nursing home in Union City, NJ
Optima Care Castle Hill
615 23rd St, Union City, NJ 07087 · (201) 348-0818
★★★★★2
Below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★1
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★5
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Optima Care Castle Hill at a glance
Optima Care Castle Hill is a 215-bed for-profit nursing home in Union City, New Jersey (Hudson County).
CMS gives it 2 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the New Jersey average of 3.3.
Residents receive about 3.6 hours of nursing care per day (0.9 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 3.8 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (March 10, 2025) found 17 health citations. The New Jersey average is 8.5.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $8,281.
Nursing staff turnover is 42.2% per year (state average 39.7%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Limited Liability Company
- Beds
- 215
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Optima Care
- Medicare-certified since
- August 1, 1995
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Hudson County
- CMS Certification Number
- 315344
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | New Jersey avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Worse |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Better |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | New Jersey avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.60 hrs | 3.85 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Worse |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.88 hrs | 0.68 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.28 hrs | 2.23 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Average |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.29 hrs | 3.50 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 42.2% | 39.7% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 57.6% | 37.7% | 42.9% | Worse |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 4 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | New Jersey avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 17 | 9 | 9 | Worse |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 5 | 1 | 3 | Worse |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 163.3 | 72.3 | 80.6 | Worse |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | New Jersey 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) | $8,281 | $34,926 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Average |
Size
| Measure | This facility | New Jersey avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 215 | 147 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 134 | 122 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 62.1% | 84% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | New Jersey avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 3.8% | 2.3% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 5.8% | 5.4% | 4.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 8.5% | 12.7% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.9% | 0.8% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0.8% | 0.6% | 0.8% | Average |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 11.4% | 8.7% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 8.8% | 8.2% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 5.1% | 4.6% | 5.2% | Average |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 8.1% | 12.1% | 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) | 13.9% | 18.8% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 6.7% | 15.6% | 19% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 97.2% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 99.6% | 93% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | New Jersey avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 3.2% | 1.2% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 97.6% | 80.1% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 97% | 79% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 32 health deficiencies and 27 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 1 citation involved actual harm, including 1 rated "immediate jeopardy".
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 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 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected January 16, 2026 |
| December 4, 2025 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 20, 2026 |
| March 10, 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 May 12, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 13, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 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 May 2, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Install proper backup exit lighting. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0281 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 12, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0311 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 13, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Develop a communication plan. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0029 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 30, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Implement emergency and standby power systems. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0041 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 20, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0232 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 12, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0293 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 30, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0355 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 2, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP). Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0004 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0018 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 30, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0753 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 2, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0921 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 12, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 2, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 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 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected April 30, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Complaint | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 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 April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Standard | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 2, 2025 |
| March 10, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Standard | Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Complaint | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Standard | Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 Standard | Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 18, 2025 |
| March 10, 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 April 18, 2025 |
| February 10, 2025 Standard · Infection control | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 28, 2025 |
| August 30, 2024 Complaint | Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public. Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 30, 2024 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0741 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 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 February 10, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 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 February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Install proper backup exit lighting. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0281 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0291 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 10, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0311 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 10, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0341 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Install an approved automatic sprinkler system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0351 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 10, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 10, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0355 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 10, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0374 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Fire safety | Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0911 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 10, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Standard | Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0661 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Standard | Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 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 February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 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 February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 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 February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Standard | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 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 February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Standard | Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Standard | Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 28, 2023 |
| January 13, 2023 Standard | Ensure the facility is licensed under applicable State and local law and operates and provides services in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes, and with accepted professional standards. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0836 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected February 28, 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 $8,281 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | Fine | $8,281 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| MENDEL, ERIC Individual | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 100% | 07/26/2022 |
| DOMINGO, MARGOT Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/26/2022 |
| EMM HEALTHCARE GROUP LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/26/2022 |
| MENDEL, ERIC Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/26/2022 |
| SHIFTSTER LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/26/2022 |
| SHUKLA, PARESH Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/26/2022 |
| DOMINGO, MARGOT Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/26/2022 |
| MENDEL, ERIC Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/26/2022 |
Other nursing homes near Optima Care Castle Hill
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★★★★★4Above averageOptima Care Fountains
595 County Avenue, Secaucus, NJ 07094 · 1.6 mi
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★★★★★1Much below averageHarbour View Senior Living Corp
3161 Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047 · 1.9 mi
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★★★★★2Below averageHoboken University Medical Center Tcu
308 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030 · 1.9 mi
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- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above averageOptima Care Harborview
178-198 Ogden Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307 · 2 mi
For-profit · 180 beds · Part of Optima Care
★★★★★3AverageComplete Care at Harborage LLC
7600 River Rd, North Bergen, NJ 07047 · 2.8 mi
For-profit · 247 beds · Part of Complete Care
- Abuse citation
★★★★★2Below average
Frequently asked questions
What is Optima Care Castle Hill's rating?
Optima Care Castle Hill has 2 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for New Jersey nursing homes is 3.3 stars.
How many inspection citations did Optima Care Castle Hill receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 17 citations, compared with a New Jersey average of 8.5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Optima Care Castle Hill 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 Optima Care Castle Hill?
It is for profit - limited liability company and part of Optima Care. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Optima Care Castle Hill and how do I contact it?
Optima Care Castle Hill is at 615 23rd St, Union City, NJ 07087. Phone: (201) 348-0818.
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.