LIFE BYVardell
LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Quabbin Valley Healthcare

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

821 Daniel Shays Highway
Athol, MA 01331

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-MA-225296-2611
← Quabbin Valley Healthcare, free profile

Life by Vardell Presents

The Vardell Report.Quabbin Valley Healthcare

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

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Athol, MA
Record Period
2023–2026
Source Documents
13
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 11 inspections from March 2023 to February 2026, state surveyors documented 42 findings at Quabbin Valley Healthcare; 42 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections
11
2023–2026, complaint and standard
Findings
42
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
42
Of 42 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
2
2 fines; payment not published

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023: 10 findings across 1 inspection1020231 inspection2024: 14 findings across 6 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 21420246 inspections2025: 17 findings across 3 inspections1720253 inspections2026: 1 finding across 1 inspection12026*1 inspection2023: 10 findings across 1 inspection1020231 insp.2024: 14 findings across 6 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 21420246 insp.2025: 17 findings across 3 inspections1720253 insp.2026: 1 finding across 1 inspection12026*1 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
20231100
20246142
20253170
2026110

What the Record Shows

  • 42 of 42 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window: 2 fines totaling $62,250, their payment not published.
  • 8 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, August 12, 2025, recorded 13 findings (most serious: Level E).

What to Ask About

Report at a Glance

Facility
Quabbin Valley Healthcare
Address
821 Daniel Shays Highway, Athol, MA 01331
CMS Certification Number
225296
Provider Type
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
Certified Beds
142
Ownership
For profit - Limited Liability company
Record Window
March 28, 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

    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 13, 2026

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

  2. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • 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 16, 2025
    • 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 16, 2025

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

  3. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    13 findings

    • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 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 Sep 30, 2025
    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 2025
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 2025
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 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 Sep 30, 2025
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 2025
    • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 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 Sep 30, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 2025
    • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 2025
    • F636Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Sep 30, 2025
    • F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Sep 30, 2025

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

  4. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F918Provide a bathroom in or located near each resident’s room.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 30, 2025
    • F912Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Apr 30, 2025

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

  5. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Oct 11, 2024

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

  6. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F604Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 30, 2024

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

  7. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    7 findings

    • F773Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2024
    • F622Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 12, 2024
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 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 Jul 19, 2024
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2024
    • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 19, 2024
    • F912Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jul 12, 2024

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $9,318 imposed September 17, 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 June 17, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  8. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    3 findings

    • F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level GActual harmCorrected May 24, 2024
    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 24, 2024
    • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 24, 2024

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

  9. 2024

    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 Mar 22, 2024

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

  10. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 22, 2024

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

  11. 2023

    Standard health inspection

    10 findings

    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 9, 2023
    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 9, 2023
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 9, 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 May 9, 2023
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 9, 2023
    • 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 May 9, 2023
    • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 9, 2023
    • F744Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 9, 2023
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 9, 2023
    • F912Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected May 9, 2023

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $52,932 imposed May 1, 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 March 28, 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

    Infection Control, Cited in Four Inspections

    Inspectors cited F880 in March 2023, June 2024, August 2025 and February 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. 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.

    2324242424242425252526F880 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Citation F607, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F607 in February 2024, May 2024 and August 2025. The agency describes it this way: Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. 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.

    2324242424242425252526F607 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F689 in March 2023, September 2024 and December 2025. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. 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.

    2324242424242425252526F689 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Citation F912, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F912 in March 2023, June 2024 and April 2025. The agency describes it this way: Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms. None rose above level B (potential for minimal harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    2324242424242425252526F912 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F656 in March 2023 and December 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.

    2324242424242425252526F656 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Pressure Injury Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F686 in March 2023 and August 2025. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). 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.

    2324242424242425252526F686 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Continence and Catheter Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F690 in March 2023 and August 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.

    2324242424242425252526F690 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Respiratory Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F695 in June 2024 and August 2025. This citation covers oxygen, breathing treatments and other respiratory care. 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.

    2324242424242425252526F695 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Dialysis Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F698 in March 2023 and August 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.

    2324242424242425252526F698 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  10. 10

    Medical Records, Cited in Two Inspections

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

    2324242424242425252526F842 across all 11 inspections, oldest to newest
  11. 11

    Citation F883, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F883 in June 2024 and August 2025. The agency describes it this way: Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. 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.

    2324242424242425252526F883 across all 11 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

    Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?

    Infection Control: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level D.

  2. 02

    What changed after F607 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F607: 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 G.

  4. 04

    What changed after F912 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F912: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level B.

  5. 05

    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 D.

  6. 06

    How often are residents checked for pressure injuries and repositioned, and who is responsible for it?

    Pressure Injury Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  7. 07

    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.

  8. 08

    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 D.

  9. 09

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

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

  10. 10

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

    Medical Records: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  11. 11

    What changed after F883 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F883: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  12. 12

    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.

  13. 13

    What led to the 2024 fine, and has it been paid?

    A $9,318 civil money penalty was imposed September 17, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

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 Mar 28, 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 Feb 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 Mar 7, 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 May 1, 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 Jun 17, 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 Aug 6, 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 17, 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 Apr 9, 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 Aug 12, 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 Dec 23, 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 Feb 25, 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 · 225296

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowMarch 28, 2023 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before March 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.