All states › Vermont › Burlington › Elderwood at Burlington
98 Starr Farm Rd. Burlington, VT 05408 · Chittenden County
All 3 nursing homes in Burlington, VT (3 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 475030 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Elderwood at Burlington 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 Elderwood at Burlington as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Vermont average of 2.9.
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 3.71 hours per resident per day at Elderwood at Burlington, below the Vermont median of 4.25 (US median: 3.72). About 0.85 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.32 hours, 11% below its all-week average. 65% of nursing staff left within a year (Vermont median 60.7%).
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Elderwood at Burlington: Medicare and Medicaid
Elderwood at Burlington 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 Vermont'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 25, 2026 and found 9 deficiencies, plus 8 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 Elderwood at Burlington across 10 inspection dates, 20 of them from complaint investigations. 5 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on January 11, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (17) and resident assessment and care planning (11). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing" (tag F0686, level H, January 11, 2024). 5 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
July 1, 2026 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
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.
DProvide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.
March 25, 2026 · 9 citations
FObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
FEnsure 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.
EProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with 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.
January 14, 2026 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProtect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
DProvide care by qualified persons according to each resident's written plan of care.
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
December 10, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
CProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
August 11, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
May 12, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
April 2, 2025 · 12 citations · includes complaint inspection
FDesignate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
EHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
EHonor 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.
EProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
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.
EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
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.
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.
August 15, 2024 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
FProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
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.
DEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
February 23, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
ETimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
January 11, 2024 · 35 citations, includes actual harm
HProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
GProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
GProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
GEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
GDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
FProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
FEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
FDesignate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.
FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EAllow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
EAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EProvide 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.
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
EEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
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.
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.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
EEducate 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.
EProvide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
DAllow resident to participate in the development and implementation of his or her person-centered plan of care.
DHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DProvide appropriate colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy care/services for a resident who requires such services.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DObtain a doctor's order to admit a resident and ensure the resident is under a doctor's care.
Questions to ask on a tour of Elderwood at Burlington
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on January 11, 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 14, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- 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 $220,961 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 11, 2024 | Fine | $220,961 |
| Jan 11, 2024 | Payment Denial | 49 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| August 2026 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Elderwood at Burlington
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
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4.2 mi
Fletcher Allen Hospital of Vermont BurlingtonEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 4h 19m for patients treated and sent home
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16.4 mi
Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital PlattsburghEmergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5Median ER visit 3h 43m for patients treated and sent home
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22.5 mi
Northwestern Medical Center INC St AlbansEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 2h 55m 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 Elderwood at Burlington › All nursing homes in Burlington ›
Compare Elderwood at Burlington with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Birchwood Terrace Rehab & Healthcare · Burlington · 5 stars · 0.4 mi
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.