reads differently from one held back by thin staffing.
National research consistently shows that ownership structure, staffing hours, and turnover are the three operational levers that correlate most strongly with resident outcomes, ratings and fines are lagging indicators of those upstream choices. The staffing metric in particular is the one most strongly tied to resident outcomes in peer-reviewed literature.
For families evaluating this facility, the CMS record should be read alongside a site visit, direct conversation with current residents and their families, and review of the state health department's most recent inspection report, the star rating is a starting point, not a verdict. All data on this page is sourced from CMS Provider Data and the Nursing Home Compare program; always verify the same record on Medicare.gov Care Compare and with the facility or your state survey agency before making placement decisions.
Deficiency History (44 most recent)
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Jul 6, 2026
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 29, 2025
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 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.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Nov 25, 2025
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Ensure therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician and may be delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, to the extent allowed by State law.
Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 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.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Category: Infection Control Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 7, 2024
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: May 18, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Jan 19, 2024
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Category: Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
Category: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Corrected: Dec 22, 2023
Quality Measures
| Measure | Type | Score | Used in Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | Long Stay | 18.4% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | Long Stay | 0.6% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | Long Stay | 1.3% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | Long Stay | 5.4% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | Long Stay | 12.6% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | Long Stay | 3.3% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | Long Stay | 36.6% | Yes |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | Short Stay | 3.3% | Yes |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | Long Stay | 6.9% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | Long Stay | 2.3% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | Long Stay | 0.0% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | Long Stay | 76.7% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | Long Stay | 34.2% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | Long Stay | 85.6% | No |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | Long Stay | 32.2% | No |
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | Short Stay | 39.9% | No |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | Short Stay | 63.0% | No |
Penalty History 1 penalties totaling $15K
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2023 | Fine | $15K |
Nationwide facilities with similar scale or staffing
Two data-derived peer sets for Fairhaven Healthcare Center, both outside MA so the neighborhoods are not the same-state geography list below.
Similar bed count
Nearest CMS certified bed counts outside MA (169 beds here).
Similar staffing hours
Nearest CMS adjusted total nurse hours per resident day outside MA (3.77 here).
Nearby Nursing Homes in MA
340 other nursing homes are on record in MA; 6 are shown here.
Abbott Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Lynn, MA
Aberjona Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Winchester, MA
Adviniacare at Northbridge
Northbridge, MA
Adviniacare at Provincetown
Provincetown, MA
Adviniacare Newburyport
Newburyport, MA
Adviniacare Newton Wellesley
Wellesley, MA
Understanding Nursing Home Data
What the CMS records show for Fairhaven Healthcare Center
The health, staffing, and quality sub-ratings above often diverge from the CMS overall headline. Use those components and the inspection findings to read the full file, not the overall star alone.
- The MA registry aggregates state averages and the highest-rated homes in this cohort. View MA registry
- Peer homes near 169 beds show how CMS stars vary at a similar scale in MA. Compare a similar-size peer
- CMS publishes separate fields for inspections, nurse staffing hours, and quality measures; the guide explains how each star is computed. How CMS ratings work
CMS refreshes Nursing Home Compare quarterly (current extract: August 2026). PlainNursing describes published records; it does not establish suitability, availability, admissions, or individual outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall CMS rating for Fairhaven Healthcare Center?
Where does Fairhaven Healthcare Center rank among nursing homes in MA?
What are the staffing levels at Fairhaven Healthcare Center?
How many beds does Fairhaven Healthcare Center have?
Does Fairhaven Healthcare Center have any deficiencies on record?
Has Fairhaven Healthcare Center received any fines or penalties?
Who owns Fairhaven Healthcare Center?
When was Fairhaven Healthcare Center last inspected?
What quality measures are tracked for Fairhaven Healthcare Center?
Data Sources
Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare. Ratings, staffing, deficiency, quality measure, and penalty data are from CMS Provider Data. For informational purposes only. Verify the same CCN on Medicare.gov Care Compare and with the facility or your state health department.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
