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Fairhaven Healthcare Center

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

476 Varnum Avenue
Lowell, MA 01854

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-MA-225458-2611
← Fairhaven Healthcare Center, free profile

Life by Vardell Presents

The Vardell Report.Fairhaven Healthcare Center

The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Lowell, MA
Record Period
2023–2026
Source Documents
9
Read the report

This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.

01

The Essentials

Summary

Across 7 inspections from November 2023 to June 2026, state surveyors documented 44 findings at Fairhaven Healthcare Center; 44 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.

Inspections
7
2023–2026, complaint and standard
Findings
44
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
44
Of 44 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
1
1 fine; payment not published

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023: 14 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11420232 inspections2024: 16 findings across 2 inspections1620242 inspections2025: 12 findings across 1 inspection1220251 inspection2026: 2 findings across 2 inspections22026*2 inspections2023: 14 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11420232 insp.2024: 16 findings across 2 inspections1620242 insp.2025: 12 findings across 1 inspection1220251 insp.2026: 2 findings across 2 inspections22026*2 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
20232141
20242160
20251120
2026220

What the Record Shows

  • 44 of 44 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window: 1 fine of $15,030, its payment not published.
  • 4 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, September 26, 2025, recorded 12 findings (most serious: Level E).

What to Ask About

Report at a Glance

Facility
Fairhaven Healthcare Center
Address
476 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854
CMS Certification Number
225458
Provider Type
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
Certified Beds
169
Ownership
For profit - Limited Liability company
Record Window
November 15, 2023 to October 1, 2026
02

Chronology

Inspection History

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.

  1. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 2026

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  2. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 29, 2025

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  3. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    12 findings

    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F605Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F761Ensure 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025
    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 25, 2025

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  4. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    15 findings

    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F761Ensure 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F808Ensure therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician and may be delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, to the extent allowed by State law.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024
    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2024

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  5. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F561Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 18, 2024

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  6. 2023

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 19, 2024

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  7. 2023

    Standard health inspection

    13 findings

    • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level GActual harmCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F554Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F604Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F693Ensure 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 22, 2023
    • F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Level CPotential for minimal harmCorrected Dec 22, 2023

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $15,030 imposed November 15, 2023. 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 November 15, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.

    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.

03

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

  1. 1

    Care Plans, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F656 in November 2023, October 2024 and September 2025. 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 D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424252626F656 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Help With Daily Living, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F677 in November 2023, October 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424252626F677 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F689 in November 2023, December 2023 and October 2024. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424252626F689 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Dialysis Care, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F698 in November 2023, October 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers care for residents who need dialysis. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424252626F698 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Medication Error Rate, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F759 in November 2023, October 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers whether medication errors stayed under 5 percent when inspectors watched medications being given. 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.

    23232424252626F759 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Medical Records, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F842 in November 2023, October 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers whether resident records are complete, accurate and kept confidential. 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.

    23232424252626F842 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F550 in October 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424252626F550 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Professional Standards, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F658 in October 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. 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.

    23232424252626F658 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Continence and Catheter Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F690 in October 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers continence care, catheter care and preventing urinary tract infections. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424252626F690 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  10. 10

    Nutrition and Hydration, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F692 in November 2023 and October 2024. This citation covers whether residents get enough food and fluids to stay healthy. The most serious of these was recorded at level G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424252626F692 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  11. 11

    Respiratory Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F695 in November 2023 and October 2024. This citation covers oxygen, breathing treatments and other respiratory care. 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.

    23232424252626F695 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  12. 12

    Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F761 in October 2024 and September 2025. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23232424252626F761 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
04

For Your Next Visit

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.

  1. 01

    How is a care plan written and reviewed here, and how do families take part in it?

    Care Plans: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  2. 02

    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 three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  3. 03

    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 three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  4. 04

    How is dialysis care coordinated, and who monitors residents before and after treatment?

    Dialysis Care: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

  5. 05

    How are medication passes checked, and what happens when an error is found?

    Medication Error Rate: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.

  6. 06

    How can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?

    Medical Records: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.

  7. 07

    How do staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?

    Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  8. 08

    How do you check that nurses and aides follow professional standards, and what happens when they do not?

    Professional Standards: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  9. 09

    How is continence care scheduled, and how do you prevent urinary infections?

    Continence and Catheter Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  10. 10

    How are weight and fluid intake tracked, and what happens when a resident starts losing weight?

    Nutrition and Hydration: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level G.

  11. 11

    Who manages oxygen and breathing treatments on each shift, and how is the equipment checked?

    Respiratory Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  12. 12

    How are medications stored and secured, and who checks the medication carts?

    Medication Labeling and Storage: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  13. 13

    How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?

    No staffing citation appears in this window. Staffing levels are published separately by CMS and are worth asking about directly.

  14. 14

    What led to the 2023 fine, and has it been paid?

    A $15,030 civil money penalty was imposed November 15, 2023. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid.

05

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Massachusetts state survey agency.

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    Massachusetts state survey agency

    Inspection Nov 15, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    Massachusetts state survey agency

    Inspection Dec 19, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    Massachusetts state survey agency

    Inspection Mar 28, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    Massachusetts state survey agency

    Inspection Oct 23, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    Massachusetts state survey agency

    Inspection Sep 26, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    Massachusetts state survey agency

    Inspection Jan 12, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    Massachusetts state survey agency

    Inspection Jun 15, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Penalties, Provider Data Catalog

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗
  • Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 225458

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowNovember 15, 2023 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before November 2023 are not in this release.
  • CMS refreshes these files monthly, after statements of deficiencies are processed, so an inspection from the last two months may not appear yet.

What This Report Cannot Tell You

Complaints not investigated onsite
Allegations screened out by the state before an onsite visit are not published.
Complaint allegations
CMS publishes the deficiencies a complaint survey cited, not the allegation itself.
Facility-reported incidents
Self-reported incidents appear only if they led to an inspection.
Follow-up visits
CMS's files list standard, complaint and infection control surveys, not revisits; a correction date is the one CMS records.
Fire safety inspections
Published by CMS separately and not included in this record yet.
Staffing levels and ownership history
Published by CMS separately and not included in this record.
Whether fines were paid
CMS publishes the fines imposed, not whether or when they were paid.

Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.

Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.