LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Excel Care at Dover

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

65 North Sussex Street
Dover, NJ 07801

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-NJ-315355-2611
← Excel Care at Dover, free profile

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The Vardell Report.Excel Care at Dover

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

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Dover, NJ
Record Period
2021–2026
Source Documents
7
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 5 inspections from April 2021 to March 2026, state surveyors documented 36 findings at Excel Care at Dover; 36 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections
5
2021–2026, complaint and standard
Findings
36
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
36
Of 36 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)
2021: 3 findings across 1 inspection320211 inspection2022: 11 findings across 1 inspection; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11120221 inspection2023: 0 findings across 0 inspections020230 inspections2024: 19 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11920242 inspections2025: 0 findings across 0 inspections020250 inspections2026: 3 findings across 1 inspection32026*1 inspection2021: 3 findings across 1 inspection320211 insp.2022: 11 findings across 1 inspection; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11120221 insp.2023: 0 findings across 0 inspections020230 insp.2024: 19 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11920242 insp.2025: 0 findings across 0 inspections020250 insp.2026: 3 findings across 1 inspection32026*1 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
2021130
20221111
2023000
20242191
2025000
2026130

What the Record Shows

  • 36 of 36 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window: 2 fines totaling $165,798, their payment not published.
  • 3 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, May 31, 2024, recorded 17 findings (most serious: Level H).
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

    3 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 Apr 17, 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 Apr 22, 2026
    • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 22, 2026

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

  2. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    17 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level HActual harmCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 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 FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F835Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F790Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • 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 Jul 15, 2024
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F882Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 15, 2024
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level CPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jul 15, 2024

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $139,113 imposed May 31, 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 May 31, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $26,685 imposed December 2, 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 31, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  3. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 30, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 30, 2024

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

  4. 2022

    Standard health inspection

    11 findings

    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level KImmediate jeopardyCorrected Jul 8, 2022
    • F838Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 8, 2022
    • F865Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 1, 2022
    • F712Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 8, 2022
    • F759Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 8, 2022
    • F800Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 8, 2022
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 8, 2022
    • 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 13, 2022
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 1, 2022
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 8, 2022
    • 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 Jul 8, 2022

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

  5. 2021

    Standard health inspection

    3 findings

    • F563Honor the resident's right to receive visitors of his or her choosing, at the time of his or her choosing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 24, 2021
    • 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 May 24, 2021
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 20, 2021

    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

    Protection From Abuse and Neglect, Cited in Two Inspections

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

    2122242426F600 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Reporting Suspected Abuse, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F609 in May 2024 and March 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 E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    2122242426F609 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Investigating Alleged Violations, Cited in Two Inspections

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

    2122242426F610 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Professional Standards, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F658 in May 2022 and May 2024. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. 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.

    2122242426F658 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F689 in May 2022 and May 2024. 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 K (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    2122242426F689 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Pharmacy Services, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F755 in March 2024 and May 2024. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. 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.

    2122242426F755 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Medication Error Rate, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F759 in May 2022 and May 2024. 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.

    2122242426F759 across all 5 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F880 in April 2021 and May 2024. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. 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.

    2122242426F880 across all 5 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

    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 F.

  2. 02

    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 E.

  3. 03

    When an allegation is made, who investigates it, and how are residents protected in the meantime?

    Investigating Alleged Violations: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.

  4. 04

    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 D.

  5. 05

    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 two inspections, most seriously at level K.

  6. 06

    How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?

    Pharmacy Services: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  7. 07

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

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

  8. 08

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

    Infection Control: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  9. 09

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

    Insufficient nursing staff was cited in May 2024.

  10. 10

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

    A $26,685 civil money penalty was imposed December 2, 2025. 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 New Jersey state survey agency.

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

    New Jersey state survey agency

    Inspection Apr 22, 2021 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    New Jersey state survey agency

    Inspection May 2, 2022 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    New Jersey state survey agency

    Inspection Mar 21, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    New Jersey state survey agency

    Inspection May 31, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

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

    New Jersey state survey agency

    Inspection Mar 6, 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 · 315355

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowApril 22, 2021 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before April 2021 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.