
Report
TheVardellReport
Bickford Health Care Center
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
14 Main Street
Windsor Locks, CT 06096

TheVardellReport
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
14 Main Street
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Life by Vardell Presents
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Across 11 inspections from December 2021 to March 2026, state surveyors documented 100 findings at Bickford Health Care Center; 74 have a recorded correction and 26 await one; CMS lists 4 enforcement actions in the window.
* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.
| Year | Inspections | Findings | Of which, actual harm (level G or above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 27 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 3 | 23 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 2026 | 5 | 46 | 3 |
Chronology
Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
6 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
11 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
26 findings
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $57,715 imposed January 13, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of January 13, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
3 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
1 finding
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
2 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
20 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
Enforcement Action
Denial of payment imposed April 29, 2024. Status: Closed, October 8, 2024. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of April 29, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $8,991 imposed December 11, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of April 29, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $55,632 imposed March 14, 2025. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of April 29, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
27 findings
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.
Context
A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.
Inspectors cited F580 in December 2021, March 2025 and February 2026. This citation covers whether the resident, their doctor and a family member are told promptly about an injury, a decline or another significant change. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F600 in April 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from abuse and neglect by anyone. The most serious of these was recorded at level J (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F640 in December 2021 and April 2024. The agency describes it this way: Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F656 in December 2021 and April 2024. This citation covers whether each resident has a written care plan that meets their needs, with goals that can be measured. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F812 in December 2021 and April 2024. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F835 in December 2021 and February 2026. This citation covers whether the home is run in a way that uses its resources effectively. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F837 in December 2021 and February 2026. The agency describes it this way: Establish 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. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
Inspectors cited F841 in February 2026 and March 2026. The agency describes it this way: Designate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
F584 was cited in December 2021 and January 2026. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F607 was cited in April 2024 and January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F609 was cited in December 2021, April 2024 and January 2026. This citation covers whether suspected abuse, neglect or theft is reported to the authorities on time, with the results of the home’s investigation. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F610 was cited in December 2021, April 2024 and January 2026. This citation covers how the home responds to and investigates an allegation of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F628 was cited in January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies. The most serious was level B (potential for minimal harm). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F637 was cited in January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition. The most serious was level B (potential for minimal harm). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F641 was cited in January 2026 and March 2026. This citation covers whether each resident’s assessment correctly records their condition. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F644 was cited in January 2026. This citation covers whether assessments are coordinated with the state’s pre-admission screening for mental illness and intellectual disability (PASARR), and referrals made. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F645 was cited in January 2026. This citation covers the required screening for mental illness or intellectual disability before admission (PASARR). The most serious was level B (potential for minimal harm). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F655 was cited in January 2026. This citation covers the baseline care plan for a new resident’s immediate needs, due within 48 hours of admission. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F657 was cited in April 2024 and January 2026. This citation covers whether care plans are written on time and revised by a team that includes the resident’s caregivers. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F658 was cited in April 2024, March 2025, January 2026 and March 2026. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F677 was cited in January 2026. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F684 was cited in December 2021, August 2024, January 2026, February 2026, March 2026 and March 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F686 was cited in April 2024, March 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). The most serious was level G (actual harm). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F687 was cited in January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Provide appropriate foot care. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F689 was cited in December 2024, November 2025, January 2026, February 2026 and March 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. The most serious was level J (immediate jeopardy). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F725 was cited in December 2021 and January 2026. This citation covers whether there are enough nurses and aides to meet residents’ needs, with a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F730 was cited in December 2021 and January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F755 was cited in January 2026. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F761 was cited in December 2021 and January 2026. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F842 was cited in April 2024, August 2024, January 2026, February 2026, March 2026 and March 2026. This citation covers whether resident records are complete, accurate and kept confidential. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F849 was cited in January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services. The most serious was level D (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F880 was cited in December 2021 and January 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. The most serious was level F (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F887 was cited in December 2021 and January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Educate 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. The most serious was level E (no actual harm, potential for more). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
F947 was cited in January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention. The most serious was level B (potential for minimal harm). The January 2026 citation has no recorded correction date; its status reads “Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction.” The record does not show whether the problem was fixed.
For Your Next Visit
Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.
How quickly will we hear about a fall, an injury or a change in condition, and from whom?
Telling Families About Changes: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.
What happened after the abuse or neglect citation, and what changed in training or supervision?
Protection From Abuse and Neglect: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level J.
What changed after F640 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F640: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
How is a care plan written and reviewed here, and how do families take part in it?
Care Plans: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.
May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?
Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
How long have the administrator and the director of nursing been in their roles?
Administration: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What changed after F837 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F837: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What changed after F841 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F841: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?
A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed after F607 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F607: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How are staff trained to report suspected abuse or neglect, and who reports it to the state?
Reporting Suspected Abuse: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
When an allegation is made, who investigates it, and how are residents protected in the meantime?
Investigating Alleged Violations: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed after F628 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F628: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level B. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed after F637 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F637: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level B. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?
Accurate Assessments: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How do you arrange services for residents with a mental illness or an intellectual disability?
Coordinating Mental Health Screening: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
Was the required pre-admission screening done for every resident, and how is it tracked?
Pre-Admission Screening: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level B. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What happens in the first 48 hours after admission, and who writes the first care plan?
The First 48 Hours: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How often are care plans revised, and who takes part in the review?
Care Plan Timing and Review: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How do you check that nurses and aides follow professional standards, and what happens when they do not?
Professional Standards: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How long do residents usually wait for help with bathing, dressing or the bathroom, and how is that tracked?
Help With Daily Living: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How do nurses make sure a doctor’s orders are carried out, and how are families told when something is missed?
Quality of Care: cited in six inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How often are residents checked for pressure injuries and repositioned, and who is responsible for it?
Pressure Injury Care: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level G. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed after F687 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Provide appropriate foot care: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed in fall prevention and supervision after the last citation, and how do you check that it is still working?
Accident Hazards and Supervision: cited in five inspections, most seriously at level J. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
Nursing Staff Levels: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed after F730 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F730: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?
Pharmacy Services: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How are medications stored and secured, and who checks the medication carts?
Medication Labeling and Storage: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
How can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?
Medical Records: cited in six inspections, most seriously at level D. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed after F849 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F849: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level D. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?
Infection Control: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed after F887 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F887: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What changed after F947 was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation F947: cited in one inspections, most seriously at level B. The January 13, 2026 citation has no recorded correction date.
What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?
A $57,715 civil money penalty was imposed January 13, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds four enforcement actions in the window.
The Evidence
Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Connecticut state survey agency.
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Dec 28, 2021 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Apr 29, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Aug 21, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Dec 11, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Mar 14, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Nov 4, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Jan 13, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Feb 13, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Mar 3, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Mar 9, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut state survey agency
Inspection Mar 25, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 075358
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Record windowDecember 28, 2021 – October 1, 2026
Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.
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