LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Optima Care Fountains

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

595 County Avenue
Secaucus, NJ 07094

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-NJ-315476-2611
← Optima Care Fountains, free profile

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The Vardell Report.Optima Care Fountains

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

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Secaucus, NJ
Record Period
2022–2026
Source Documents
10
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 8 inspections from December 2022 to February 2026, state surveyors documented 43 findings at Optima Care Fountains; 43 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections
8
2022–2026, standard, complaint and infection control
Findings
43
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
43
Of 43 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)
2022: 7 findings across 1 inspection720221 inspection2023: 1 finding across 2 inspections120232 inspections2024: 18 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11820242 inspections2025: 5 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 1520252 inspections2026: 12 findings across 1 inspection122026*1 inspection2022: 7 findings across 1 inspection720221 insp.2023: 1 finding across 2 inspections120232 insp.2024: 18 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11820242 insp.2025: 5 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 1520252 insp.2026: 12 findings across 1 inspection122026*1 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
2022170
2023210
20242181
2025251
20261120

What the Record Shows

  • 43 of 43 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window: 2 fines totaling $51,483, their payment not published.
  • 4 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, February 19, 2026, recorded 12 findings (most serious: Level F).
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

    Standard health inspection

    12 findings

    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F569Notify each resident of certain balances and convey resident funds upon discharge, eviction, or death.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F583Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • 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 Apr 10, 2026
    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F640Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F919Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 2026
    • F924Put firmly secured handrails on each side of hallways.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 10, 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 Sep 9, 2025
    • 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 Sep 9, 2025

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

  3. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    3 findings

    The same visit included an infection control inspection.

    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Mar 7, 2025
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 7, 2025
    • 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 7, 2025

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

  4. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    18 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level GActual harmCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F847Inform resident or representatives choice to enter into binding arbitration agreement and right to refuse.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F848Provide a neutral and fair arbitration process and agree to arbitrator and venue.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • 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 Dec 5, 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 Dec 5, 2024
    • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F865Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F583Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 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 Dec 5, 2024
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 5, 2024

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $34,138 imposed October 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 October 17, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $17,345 imposed January 30, 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 October 17, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  5. 2024

    Infection control inspection

    No findings

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

  6. 2023

    Infection control inspection

    No findings

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

  7. 2023

    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 BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Nov 13, 2023

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

  8. 2022

    Standard health inspection

    7 findings

    • F711Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 7, 2023
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 24, 2023
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 7, 2023
    • F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 7, 2023
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 7, 2023
    • F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 7, 2023
    • 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 7, 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

    Medical Records, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F842 in October 2023, January 2025 and July 2025. 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.

    2223232424252526F842 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Citation F583, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F583 in October 2024 and February 2026. The agency describes it this way: Keep residents' personal and medical records private and 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.

    2223232424252526F583 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F584 in October 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. 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.

    2223232424252526F584 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Pharmacy Services, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F755 in January 2025 and February 2026. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. 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.

    2223232424252526F755 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F761 in December 2022 and October 2024. 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.

    2223232424252526F761 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F812 in October 2024 and February 2026. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. 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.

    2223232424252526F812 across all 8 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Infection Control, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F880 in December 2022 and October 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.

    2223232424252526F880 across all 8 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 can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?

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

  2. 02

    What changed after F583 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F583: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  3. 03

    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 D.

  4. 04

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

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

  5. 05

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

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

  6. 06

    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 F.

  7. 07

    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.

  8. 08

    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.

  9. 09

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

    A $17,345 civil money penalty was imposed January 30, 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 Dec 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 Oct 17, 2023 · 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 Oct 24, 2023 · 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 Jul 5, 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 Oct 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)

    New Jersey state survey agency

    Inspection Jan 30, 2025 · 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 Jul 22, 2025 · 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 Feb 19, 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 · 315476

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowDecember 2, 2022 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before December 2022 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.