All states › Connecticut › Windsor Locks › Bickford Health Care Center
14 Main Street Windsor Locks, CT 06096 · Capitol County
CMS certification number 075358 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Bickford Health Care Center a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record
There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Bickford Health Care Center as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Connecticut average of 3.0.
Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.
Staffing
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Bickford Health Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid
Bickford Health Care Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Connecticut's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.
In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.
Health inspections
The most recent standard inspection was on January 13, 2026 and found 26 deficiencies, plus 21 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 100 citations in the last three years.
Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: 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.
What the inspections found
Over the last three years, inspectors issued 100 citations at Bickford Health Care Center across 11 inspection dates, 31 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on February 13, 2026 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (23) and quality of life and care (17). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody" (tag F0600, level J, February 13, 2026). 10 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
March 25, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
March 9, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
March 3, 2026 · 6 citations · includes complaint inspection
FDesignate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.
FHave the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
February 13, 2026 · 11 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection
JProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
JEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DHave an agreement with an approved laboratory to obtain services, if on-site laboratory services aren't provided.
DProvide timely, approved x-ray services, or have an agreement with an approved provider to obtain them.
DAdminister the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
DEstablish 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.
DDesignate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DHave an agreement with at least one or more hospitals certified by Medicare or Medicaid to make sure residents can be moved quickly to the hospital when they need medical care.
January 13, 2026 · 26 citations, includes actual harm
GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
EHonor 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.
ECoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
EEnsure 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.
EEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide appropriate foot care.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DArrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.
BProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
BAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
BEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
BPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
BObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
BEnsure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
November 4, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
March 14, 2025 · 3 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
December 11, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
August 21, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
April 29, 2024 · 20 citations · includes complaint inspection
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EHonor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
EProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
EDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
ETimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
ERespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
EProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
EProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
EHave 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.
EElectronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
DHonor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
DHonor 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.
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DNotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
DEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
DImplement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
December 28, 2021 · 27 citations
FEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
FAdminister the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
FEstablish 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.
FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
FImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
EImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
EHonor 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.
EAssure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
EEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
EEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
EVerify that a nurse aide has been trained; and if they haven't worked as a nurse aide for 2 years, receive retraining.
EObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
EEnsure 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.
EConduct 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.
EDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
EReport COVID19 data to residents and families.
EPerform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.
EEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DNot transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
CSet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Questions to ask on a tour of Bickford Health Care Center
- Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on February 13, 2026 under the rule on freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on February 13, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- CMS rates staffing 1 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
- The home averages about 2% of its beds filled. Are any units closed?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?
Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.
Fines and payment denials
4 penalties in the last three years, including $122,338 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 13, 2026 | Fine | $57,715 |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Fine | $55,632 |
| Dec 11, 2024 | Fine | $8,991 |
| Apr 29, 2024 | Payment Denial | 71 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Bickford Health Care Center
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
- 10.0 mi
-
11.1 mi
St Francis Hospital & Medical Center HartfordEmergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5Median ER visit 4h 35m for patients treated and sent home
-
11.3 mi
Manchester Memorial Hospital Central ManchesterEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 3h 43m for patients treated and sent home
Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Nearby nursing homes
More nursing homes near Bickford Health Care Center › All nursing homes in Windsor Locks ›
Compare Bickford Health Care Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Fresh River Healthcare · East Windsor · 5 stars · 1.1 mi
- St Joseph's Residence · Enfield · 5 stars · 3.7 mi
- Vernon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center · Vernon · 5 stars · 9.2 mi
- Suffield House Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center · Suffield · 4 stars · 4.2 mi
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.