All states › Massachusetts › West Newton › West Newton Healthcare
25 Armory Street West Newton, MA 02465 · Middlesex County
CMS certification number 225324 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is West Newton Healthcare 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 West Newton Healthcare 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 3.63 hours per resident per day at West Newton Healthcare, about the same as the Massachusetts median of 3.72 (US median: 3.72). About 0.60 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.35 hours, 8% below its all-week average. 48.5% 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 West Newton Healthcare: Medicare and Medicaid
West Newton Healthcare 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 December 18, 2025 and found 13 deficiencies, plus 4 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 84 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 84 citations at West Newton Healthcare across 5 inspection dates, 4 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on February 2, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (32) and resident assessment and care planning (12). 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, February 2, 2024). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
June 4, 2026 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate foot care.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
April 23, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
December 18, 2025 · 13 citations
EProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
EProvide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.
EDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DProvide 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.
DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
BPost nurse staffing information every day.
January 10, 2025 · 24 citations
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EProvide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
ERegularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.
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.
DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
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.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
DTry different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
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 or obtain dental services for each resident.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
BPost nurse staffing information every day.
February 2, 2024 · 43 citations, includes actual harm
GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
FProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
EHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
EEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
EEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
EObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
EEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
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.
EConduct 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.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
EEnsure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
DAllow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
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.
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.
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
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.
DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
DEnsure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
DProvide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
DProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DAdminister the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
DEstablish 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.
DDesignate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.
DHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
DHave the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
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.
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.
Questions to ask on a tour of West Newton Healthcare
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on February 2, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on January 10, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- Nursing staff turnover was 48.5% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
- 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 $184,166 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2, 2024 | Fine | $184,166 |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near West Newton Healthcare
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
-
1.8 mi
Newton-Wellesley Hospital NewtonEmergency room ★★★★★ Medicare overall 5 of 5Median ER visit 4h 25m for patients treated and sent home
- 3.4 mi
-
3.7 mi
Boston Medical Center-Brighton BrightonEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 2h 26m 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 West Newton Healthcare › All nursing homes in West Newton ›
Compare West Newton Healthcare with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Lasell House · Newton · 5 stars · 1.6 mi
- Elizabeth Seton · Wellesley · 5 stars · 3.5 mi
- Spaulding Nursing and Therapy Center - Brighton · Boston · 5 stars · 3.9 mi
- Brookhaven at Lexington · Lexington · 5 stars · 4.5 mi
Other Next Step Healthcare nursing homes in Massachusetts
- Elmhurst Healthcare (The) · Melrose · 5 stars
- Westborough Healthcare · Westborough · 3 stars
- Hermitage Healthcare (The) · Worcester · 2 stars
- Garden Place Healthcare · Attleboro · 2 stars
- Dexter House Healthcare · Malden · 2 stars
- Oakhill Healthcare · Middleboro · 2 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 14 Next Step Healthcare 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.