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Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

All states › Delaware › Milford › Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

21 W Clarke Avenue Milford, DE 19963 · Sussex County

(302) 503-7650

All 3 nursing homes in Milford, DE (3 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 100 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 085058 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation 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 Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Delaware average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 67 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 3 penalties, including $144,544 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 4 out of 5; for long-term residents, 4 out of 5.

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

Nursing staff spend about 4.06 hours per resident per day at Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, about the same as the Delaware median of 3.98 (US median: 3.72). About 0.73 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.65 hours, 10% below its all-week average. 63.6% of nursing staff left within a year (Delaware median 40%). High turnover can mean residents see unfamiliar caregivers; ask how long the nurses on the unit have worked there.

Nursing care per resident per day 4.06 hours
Above the Delaware median of 3.98 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.73 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.65 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 63.6% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 72.2% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds100
Residents per day 94 About 94% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceApril 2020
Part of a chainNationwide Healthcare Services
Legal business namePOLARIS HEALTHCARE AND REHABILITATION CENTER LLC

Paying for care at Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation 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 Delaware'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 February 11, 2026 and found 7 deficiencies. In total, inspectors issued 67 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 67 citations at Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center across 5 inspection dates, 23 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on January 28, 2025 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (17) and resident rights (16). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors" (tag F0760, level K, January 28, 2025). 4 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

February 11, 2026 · 7 citations

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Past Non-Compliance (Aug 24, 2025)

DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 17, 2026)

DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 17, 2026)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 17, 2026)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 17, 2026)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 17, 2026)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 17, 2026)

August 11, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2025)

DProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0791 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2025)

January 28, 2025 · 39 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

KEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Immediate jeopardy · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

GProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0561 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0567 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 24, 2025)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 24, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0622 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0625 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DPermit a resident to return to the nursing home after hospitalization or therapeutic leave that exceeds bed-hold policy.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0626 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DObtain a doctor's order to admit a resident and ensure the resident is under a doctor's care.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0710 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0773 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0791 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0805 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 24, 2025)

DDevelop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0941 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DEnsure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0942 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DConduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0944 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DInclude as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0945 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide training in compliance and ethics.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0946 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DEnsure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0947 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

DProvide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0949 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 18, 2025)

July 9, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0660 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 26, 2024)

DProvide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0745 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 26, 2024)

April 11, 2024 · 17 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (Oct 24, 2022)

EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0645 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

BHonor 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.

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 3, 2024)

Questions to ask on a tour of Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on January 28, 2025 under the rule on pharmacy service. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on February 11, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Nursing staff turnover was 63.6% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
  4. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  5. 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

3 penalties in the last three years, including $144,544 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Feb 11, 2026 Fine $17,345
Jan 28, 2025 Fine $114,368
Apr 11, 2024 Fine $12,831

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 2/5 2/5 3/5 4/5
August 2026 2/5 2/5 2/5 4/5
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Location

Hospitals near Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Milford Center Milford · 0.4 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 136 beds · Medicaid
Delaware Veterans Home Milford · 2.3 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 144 beds · Medicaid
Delaware Bay Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center Georgetown · 14.9 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 139 beds · Medicaid
Excelcare at Lewes Lewes · 17.5 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 179 beds · Medicaid
Bay Terrace Rehabilitation and Health Center Dover · 17.7 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 85 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center ›   All nursing homes in Milford ›

Compare Polaris Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Other Nationwide Healthcare Services nursing homes in Delaware

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 7 Nationwide Healthcare Services nursing homes ›

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.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/delaware/milford/polaris-healthcare-and-rehabilitation-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.