All states › Massachusetts › Ayer › Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing
400 Groton Road Ayer, MA 01432 · Middlesex County
CMS certification number 225421 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing 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 Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Massachusetts average of 3.1.
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 3.58 hours per resident per day at Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing, below the Massachusetts median of 3.72 (US median: 3.72). About 0.82 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.03 hours, 15% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 60.5% of nursing staff left within a year (Massachusetts median 36.1%). High turnover can mean residents see unfamiliar caregivers; ask how long the nurses on the unit have worked there.
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing: Medicare and Medicaid
Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing 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 Massachusetts'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 May 28, 2026 and found 14 deficiencies, plus 1 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 74 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 74 citations at Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing across 7 inspection dates, 20 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on March 5, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (18) and resident rights (11). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident" (tag F0580, level G, March 5, 2024).
June 25, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
FHire a qualified full-time social worker in a facility with more than 120 beds.
May 28, 2026 · 14 citations
FConduct 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.
FHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
EHonor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
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.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
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.
DProvide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.
DProvide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
March 13, 2025 · 18 citations
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
EEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
EEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
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.
DProvide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
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.
DObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
DEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
DProvide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
DEducate 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.
CHave 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 2, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
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.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
June 5, 2024 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
ESet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
March 5, 2024 · 22 citations, includes actual harm
GImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
FHave 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.
FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
EAssure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
EHave the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
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.
DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
DProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.
BNotify 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.
December 29, 2023 · 13 citations · includes complaint inspection
FHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
FProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
FSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
EReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
CEstablish 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.
CMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
CMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
Questions to ask on a tour of Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on March 5, 2024 under the rule on resident rights. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- Weekend staffing is 15% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
- Nursing staff turnover was 60.5% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
- CMS rates short-stay quality 1 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
- 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
1 penalty in the last three years, including $53,264 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 5, 2024 | Fine | $53,264 |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
- 0.1 mi
- 3.9 mi
-
10.0 mi
Healthalliance Hospitals, INC LeominsterEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 4h 13m 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 Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing › All nursing homes in Ayer ›
Compare Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- River Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center · Lancaster · 5 stars · 9.6 mi
- Life Care Center of Nashoba Valley · Littleton · 4 stars · 5.2 mi
- Westford Nursing and Rehabilitation Center · Westford · 4 stars · 7.0 mi
- Life Care Center of Acton · Acton · 4 stars · 9.4 mi
Other Stern Consultants nursing homes in Massachusetts
- Agawam East Rehab and Nursing · Agawam · 5 stars
- Agawam South Rehab and Nursing · Agawam · 4 stars
- Andover Forest Post Acute Care Center · North Andover · 3 stars
- Andover Manor Rehab and Nursing · Andover · 3 stars
- Agawam North Rehab and Nursing · Agawam · 2 stars
- Agawam West Rehab and Nursing · Agawam · 2 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 22 Stern Consultants 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.