nursing home in Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg Healthcare

1199 John Fitch Hwy, Fitchburg, MA 01420 · (978) 345-0146

★★★★★1
Much below average
CMS overall star rating
  • Health inspections★★★★★1
  • Staffing★★★★★2
  • Quality measures★★★★★2

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data

Fitchburg Healthcare at a glance

Fitchburg Healthcare is a 160-bed for-profit nursing home in Fitchburg, Massachusetts (Worcester County).

CMS gives it 1 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Massachusetts average of 3.

Residents receive about 3.5 hours of nursing care per day (0.4 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 3.9 hours.

Its most recent standard health inspection (February 11, 2026) found 14 health citations. The Massachusetts average is 6.8.

Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $33,180.

Nursing staff turnover is 42% per year (state average 38.2%).

Facility details

Type
Nursing home
Ownership
For Profit - Limited Liability Company
Beds
160
Certified for
Medicare and Medicaid
Chain / affiliated entity
Next Step Healthcare
Medicare-certified since
December 1, 1974
Resident/family council
Resident
County
Worcester County
CMS Certification Number
225216

Ratings

MeasureThis facilityMassachusetts avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better)1 / 53 / 53 / 5Worse
Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better)1 / 53 / 52.8 / 5Worse
Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better)2 / 53.1 / 52.9 / 5Worse
Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better)2 / 53.3 / 53.6 / 5Worse
Long-stay quality rating (higher is better)3 / 53.4 / 53.8 / 5Worse
Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better)1 / 53 / 53.3 / 5Worse

Staffing

This facility3.51 hrsMassachusetts average3.86 hrsU.S. average3.86 hrs
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day: this facility vs. Massachusetts and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityMassachusetts avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better)3.51 hrs3.86 hrs3.86 hrsWorse
Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better)0.41 hrs0.65 hrs0.69 hrsWorse
Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better)1.88 hrs2.25 hrs2.32 hrsWorse
Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better)3.07 hrs3.48 hrs3.42 hrsWorse
Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better)42%38.2%45.8%Better
Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better)41.2%42.6%42.9%Average
Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better)001Better

Inspections

This facility14Massachusetts average7U.S. average9
Health citations in the most recent inspection: this facility vs. Massachusetts and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityMassachusetts avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better)1479Worse
Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better)213Better
Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better)97.551.880.6Worse

Penalties

This facility1Massachusetts average1U.S. average1
Fines in the past 3 years: this facility vs. Massachusetts and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityMassachusetts avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better)111Worse
Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better)$33,180$34,265$30,972Worse
All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better)111Average

Size

MeasureThis facilityMassachusetts avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Certified beds160120107
Average residents per day1339986
Occupancy83.3%82.1%80.9%

Long-stay residents

This facility4.8%Massachusetts average3.4%U.S. average3.2%
Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury: this facility vs. Massachusetts and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityMassachusetts avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better)4.8%3.4%3.2%Worse
Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better)7%4.2%4.6%Worse
Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better)32.4%21.4%15.4%Worse
Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better)0.4%1.8%1.6%Better
Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better)0.2%0.8%0.8%Better
Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better)10.3%16.4%13.9%Better
Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better)12%15.4%14.1%Better
Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better)5.3%5.1%5.2%Average
Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better)31.7%15.5%12.8%Worse
Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better)0%0.1%0.1%Better
Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better)26.4%19.5%19.5%Worse
Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better)28.7%21.2%19%Worse
Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better)99.2%94.8%95.5%Average
Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better)100%92.6%93.6%Better

Short-stay residents

This facility1.9%Massachusetts average1.4%U.S. average1.6%
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication: this facility vs. Massachusetts and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityMassachusetts avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better)1.9%1.4%1.6%Worse
Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better)94.2%77.7%79.8%Better
Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better)97.4%78.3%82%Better

Inspection citations

State inspectors cited this home for 39 health deficiencies and 9 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 1 citation involved actual harm.

