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Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

All states › Massachusetts › Lowell › Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

1010 Varnum Avenue Lowell, MA 01854 · Middlesex County

(978) 458-8773

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

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 123 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 225298 · 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 Northwood Rehabilitation & 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 Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Massachusetts average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 55 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $85,178 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 2 out of 5; for long-term residents, 3 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.

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Compare with the 3 closest homes

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 2.84 hours per resident per day at Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, below the Massachusetts median of 3.72 (US median: 3.72). About 0.44 of those hours are from registered nurses. Weekend staffing is close to its all-week average. 25.6% of nursing staff left within a year (Massachusetts median 36.1%). That is lower than most homes in Massachusetts, a sign of a steadier team.

Nursing care per resident per day 2.84 hours
Below the Massachusetts median of 3.72 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.44 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 2.79 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 25.6% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 38.5% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left — Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds123
Residents per day 114 About 93% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Partnership
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceFebruary 1987
Part of a chainAthena Healthcare Systems
Legal business nameNORTHWOOD MA SNF LLC

Paying for care at Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Northwood Rehabilitation & 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 August 15, 2025 and found 22 deficiencies. In total, inspectors issued 55 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 55 citations at Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center across 4 inspection dates, 1 of them from complaint investigations. 3 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on August 29, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (23) and resident assessment and care planning (9). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing" (tag F0686, level G, August 29, 2024). 5 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

August 15, 2025 · 22 citations

EReasonably 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 (Sep 11, 2025)

EProvide 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 (Sep 11, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2025)

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2025)

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 (Sep 11, 2025)

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 (Sep 11, 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 (Sep 11, 2025)

DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 (Sep 11, 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 (Sep 12, 2025)

DProvide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0694 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 (Sep 11, 2025)

DEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0712 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 (Sep 11, 2025)

DEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0740 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 (Sep 11, 2025)

DHelp the resident make transportation arrangements to and from radiology services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0778 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2025)

BEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 11, 2025)

August 29, 2024 · 18 citations, includes actual harm

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 27, 2024)

GEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0740 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 27, 2024)

EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 27, 2024)

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 (Sep 27, 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 (Sep 27, 2024)

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 (Sep 27, 2024)

DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 27, 2024)

DHonor 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 more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 27, 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 (Oct 4, 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 (Sep 27, 2024)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 27, 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 (Sep 27, 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 (Sep 27, 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 (Sep 27, 2024)

DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 27, 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 (Oct 4, 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 (Oct 4, 2024)

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 (Sep 27, 2024)

June 5, 2024 · 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 (Jun 28, 2024)

August 10, 2023 · 14 citations, includes actual harm

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

EImplement 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 (Sep 8, 2023)

EProvide 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 (Sep 19, 2023)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

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 (Sep 8, 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 (Sep 8, 2023)

DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 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 (Sep 8, 2023)

DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

DEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0712 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 8, 2023)

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 (Sep 8, 2023)

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 (Sep 8, 2023)

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 (Sep 8, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on August 29, 2024 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 August 15, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. CMS rates staffing 2 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
  4. CMS rates short-stay quality 2 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
  5. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  6. 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 $85,178 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Aug 29, 2024 Fine $85,178

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 2/5 2/5
August 2026 1/5 1/5 2/5 2/5
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Location

Hospitals near Northwood Rehabilitation & 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.

  • 1.2 mi
    Lowell General Hospital Lowell
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 4h 27m for patients treated and sent home
  • 7.9 mi
    Tewksbury Hospital Tewksbury
    No ER listed in Medicare data
  • 9.2 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 · 0.1 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 208 beds · Medicaid
D'Youville Care for Advanced Therapy Lowell · 0.2 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 4/5 33 beds
Fairhaven Healthcare Center Lowell · 1.0 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 169 beds · Medicaid
Regalcare at Lowell Lowell · 1.8 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 90 beds · Medicaid
Palm Springs Post Acute Chelmsford · 1.9 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 124 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center ›   All nursing homes in Lowell ›

Compare Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Other Athena Healthcare Systems nursing homes in Massachusetts

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 19 Athena Healthcare Systems 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/northwood-rehabilitation-and-healthcare-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.