LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Orono Commons

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

117 Bennoch Rd
Orono, ME 04473

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-ME-205031-2611
← Orono Commons, free profile

Life by Vardell Presents

The Vardell Report.Orono Commons

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

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Orono, ME
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 March 2023 to July 2026, state surveyors documented 48 findings at Orono Commons; 48 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.

Inspections
7
2023–2026, complaint and standard
Findings
48
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
48
Of 48 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: 8 findings across 1 inspection820231 inspection2024: 22 findings across 2 inspections2220242 inspections2025: 13 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11320252 inspections2026: 5 findings across 2 inspections52026*2 inspections2023: 8 findings across 1 inspection820231 insp.2024: 22 findings across 2 inspections2220242 insp.2025: 13 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11320252 insp.2026: 5 findings across 2 inspections52026*2 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023180
20242220
20252131
2026250
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

    4 findings

    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 25, 2026
    • F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 25, 2026
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 25, 2026
    • 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 Aug 25, 2026

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

  2. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 28, 2026

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

  3. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    3 findings

    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 20, 2026
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 20, 2026
    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jan 20, 2026

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

  4. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    10 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 9, 2025
    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 9, 2025
    • F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedLevel ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 9, 2025
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 9, 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 Jun 9, 2025
    • F578Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 9, 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 Jun 9, 2025
    • F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 9, 2025
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 9, 2025
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 9, 2025

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $10,358 imposed May 7, 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 May 7, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  5. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    20 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 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 Jul 6, 2024
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F802Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 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 Jul 31, 2024
    • F561Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 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 Jul 6, 2024
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F699Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F711Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 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 Jul 6, 2024
    • F947Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F625Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedLevel BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jul 31, 2024
    • F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jul 6, 2024
    • F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jul 6, 2024

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

  6. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 2023
    • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 30, 2023

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

  7. 2023

    Standard health inspection

    8 findings

    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 11, 2023
    • 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 Apr 11, 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 11, 2023
    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 11, 2023
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 11, 2023
    • F809Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 11, 2023
    • 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 Apr 11, 2023
    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Apr 11, 2023

    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

    Quality of Care, Cited in Five Inspections

    Inspectors cited F684 in March 2023, May 2024, May 2025, January 2026 and July 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.

    23242425252626F684 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Nursing Staff Levels, Cited in Four Inspections

    Inspectors cited F725 in March 2023, May 2024, May 2025 and July 2026. This citation covers whether there are enough nurses and aides to meet residents’ needs, with a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. 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.

    23242425252626F725 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Medical Records, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F842 in March 2023, December 2025 and July 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.

    23242425252626F842 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F550 in March 2023 and May 2024. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. 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.

    23242425252626F550 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Citation F561, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F561 in March 2023 and May 2024. The agency describes it this way: Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice. 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.

    23242425252626F561 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F584 in March 2023 and May 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.

    23242425252626F584 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Protection From Abuse and Neglect, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F600 in March 2024 and July 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from abuse and neglect by anyone. 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.

    23242425252626F600 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Reporting Suspected Abuse, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F609 in March 2024 and May 2025. 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.

    23242425252626F609 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    The First 48 Hours, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F655 in May 2024 and May 2025. This citation covers the baseline care plan for a new resident’s immediate needs, due within 48 hours of admission. 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.

    23242425252626F655 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  10. 10

    Care Plans, Cited in Two Inspections

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

    23242425252626F656 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  11. 11

    Pressure Injury Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F686 in May 2024 and December 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.

    23242425252626F686 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  12. 12

    Respiratory Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F695 in May 2024 and May 2025. 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.

    23242425252626F695 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  13. 13

    Food Quality and Temperature, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F804 in May 2024 and May 2025. This citation covers whether food and drink are palatable, attractive and served at a safe temperature. 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.

    23242425252626F804 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  14. 14

    Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F812 in May 2024 and May 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.

    23242425252626F812 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 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 five inspections, most seriously at level E.

  2. 02

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

    Nursing Staff Levels: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level F.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    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 E.

  5. 05

    What changed after F561 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F561: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  6. 06

    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.

  7. 07

    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 E.

  8. 08

    How are staff trained to report suspected abuse or neglect, and who reports it to the state?

    Reporting Suspected Abuse: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  9. 09

    What happens in the first 48 hours after admission, and who writes the first care plan?

    The First 48 Hours: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  10. 10

    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.

  11. 11

    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.

  12. 12

    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.

  13. 13

    May we try a meal, and how do you check food temperature by the time it reaches residents?

    Food Quality and Temperature: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  14. 14

    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 E.

  15. 15

    What led to the 2025 fine, and has it been paid?

    A $10,358 civil money penalty was imposed May 7, 2025. 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 Maine state survey agency.

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

    Maine state survey agency

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

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

    Maine 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)

    Maine state survey agency

    Inspection May 22, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Maine state survey agency

    Inspection May 7, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Maine state survey agency

    Inspection Dec 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)

    Maine state survey agency

    Inspection Jan 13, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    Maine state survey agency

    Inspection Jul 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 · 205031

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowMarch 1, 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.