LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Shore Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

231 Warner Street
Toms River, NJ 08755

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-NJ-315454-2611
← Shore Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, free profile

Life by Vardell Presents

The Vardell Report.Shore Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

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

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Toms River, NJ
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 May 2023 to June 2026, state surveyors documented 43 findings at Shore Gardens Rehabilitation and Nursing Center; 43 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 5 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections
7
2023–2026, standard and complaint
Findings
43
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
43
Of 43 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
5
5 fines; payment not published

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023: 12 findings across 1 inspection1220231 inspection2024: 3 findings across 1 inspection; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 1320241 inspection2025: 13 findings across 3 inspections1320253 inspections2026: 15 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 3152026*2 inspections2023: 12 findings across 1 inspection1220231 insp.2024: 3 findings across 1 inspection; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 1320241 insp.2025: 13 findings across 3 inspections1320253 insp.2026: 15 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 3152026*2 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
20231120
2024131
20253130
20262153

What the Record Shows

  • 43 of 43 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 5 enforcement actions in the window: 5 fines totaling $248,226, their payment not published.
  • 6 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, June 26, 2026, recorded 14 findings (most serious: Level J).
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

    14 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F678Provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Aug 10, 2026
    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Aug 10, 2026
    • F576Ensure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 5, 2026
    • F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 27, 2026
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 10, 2026
    • F919Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 27, 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 Aug 6, 2026
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 10, 2026
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 10, 2026
    • 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 Aug 5, 2026
    • 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 27, 2026
    • F803Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 27, 2026
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 5, 2026
    • F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 10, 2026

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $68,462 imposed June 26, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of June 26, 2026, the nearest before the penalty date.

    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 GActual harmCorrected Feb 6, 2026

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

  3. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F628Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 8, 2025

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

  4. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • 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 FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 16, 2025
    • F835Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 16, 2025

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

  5. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    10 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • 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 FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 3, 2025
    • 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 Mar 11, 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 ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2025
    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2025
    • 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 Mar 4, 2025
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2025
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 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 11, 2025
    • F814Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2025

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $34,457 imposed February 14, 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 February 14, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $36,052 imposed May 8, 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 February 14, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $9,246 imposed January 5, 2026. 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 February 14, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

  6. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    3 findings

    • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Dec 23, 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 DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 23, 2024
    • F835Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 23, 2024

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

  7. 2023

    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 Jun 23, 2023
    • F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 23, 2023
    • F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 23, 2023
    • F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 23, 2023
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 23, 2023
    • 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 Jun 23, 2023
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 23, 2023
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 23, 2023
    • 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 Jun 23, 2023
    • F745Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 23, 2023
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 23, 2023
    • F806Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 30, 2023

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $100,009 imposed November 22, 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 11, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.

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

Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.

03

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

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

  1. 1

    A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F584 in February 2025, May 2025 and June 2026. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. 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.

    23242525252626F584 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F880 in May 2023, February 2025 and June 2026. 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.

    23242525252626F880 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F550 in May 2023 and February 2025. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. 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.

    23242525252626F550 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Investigating Alleged Violations, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F610 in May 2023 and November 2024. This citation covers how the home responds to and investigates an allegation of abuse, neglect or mistreatment. The most serious of these was recorded at level J (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23242525252626F610 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Professional Standards, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F658 in May 2023 and February 2025. 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.

    23242525252626F658 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F684 in January 2026 and June 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. The most serious of these was recorded at level G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23242525252626F684 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Respiratory Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F695 in May 2023 and February 2025. This citation covers oxygen, breathing treatments and other respiratory care. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    23242525252626F695 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Medication Labeling and Storage, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F761 in February 2025 and June 2026. This citation covers how drugs are labeled and kept locked, including controlled drugs. 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.

    23242525252626F761 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Food Quality and Temperature, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F804 in May 2023 and June 2026. 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.

    23242525252626F804 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  10. 10

    Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F812 in May 2023 and February 2025. 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.

    23242525252626F812 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  11. 11

    Administration, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F835 in November 2024 and May 2025. This citation covers whether the home is run in a way that uses its resources effectively. 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.

    23242525252626F835 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

    What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?

    A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.

  2. 02

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

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

  3. 03

    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 D.

  4. 04

    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 J.

  5. 05

    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.

  6. 06

    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 two inspections, most seriously at level G.

  7. 07

    Who manages oxygen and breathing treatments on each shift, and how is the equipment checked?

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

  8. 08

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

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

  9. 09

    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.

  10. 10

    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.

  11. 11

    How long have the administrator and the director of nursing been in their roles?

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

  12. 12

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

    No staffing citation appears in this window. Staffing levels are published separately by CMS and are worth asking about directly.

  13. 13

    What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?

    A $68,462 civil money penalty was imposed June 26, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds five 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 May 11, 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 Nov 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)

    New Jersey state survey agency

    Inspection Feb 14, 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 May 8, 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 Aug 20, 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 Jan 5, 2026 · 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 Jun 26, 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 · 315454

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowMay 11, 2023 – October 1, 2026

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