B

Highlands, The

335 NICHOLS ROAD, FITCHBURG, MA 01420
Score: 74 / 100

Highlands, The earns a solid B grade from CMS data, with a score of 74/100. Performing above average across most metrics, this Fitchburg facility ranks in the 73th percentile among Massachusetts nursing homes.

Staffing at Highlands, The is near the national average, with 4.00 total nursing hours per resident per day (national average: 3.8 hours).

Recent inspections identified 18 deficiencies at Highlands, The. While none were classified as the most serious level, families should review the detailed inspection history below.

Score Breakdown

Overall CMS Rating 32 / 40 pts
4 ★ CMS rating
Health Inspections 15 / 25 pts
3 ★ inspection rating
Staffing 12 / 20 pts
3 ★ staffing rating
Quality Measures 15 / 15 pts
5 ★ quality measures

🏥 Staffing Details

Staff Type Hours/Resident/Day National Avg Comparison
Total Nursing 4.00 3.8 Average
Registered Nurses (RN) 0.46 0.7 Below Average
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) 1.07 0.7 Above Average
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) 2.48 2.4 Average
Weekend Total Nursing 3.56 3.8 Average
Weekend RN Hours 0.26 0.7 Below Average

🔍 Inspection & Deficiency History

18
Total Deficiencies
Nov 24, 2025
Most Recent Inspection
⚪ 1 Minor 🟠 17 Moderate
View recent deficiencies (5 shown)
  • Tag 0804 Severity E
    Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
    Nov 24, 2025 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
  • Tag 0880 Severity E
    Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
    Nov 24, 2025 · Infection Control Deficiencies
  • Tag 0656 Severity D
    Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
    Nov 24, 2025 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
  • Tag 0676 Severity D
    Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
    Nov 24, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
  • Tag 0690 Severity D
    Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent
    Nov 24, 2025 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

📊 Resident Outcome Measures

Based on CMS quality measure data. Lower percentages are better for most metrics.

Measure This Facility Nat'l Avg
Residents with pressure ulcers 4.4% 4.5% Average
Falls with major injury 2.7% 3.0% Average
On antipsychotic medication 15.0% 14.5% Average
Urinary tract infections 0.0% 2.5% Better
ADL decline (daily activities) 7.9% 14.0% Better
Excessive weight loss 10.6% 7.5% Worse
New/worsened incontinence 28.9% 45.0% Better

How This Grade Was Calculated

This facility's grade of B is based on a score of 74 out of 100, calculated from official CMS Nursing Home Compare data:

  • Overall CMS Rating: 4★ → 32 pts (max 40)
  • Health Inspection Rating: 3★ → 15 pts (max 25)
  • Staffing Rating: 3★ → 12 pts (max 20)
  • Quality Measures Rating: 5★ → 15 pts (max 15)

Grades: A=85+, B=70–84, C=55–69, D=40–54, F=below 40

Facility Details

Ownership
For profit - Limited Liability company
Certified Beds
168
Provider Type
Medicare and Medicaid
Resident Council
No
Family Council
No
Sprinkler System
Yes
Last Inspection
Nov 24, 2025
Deficiencies (Cycle 1)
7