facebook tracking Fairhaven Healthcare Center, Lowell MA: CMS Ratings
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Fairhaven Healthcare Center

All states › Massachusetts › Lowell › Fairhaven Healthcare Center

476 Varnum Avenue Lowell, MA 01854 · Middlesex County

(603) 540-7286

All 7 nursing homes in Lowell, MA (6 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 169 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 225458 · 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 Fairhaven Healthcare 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 Fairhaven Healthcare Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Massachusetts average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 44 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $15,030 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 4 out of 5; for long-term residents, 2 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

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 3.46 hours per resident per day at Fairhaven Healthcare Center, below the Massachusetts median of 3.72 (US median: 3.72). About 0.37 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.09 hours, 11% below its all-week average. 50.5% 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.

Nursing care per resident per day 3.46 hours
Below the Massachusetts median of 3.72 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.37 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.09 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 50.5% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 41.7% 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 beds169
Residents per day 126 About 75% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJuly 1990
Part of a chainLme Family Holdings
Legal business nameVARNUM OPS LLC

Paying for care at Fairhaven Healthcare Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Fairhaven Healthcare 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 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 September 26, 2025 and found 12 deficiencies, plus 2 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 44 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 44 citations at Fairhaven Healthcare Center across 7 inspection dates, 4 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on November 15, 2023. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (17) and resident assessment and care planning (9). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health" (tag F0692, level G, November 15, 2023). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

June 15, 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 6, 2026)

January 12, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (Dec 29, 2025)

September 26, 2025 · 12 citations

EEnsure 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 (Nov 25, 2025)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 25, 2025)

DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 25, 2025)

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 (Nov 25, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 25, 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 (Nov 25, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 25, 2025)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 25, 2025)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 25, 2025)

DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 25, 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 (Nov 25, 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 (Nov 25, 2025)

October 23, 2024 · 15 citations

EEnsure 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 (Dec 7, 2024)

EProvide 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 (Dec 7, 2024)

EProvide 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 (Dec 7, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 7, 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 (Dec 7, 2024)

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 (Dec 7, 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 (Dec 7, 2024)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 7, 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 (Dec 7, 2024)

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 (Dec 7, 2024)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 7, 2024)

DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 7, 2024)

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 (Dec 7, 2024)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0808 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 7, 2024)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 7, 2024)

March 28, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

EHonor 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 18, 2024)

December 19, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 (Jan 19, 2024)

November 15, 2023 · 13 citations, includes actual harm

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

EEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

ESafeguard 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

DAllow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0554 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

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 (Dec 22, 2023)

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 (Dec 22, 2023)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

DEnsure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0693 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

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 (Dec 22, 2023)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

CPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Fairhaven Healthcare Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on November 15, 2023 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on September 26, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Nursing staff turnover was 50.5% 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

1 penalty in the last three years, including $15,030 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Nov 15, 2023 Fine $15,030

Rating history

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

Hospitals near Fairhaven Healthcare Center

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

  • 0.3 mi
    Lowell General Hospital Lowell
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 4h 27m for patients treated and sent home
  • 7.1 mi
    Tewksbury Hospital Tewksbury
    No ER listed in Medicare data
  • 9.7 mi
    Southern Nh Medical Center Nashua
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 38m 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

D'Youville Senior Care Lowell · 0.9 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 208 beds · Medicaid
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Lowell · 1.0 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 2/5 123 beds · Medicaid
Regalcare at Lowell Lowell · 1.0 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 90 beds · Medicaid
D'Youville Care for Advanced Therapy Lowell · 1.1 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 4/5 33 beds
Palm Springs Post Acute Chelmsford · 2.1 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 124 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Fairhaven Healthcare Center ›   All nursing homes in Lowell ›

Compare Fairhaven Healthcare Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Other Lme Family Holdings nursing homes in Massachusetts

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 15 Lme Family Holdings 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/massachusetts/lowell/fairhaven-healthcare-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.