All states › Massachusetts › New Bedford › Brandon Woods of New Bedford
397 County Street New Bedford, MA 02740 · Bristol County
All 6 nursing homes in New Bedford, MA (6 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 225264 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Brandon Woods of New Bedford 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 Brandon Woods of New Bedford 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 4.09 hours per resident per day at Brandon Woods of New Bedford, above the Massachusetts median of 3.72 (US median: 3.72). About 0.29 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.58 hours, 13% below its all-week average. 46.1% 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 Brandon Woods of New Bedford: Medicare and Medicaid
Brandon Woods of New Bedford 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 March 27, 2026 and found 12 deficiencies, plus 1 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 73 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 73 citations at Brandon Woods of New Bedford across 6 inspection dates, 3 of them from complaint investigations. 3 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on December 16, 2024. The most common areas cited were resident rights (14) and resident assessment and care planning (12). 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 K, December 16, 2024). 9 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
July 7, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
March 27, 2026 · 12 citations, includes actual harm
GEnsure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DGive the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
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.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
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.
September 16, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
June 12, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
December 16, 2024 · 44 citations, includes immediate jeopardy
KProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
KEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
KEnsure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.
HDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
HTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
HRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
HDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
FAdminister the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
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.
FDevelop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.
FEnsure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.
FGive their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
FConduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.
FInclude as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.
FProvide training in compliance and ethics.
FEnsure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
FProvide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
EEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
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.
EEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
EInform resident or representatives choice to enter into binding arbitration agreement and right to refuse.
EProvide a neutral and fair arbitration process and agree to arbitrator and venue.
EHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
EImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DGive the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DProtect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room).
DEnsure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
DProvide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.
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.
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.
CPost nurse staffing information every day.
BGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
BProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
August 30, 2023 · 14 citations
FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
FReport COVID19 data to residents and families.
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.
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DEnsure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
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.
CAllow residents to easily view the nursing home's survey results and communicate with advocate agencies.
BNot transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
BProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
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.
BEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
BEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Questions to ask on a tour of Brandon Woods of New Bedford
- Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on December 16, 2024 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 July 7, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- Nursing staff turnover was 46.1% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
- 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?
- 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
2 penalties in the last three years, including $528,970 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 27, 2026 | Fine | $64,480 |
| Dec 16, 2024 | Fine | $464,490 |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Add this rating badge to your websiteFree. Shows Brandon Woods of New Bedford's Medicare star rating and updates itself.
Size and colour
Preview
Paste it where the badge should appear: in WordPress, a Custom HTML block or a footer widget; on other sites, any spot that accepts HTML. The badge updates itself when CMS publishes new ratings.
Location
Hospitals near Brandon Woods of New Bedford
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
- 4.2 mi
- 12.4 mi
-
12.4 mi
Southcoast Hospital Group, INC Fall RiverEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 3h 10m 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 Brandon Woods of New Bedford › All nursing homes in New Bedford ›
Compare Brandon Woods of New Bedford with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Sacred Heart Nursing Home · New Bedford · 5 stars · 1.2 mi
- Our Lady's Haven of Fairhaven · Fairhaven · 4 stars · 1.5 mi
- Alden Court Nursing Care & Rehabilitation Center · Fairhaven · 4 stars · 2.7 mi
- The Oaks · New Bedford · 4 stars · 7.6 mi
Other Elder Services nursing homes in Massachusetts
- West Side House LTC Facility · Worcester · 5 stars
- Blaire House of Worcester · Worcester · 3 stars
- Brandon Woods of Dartmouth · South Dartmouth · 1 stars
- Blaire House of Milford · Milford · 1 stars
- Blaire House of Tewksbury · Tewksbury · 1 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 6 Elder 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.