nursing home in Billerica, MA
Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley
80 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01862 · (978) 667-2166
★★★★★2
Below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★2
- 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
Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley at a glance
Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley is a 124-bed for-profit nursing home in Billerica, Massachusetts (Middlesex County).
CMS gives it 2 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Massachusetts average of 3.
Residents receive about 4.1 hours of nursing care per day (0.7 of them from registered nurses), better than the state average of 3.9 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (December 10, 2025) found 5 health citations. The Massachusetts average is 6.8.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $161,920.
Nursing staff turnover is 38.8% per year (state average 38.2%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Limited Liability Company
- Beds
- 124
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Life Care Centers of America
- Medicare-certified since
- March 15, 1992
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Middlesex County
- CMS Certification Number
- 225546
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Worse |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Worse |
| 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) | 5 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| 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) | 4.09 hrs | 3.86 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Better |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.71 hrs | 0.65 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Average |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.39 hrs | 2.25 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Average |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.59 hrs | 3.48 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 38.8% | 38.2% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 52.4% | 42.6% | 42.9% | Worse |
| 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) | 5 | 7 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 76.8 | 51.8 | 80.6 | Average |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $161,920 | $34,265 | $30,972 | Worse |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Average |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 124 | 120 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 112 | 99 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 90% | 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) | 4.9% | 3.4% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 18.6% | 21.4% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.3% | 1.8% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0% | 0.8% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 5.1% | 16.4% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 3.8% | 15.4% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 2.8% | 5.1% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 32.7% | 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) | 14.8% | 19.5% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 33% | 21.2% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 94.8% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 98.9% | 92.6% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Massachusetts avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 0.5% | 1.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 77.7% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 97.1% | 78.3% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 27 health deficiencies and 1 fire safety deficiency in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 4 citations involved actual harm.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 23, 2026 Complaint | 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 May 18, 2026 |
| December 10, 2025 Standard | Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 26, 2025 |
| December 10, 2025 Standard | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 26, 2025 |
| December 10, 2025 Standard | 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. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0808 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 26, 2025 |
| December 10, 2025 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 December 26, 2025 |
| August 14, 2025 Complaint | Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 5, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 | H Actual harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Designate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0841 | H Actual harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 | H Actual harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Standard | Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0835 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Establish a governing body that is legally responsible for establishing and implementing policies for managing and operating the facility and appoints a properly licensed administrator responsible for managing the facility. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0837 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0838 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0865 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 Complaint | Employ or obtain outside professional resources to provide services in the nursing home when the facility does not employ a qualified professional to furnish a required service. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0840 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 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 January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 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 January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 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 January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 2024 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 January 2, 2025 |
| December 4, 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 January 2, 2025 |
| November 22, 2023 Fire safety | Implement emergency and standby power systems. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0041 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected December 15, 2023 |
| November 22, 2023 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 12, 2023 |
| November 22, 2023 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 12, 2023 |
| November 22, 2023 Standard | Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 12, 2023 |
| November 22, 2023 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 December 12, 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 $161,920 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| December 4, 2024 | Fine | $161,920 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAUSTIN, MOSELINE Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/12/2025 |
| FINKEL, NOAH Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/05/2025 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/12/2025 |
| PRESTON, FORREST Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/12/2004 |
| CROSS, CINDY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/06/2015 |
| HENRY, TERRY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/06/2015 |
| THURMOND, JOAN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/06/2015 |
| PRESTON, FORREST Individual | indirect ownership interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/06/2015 |
| FAUSTIN, MOSELINE Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/22/2023 |
| JANIAK, ANDREA Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/24/2022 |
| LONG, ZOFIA Individual | managing control - governing body | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/1999 |
| FAUSTIN, MOSELINE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/22/2023 |
| FINKEL, NOAH Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/01/2021 |
| FLETCHER, TODD Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2021 |
| JANIAK, ANDREA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/24/2022 |
| LAY, LISA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/24/2017 |
| LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/06/2015 |
| LONG, ZOFIA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/1999 |
| PRESTON, AUBREY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/27/2024 |
| PRESTON, FORREST Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/06/2015 |
| SWANKER, RICHARD Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2022 |
| ZIEGLER, JAMES Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/06/2015 |
Other nursing homes near Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley
New England Pediatric Care
78 Boston Road, North Billerica, MA 01862 · under 1 mi
Non-profit · 80 beds
- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above averageSunny Acres Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Ctr
254 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 · 1.5 mi
For-profit · 93 beds
★★★★★4Above averageVantage at Lowell LLC
500 Wentworth Avenue, Lowell, MA 01852 · 2.8 mi
For-profit · 115 beds · Part of Vantage Care
- New owner (last 12 months)
★★★★★2Below averageBlaire House of Tewksbury
10 Erlin Terrace, Tewksbury, MA 01876 · 3.1 mi
For-profit · 131 beds · Part of Elder Services
- Special Focus candidate
★★★★★1Much below averageRegalcare at Lowell
30 Princeton Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01851 · 3.5 mi
For-profit · 90 beds · Part of Regalcare
★★★★★1Much below averagePalm Springs Post Acute
40 Parkhurst Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 · 3.7 mi
For-profit · 124 beds · Part of Marquis Health Services
★★★★★2Below average
Frequently asked questions
What is Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley's rating?
Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley has 2 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Massachusetts nursing homes is 3 stars.
How many inspection citations did Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 5 citations, compared with a Massachusetts average of 6.8. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley 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 Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley?
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 Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley and how do I contact it?
Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley is at 80 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01862. Phone: (978) 667-2166.
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.