DateCitationSeverityStatus
February 11, 2026
Fire safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected March 12, 2026
February 11, 2026
Fire safety
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0211
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected April 17, 2026
February 11, 2026
Fire safety
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 18, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697
G
Actual harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
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 · Tag F0580
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
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.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 19, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
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 · Tag F0656
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 19, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0791
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
Standard
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 4, 2026
December 30, 2025
Complaint
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected January 26, 2026
September 17, 2025
Complaint
Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0557
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected October 15, 2025
October 1, 2024
Fire safety
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected November 22, 2024
October 1, 2024
Fire safety
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0372
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected November 22, 2024
October 1, 2024
Fire safety
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0041
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected November 22, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
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 · Tag F0580
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0645
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
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 · Tag F0690
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.
Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0773
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0825
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 8, 2024
October 1, 2024
Standard
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641
B
No harm, pattern
Corrected November 8, 2024
July 11, 2023
Fire safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected October 5, 2023
July 11, 2023
Fire safety
Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0223
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 25, 2023
July 11, 2023
Fire safety
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 25, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0694
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
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 · Tag F0690
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Provide appropriate foot care.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0687
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
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 · Tag F0656
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Have an agreement with an approved laboratory to obtain services, if on-site laboratory services aren't provided.
Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0772
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023
July 11, 2023
Standard
Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 11, 2023

Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with potential for minimal harm; D–F potential for more than minimal harm; G–I actual harm; J–L immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety. How to read inspection citations.

Fines and payment denials

CMS reports 1 federal penalty in the past three years, including $33,180 in fines.

DatePenaltyAmount / length
February 11, 2026Fine$33,180

Owners and managers

Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.

NameRoleShareSince
DELL'ANNO, DAMION
Individual
adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE01/11/2020
DIMOV, GUEORGUI
Individual
adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE11/15/2022
NEXT STEP HEALTHCARE LLC
Organization
adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE04/28/2025
DELL'ANNO, DAMIAN
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE09/01/2017
STEPHAN, WILLIAM
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE09/01/2017
DELL'ANNO, DAMION
Individual
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE01/11/2020
DIMOV, GUEORGUI
Individual
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE11/15/2022
NEXT STEP HEALTHCARE LLC
Organization
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE09/01/2017

Other nursing homes near Fitchburg Healthcare

  1. Highlands, the

    335 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420 · under 1 mi

    For-profit · 168 beds · Part of Life Care Centers of America

    ★★★★★3Average
  2. Fitchburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

    94 Summer Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 · 1.4 mi

    For-profit · 87 beds · Part of Ephram Lahasky

    ★★★★★1Much below average
  3. Leominster Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

    44 Keystone Drive, Leominster, MA 01453 · 4 mi

    For-profit · 106 beds · Part of Ephram Lahasky

    ★★★★★1Much below average
  4. Life Care Center of Leominster

    370 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453 · 4.4 mi

    For-profit · 133 beds · Part of Life Care Centers of America

    ★★★★★4Above average
  5. River Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Ctr

    1675 North Main Street, Lancaster, MA 01523 · 8.5 mi

    For-profit · 82 beds · Part of Marquis Health Services

    ★★★★★5Much above average
  6. Wachusett Manor

    32 Hospital Hill Road, Gardner, MA 01440 · 9.5 mi

    For-profit · 96 beds · Part of Ephram Lahasky

    ★★★★★3Average

All nursing homes in Fitchburg, MA · Compare side by side

Frequently asked questions

What is Fitchburg Healthcare's rating?

Fitchburg Healthcare has 1 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Massachusetts nursing homes is 3 stars.

How many inspection citations did Fitchburg Healthcare receive?

Its most recent standard health inspection found 14 citations, compared with a Massachusetts average of 6.8. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.

Does Fitchburg Healthcare accept Medicare and Medicaid?

CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.

Who owns Fitchburg Healthcare?

It is for profit - limited liability company and part of Next Step Healthcare. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.

Where is Fitchburg Healthcare and how do I contact it?

Fitchburg Healthcare is at 1199 John Fitch Hwy, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Phone: (978) 345-0146.

About this data

Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.