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HomeMassachusettsHighlands, The

Highlands, The

335 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA 014209783434411WebsiteGoogle Maps
4.7on Google(322 reviews)
3/5Average
Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid Sprinkler System

CMS data snapshot: July 2026

Health
3/5
Staffing
3/5
Quality
4/5
Beds
168
certified

How Highlands, The Compares in Massachusetts

Facility results compared with averages for CMS-certified nursing homes in Massachusetts. Ratings, staffing and turnover measure different parts of care and should be reviewed together.

CMS overall rating
3/5
MA average
3.0/5
Close to state average
Health inspection rating
3/5
MA average
3.0/5
Close to state average
Staffing rating
3/5
MA average
3.1/5
Close to state average
Nursing hours per resident
3.86 hrs/day
MA average
3.87 hrs/day
Close to state average
RN hours per resident
0.41 hrs/day
MA average
0.65 hrs/day
Below state average
Staff turnover
24.8%
MA average
38.2%
Lower than state average

Comparisons use the matching CMS state averages without a proprietary combined score. Review the comparison methodology.

What the Data Highlights

Reported RN time is 0.41 hours per resident per day, below the state average of 0.65.
Staff turnover is 24.8%, lower than the Massachusetts average of 38.2%.

Health Inspection Trend

A side-by-side view of the two CMS inspection cycles included in the current dataset.

Previous cycle
6
deficiency citations
Inspected Jul 23, 2024
Most recent cycle
7
deficiency citations
Inspected Nov 25, 2025
The most recent cycle recorded 1 more deficiency citation than the previous cycle.

Citation counts alone do not show severity. Review the inspection details below for scope, severity and correction status.

Cost & Demographics

Semi-Private Room
$14,296/mo
Massachusetts median
Private Room
$15,189/mo
Massachusetts median
Worcester County 65+
139,294
16.2% of county
County Population
858,898
Worcester County

Cost data: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey (2024). Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2022).

Swipe tabs for staffing, quality and ownership.

Highlands, The is a 3-star Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in Fitchburg, Massachusetts with 168 certified beds. It has been operating since 1988. Its overall CMS rating is 3 out of 5.

Beds
168
Avg Residents/Day
156.3
Ownership
For profit - Limited Liability company
Provider Type
Medicare and Medicaid
In Hospital
No
First Approved
Dec 8, 1988
Sprinklers
Yes
Council
Both
County
Worcester
Last Inspection
Nov 25, 2025
Deficiencies (Cycle 1)
7
Weighted Score
33.0
Infection Citations
0

Deficiency Citations (17)

F0804Potential for Harm

Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Survey: Nov 25, 2025Corrected: NoCycle: 1
F0880Potential for Harm

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Survey: Nov 25, 2025Corrected: NoCycle: 1
F0656Potential for Harm

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Survey: Nov 25, 2025Corrected: NoCycle: 1
F0676Potential for Harm

Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.

Survey: Nov 25, 2025Corrected: NoCycle: 1
F0690Potential for Harm

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Survey: Nov 25, 2025Corrected: NoCycle: 1
F0773Potential for Harm

Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.

Survey: Nov 25, 2025Corrected: NoCycle: 1
F0842Potential for Harm

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Survey: Nov 25, 2025Corrected: NoCycle: 1
F0658Potential for Harm

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Survey: Jul 23, 2024Corrected: NoCycle: 2
F0656Potential for Harm

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Survey: Jul 23, 2024Corrected: NoCycle: 2
F0690Potential for Harm

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Survey: Jul 23, 2024Corrected: NoCycle: 2
F0812Potential for Harm

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Survey: Jul 23, 2024Corrected: NoCycle: 2
F0883Potential for Harm

Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Survey: Jul 23, 2024Corrected: NoCycle: 2
F0641Minimal Harm

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Survey: Jul 23, 2024Corrected: NoCycle: 2
F0580Potential for Harm

Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Survey: Mar 20, 2023Corrected: NoCycle: 3
F0698Potential for Harm

Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Survey: Mar 20, 2023Corrected: NoCycle: 3
F0700Potential for Harm

Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

Survey: Mar 20, 2023Corrected: NoCycle: 3
F0812Potential for Harm

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Survey: Mar 20, 2023Corrected: NoCycle: 3
Total Fines
$0
Number of Fines
0
Payment Denials
0
Total Penalties
0

No penalties on record.

Staffing hours per resident per day. The black line shows the national average.

