Highlands, The
Highlands, The is a 4-star rated nursing home in Fitchburg, MA with 168 beds. CMS sub-ratings: health inspections 3/5, staffing 3/5, quality measures 5/5.
The facility has 28 health violations on record. Federal fines total $47,070 across 3 enforcement actions. Most recent inspection: March 20, 2023.
Data synthesized from CMS.gov and Massachusetts public inspection records. Reviewed by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., NR-EMT & BU-trained Paralegal.
Inspection History Overview
Data current as of May 6, 2026 · Source: CMS Provider Data
Detailed Inspection Reports
No detailed inspection reports available yet. Check back soon as we're processing new reports daily.
Fines and Penalties by Year
2021 3 penalties totaling $47,070
Fine
Fine
Fine
Health Violations by Year
2023 5 violations
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Try 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.
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
2021 8 violations
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Perform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Perform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.
2020 1 violations
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
2019 5 violations
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Ensure 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.
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
2017 7 violations
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment by a qualified health professional.
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Provide care by qualified persons according to each resident's written plan of care.
Give residents proper treatment to prevent new bed (pressure) sores or heal existing bed sores.
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provide adequate supervision to prevent avoidable accidents.
Properly care for residents needing special services, including: injections, colostomy, ureostomy, ileostomy, tracheostomy care, tracheal suctioning, respiratory care, foot care, and prostheses.
Have a program that investigates, controls and keeps infection from spreading.
2016 2 violations
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment by a qualified health professional.
Have a program that investigates, controls and keeps infection from spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highlands, The
- What violations has Highlands, The received?
- Highlands, The has 28 health and safety violation(s) documented by CMS inspections. All violation data comes from official Medicare inspection reports and is updated regularly from government sources.
- What is the quality rating of Highlands, The?
- Highlands, The has a 4-star rating out of 5 from CMS. This is an above-average rating, indicating better quality care compared to most nursing homes. The rating is based on health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures.
- When was Highlands, The last inspected?
- Inspection reports are documented by state survey agencies and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Reports typically lag 2-3 months behind the actual inspection date. Visit the facility's full profile page for detailed violation information and inspection history.
- Is Highlands, The safe?
- Safety at Highlands, The should be evaluated based on multiple factors: the facility's CMS rating, recent violation history, and personal visits. We recommend reviewing the complete inspection history, speaking with current residents and families, consulting healthcare professionals, and visiting in person before making placement decisions.
- How do I contact Highlands, The?
- Phone: (978) 343-4411. Address: 335 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA. For visiting hours and admission information, call the facility directly.
- What services does Highlands, The offer?
- Highlands, The is a skilled nursing facility with 168 beds. The facility accepts Medicare and Medicaid. For specific services like rehabilitation, memory care, or short-term recovery, contact the facility directly.
- What are better facilities near Fitchburg, MA?
- Compare Highlands, The with other nursing homes in Fitchburg, MA on our facilities page. Filter by star rating, bed count, and recent inspection results to find the best match for your needs.
Compare Nursing Homes in Fitchburg, MA
| Facility | Rating | Violations | Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands, The (this facility) | ★★★★☆ | 28 | 168 |
| Fitchburg Healthcare | ★★☆☆☆ | 55 | 160 |
| Fitchburg Rehabilitation And Nursing Center | ★☆☆☆☆ | 129 | 87 |
Editorial Standards & Data Oversight
Data Source: This report is based on official public inspection records from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Provider Data Catalog.
Editorial Process: Content generated using AI to synthesize complex regulatory data, then reviewed and verified for accuracy by our editorial team.
Professional Review: All content undergoes standards and compliance oversight by Christopher F. Nesbitt, Sr., Nationally Registered EMT & BU-trained Paralegal, using professional regulatory data auditing protocols.
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