nursing home in Fitchburg, MA
Highlands, the
335 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420 · (978) 343-4411
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★3
- Staffing★★★★★3
- Quality measures★★★★★4
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Highlands, the at a glance
Highlands, the is a 168-bed for-profit nursing home in Fitchburg, Massachusetts (Worcester County).
CMS gives it 3 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, close to the Massachusetts average of 3.
Residents receive about 3.9 hours of nursing care per day (0.4 of them from registered nurses), close to the state average of 3.9 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (November 25, 2025) found 7 health citations. The Massachusetts average is 6.8.
It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.
Nursing staff turnover is 24.8% per year (state average 38.2%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Limited Liability Company
- Beds
- 168
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Life Care Centers of America
- Medicare-certified since
- December 8, 1988
- Resident/family council
- Both
- County
- Worcester County
- CMS Certification Number
- 225315
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Average |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Average |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Average |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Average |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Average |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.86 hrs | 3.86 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.41 hrs | 0.65 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Worse |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.31 hrs | 2.25 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Average |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.42 hrs | 3.48 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 24.8% | 38.2% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 27.8% | 42.6% | 42.9% | Better |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 0 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 7 | 7 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 33 | 51.8 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $0 | $34,265 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 168 | 120 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 156 | 99 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 93% | 82.1% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 6.4% | 3.4% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 6.3% | 4.2% | 4.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 16% | 21.4% | 15.4% | Average |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.6% | 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) | 7.8% | 16.4% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 8.1% | 15.4% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 10.6% | 5.1% | 5.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 2.6% | 15.5% | 12.8% | Better |
| 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) | 22.8% | 19.5% | 19.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 32.2% | 21.2% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 92% | 94.8% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 59.2% | 92.6% | 93.6% | Worse |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 0.4% | 1.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 50.4% | 77.7% | 79.8% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 17.7% | 78.3% | 82% | Worse |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 17 health deficiencies and 11 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 25, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected January 12, 2026 |
| November 25, 2025 Fire safety | Provide emergency officials' contact information. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0031 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 6, 2026 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 19, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 19, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 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 December 19, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | 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 · Tag F0676 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 19, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 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 December 19, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 Standard | 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 · Tag F0842 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 19, 2025 |
| November 25, 2025 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 December 19, 2025 |
| July 23, 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 August 20, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0914 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected August 16, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 Fire safety | Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0347 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 24, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 16, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 Fire safety | Implement emergency and standby power systems. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0041 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 20, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 Standard | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected August 16, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 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 16, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 Standard | Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 16, 2024 |
| July 23, 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 August 16, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 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 16, 2024 |
| July 23, 2024 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | B No harm, pattern | Corrected August 16, 2024 |
| March 20, 2023 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 17, 2023 |
| March 20, 2023 Fire safety | Implement emergency and standby power systems. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0041 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 24, 2023 |
| March 20, 2023 Fire safety | Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0341 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 16, 2023 |
| March 20, 2023 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 24, 2023 |
| March 20, 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 April 3, 2023 |
| March 20, 2023 Standard | 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 · Tag F0700 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 3, 2023 |
| March 20, 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 April 3, 2023 |
| March 20, 2023 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 April 3, 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 no federal fines or payment denials in the past three years.
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| CROSS, CINDY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/19/2004 |
| THURMOND, JOAN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/19/2004 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/30/2005 |
| BONILLA, CARLOS-ANDRES Individual | w-2 managing employee | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/01/2018 |
Other nursing homes near Highlands, the
Fitchburg Healthcare
1199 John Fitch Hwy, Fitchburg, MA 01420 · under 1 mi
For-profit · 160 beds · Part of Next Step Healthcare
★★★★★1Much below averageFitchburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
94 Summer Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420 · 1.8 mi
For-profit · 87 beds · Part of Ephram Lahasky
★★★★★1Much below averageLeominster Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
44 Keystone Drive, Leominster, MA 01453 · 4.5 mi
For-profit · 106 beds · Part of Ephram Lahasky
★★★★★1Much below averageLife Care Center of Leominster
370 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453 · 4.6 mi
For-profit · 133 beds · Part of Life Care Centers of America
★★★★★4Above averageWachusett Manor
32 Hospital Hill Road, Gardner, MA 01440 · 8.7 mi
For-profit · 96 beds · Part of Ephram Lahasky
★★★★★3AverageRiver Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Ctr
1675 North Main Street, Lancaster, MA 01523 · 8.8 mi
For-profit · 82 beds · Part of Marquis Health Services
★★★★★5Much above average
Frequently asked questions
What is Highlands, the's rating?
Highlands, the has 3 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Massachusetts nursing homes is 3 stars.
How many inspection citations did Highlands, the receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 7 citations, compared with a Massachusetts average of 6.8. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Highlands, the 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 Highlands, the?
It is for profit - limited liability company and part of Life Care Centers of America. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Highlands, the and how do I contact it?
Highlands, the is at 335 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Phone: (978) 343-4411.
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.