The Vardell Report.Southshore Health Care Center

Across 9 inspections from March 2023 to April 2026, state surveyors documented 61 findings at Southshore Health Care Center; 61 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.

Inspections

9

2023–2026, complaint and standard

Findings

61

Deficiencies cited by state inspectors

Corrected

61

Of 61 findings, with a recorded correction date

Penalties

1

1 fine; payment not published

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. Apr 132026

   Complaint investigation

   5 findings

   • F573Let each resident or the resident's legal representative access or purchase copies of all the resident's records.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2026
   • F740Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2026
   • F576Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 10, 2026
   • 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 15, 2026
   • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2026

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

2. Jan 282026

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • 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 Feb 28, 2026

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

3. Aug 272025

   Standard health inspection

   17 findings

   The same visit included a complaint investigation.

   • F925Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • F565Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • 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 Oct 3, 2025
   • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • 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 Oct 3, 2025
   • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 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 Oct 3, 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 Oct 3, 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 Oct 3, 2025
   • F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 3, 2025
   • F640Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Oct 3, 2025

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

4. Mar 182025

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F557Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 27, 2025

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

5. Dec 92024

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • F555Honor the resident's right to choose his or her attending physician.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 15, 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 Jan 15, 2025

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

6. Sep 232024

   Complaint investigation

   1 finding

   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 25, 2024

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

7. Jun 272024

   Standard health inspection

   19 findings

   The same visit included a complaint investigation.

   • F925Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F565Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • 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 Aug 11, 2024
   • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • 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 Aug 11, 2024
   • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F887Educate 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.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 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 Aug 11, 2024
   • F551Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F552Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F557Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 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 Aug 11, 2024
   • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024
   • F756Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 11, 2024

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

8. Mar 192024

   Complaint investigation

   2 findings

   • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level GActual harmCorrected Apr 16, 2024
   • F551Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 16, 2024

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

9. Mar 22023

   Standard health inspection

   13 findings

   • F585Honor 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.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • F868Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterlyLevel FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • F921Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • F565Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • F917Make sure each resident has 1) at least one window to the outside in a room; 2) a room at or above ground level; 3) adequate bedding; 4) furniture that meets the resident's needs; or 5) adequate closet space.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • F551Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 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 Apr 10, 2023
   • F758Implement 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2023
   • 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 Apr 10, 2023
   • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level CPotential for minimal harmCorrected Apr 10, 2023

   Enforcement Action

   Civil money penalty, $26,395 imposed March 19, 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 2, 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.

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

1. 1

   Citation F551, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F551 in March 2023, March 2024 and June 2024. The agency describes it this way: Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights. 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.

   232424242425252626F551 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Citation F565, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F565 in March 2023, June 2024 and August 2025. The agency describes it this way: Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility. 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.

   232424242425252626F565 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Reporting Suspected Abuse, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F609 in June 2024, August 2025 and April 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. 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.

   232424242425252626F609 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Investigating Alleged Violations, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F610 in June 2024, August 2025 and April 2026. This citation covers how the home responds to and investigates an allegation of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. 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.

   232424242425252626F610 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Professional Standards, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F658 in March 2023, September 2024 and August 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.

   232424242425252626F658 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Three Inspections

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

   232424242425252626F689 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F761 in December 2024, August 2025 and January 2026. 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.

   232424242425252626F761 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Three Inspections

   Inspectors cited F812 in March 2023, June 2024 and August 2025. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. 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.

   232424242425252626F812 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
9. 9

   Citation F557, Cited in Two Inspections

   Inspectors cited F557 in June 2024 and March 2025. The agency describes it this way: Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions. 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.

   232424242425252626F557 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
10. 10

    A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F584 in March 2023 and June 2024. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. 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.

    232424242425252626F584 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
11. 11

    Citation F607, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F607 in June 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.

    232424242425252626F607 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
12. 12

    Accurate Assessments, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F641 in March 2023 and June 2024. This citation covers whether each resident’s assessment correctly records their condition. 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.

    232424242425252626F641 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
13. 13

    Citation F925, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F925 in June 2024 and August 2025. The agency describes it this way: Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests. 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.

    232424242425252626F925 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest

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

1. 01

   What changed after F551 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F551: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level D.

2. 02

   What changed after F565 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F565: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.

3. 03

   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 D.

4. 04

   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 D.

5. 05

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

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

6. 06

   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 E.

7. 07

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

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

8. 08

   May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?

   Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.

9. 09

   What changed after F557 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation F557: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

10. 10

    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.

11. 11

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

    Citation F607: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

12. 12

    Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?

    Accurate Assessments: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

13. 13

    What changed after F925 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F925: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.

14. 14

    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.

15. 15

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

    A $26,395 civil money penalty was imposed March 19, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid.

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 2, 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 19, 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 27, 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 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 Dec 9, 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 18, 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 27, 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 28, 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 Apr 13, 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 · 225215

  Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗

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.