Nurse Aide2.31 hrs
National avg: 2.32 hrs
LPN1.15 hrs
National avg: 0.86 hrs
RN0.41 hrs
National avg: 0.69 hrs
Total Nursing3.86 hrs
National avg: 3.86 hrs
Weekend Total3.42 hrs
National avg: 0.00 hrs
Physical Therapist0.09 hrs
National avg: 0.07 hrs
Total Turnover
24.8%
RN Turnover
27.8%
Administrators Left
0

Quality measures as percentages of residents. Lower is better for all measures.

Ownership Type
For profit - Limited Liability company
Recent Change
No

Owners & Managers (4)

NameRoleTypeOwnership %Since
BONILLA, CARLOS-ANDRESW-2 MANAGING EMPLOYEEIndividualN/ASep 1, 2018
CROSS, CINDYCORPORATE OFFICERIndividualN/AApr 19, 2004
THURMOND, JOANCORPORATE OFFICERIndividualN/AApr 19, 2004
LIFE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROLOrganizationN/AJun 30, 2005

Compare Nearby Nursing Homes

Compare CMS ratings and recorded fines for Highlands, The and nearby alternatives.

All Massachusetts facilities
Highlands, The
Fitchburg, MACurrent facility
CMS
3/5
Health
3/5
Staffing
3/5
Recorded fines: None
Fitchburg Healthcare
Fitchburg, MA4,224 ft
CMS
1/5
Health
1/5
Staffing
2/5
Recorded fines: $33,180
Fitchburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Fitchburg, MA1.8 mi
CMS
1/5
Health
1/5
Staffing
1/5
Recorded fines: $43,719
Leominster Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Leominster, MA4.5 mi
CMS
1/5
Health
2/5
Staffing
1/5
Recorded fines: $26,033
Life Care Center of Leominster
Leominster, MA4.6 mi
CMS
4/5
Health
3/5
Staffing
3/5
Recorded fines: None
Wachusett Manor
Gardner, MA8.7 mi
CMS
3/5
Health
3/5
Staffing
2/5
Recorded fines: None
River Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Ctr
Lancaster, MA8.8 mi
CMS
5/5
Health
5/5
Staffing
2/5
Recorded fines: $8,964
FacilityDistanceCMSHealthStaffingRecorded fines
Highlands, The
Fitchburg, MA · Current facility
—3/53/53/5None recorded
Fitchburg Healthcare
Fitchburg, MA
4,224 ft1/51/52/5$33,180
Fitchburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Fitchburg, MA
1.8 mi1/51/51/5$43,719
Leominster Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Leominster, MA
4.5 mi1/52/51/5$26,033
Life Care Center of Leominster
Leominster, MA
4.6 mi4/53/53/5None recorded
Wachusett Manor
Gardner, MA
8.7 mi3/53/52/5None recorded
River Terrace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Ctr
Lancaster, MA
8.8 mi5/55/52/5$8,964

Distance is approximate. Ratings and enforcement data use the current CMS snapshot; recorded fines are not a complete measure of care quality. How nearby facilities are selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CMS rating for Highlands, The?▾
Highlands, The has an overall CMS rating of 3 out of 5 stars, with a health inspection rating of 3/5, staffing rating of 3/5, and quality measures rating of 4/5. This facility is rated average.
How much does Highlands, The cost per month?▾
While individual facility pricing is not publicly available, the median nursing home cost in Massachusetts is $14,296/month for a semi-private room and $15,189/month for a private room (Genworth/CareScout 2024). Highlands, The participates in Medicare and Medicaid, which may cover some or all costs depending on eligibility.
Has Highlands, The had any health inspection violations?▾
Highlands, The had 7 deficiency citations in its most recent health inspection (Nov 25, 2025). The current CMS dataset records no fines for this facility.
What are the staffing levels at Highlands, The?▾
Highlands, The provides 3.86 total nursing staff hours per resident per day, including 0.41 RN hours, 1.15 LPN hours, and 2.31 nurse aide hours. The total staff turnover rate is 24.8%.
How many beds does Highlands, The have?▾
Highlands, The has 168 certified beds with an average of 156.3 residents per day, resulting in approximately 93% occupancy. The facility is For profit - Limited Liability company owned and is part of the Life Care Centers of America chain.
Are there other nursing homes near Highlands, The?▾
Yes. This page lists 6 nearby nursing homes in Massachusetts, including 2 in Fitchburg. Compare their CMS ratings, staffing, inspections and fines before choosing a facility.
What do patients and families say about Highlands, The?▾
On Google Maps, Highlands, The has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 322 reviews. This is an independent rating from visitors and families, separate from the official CMS government rating of 3/5.

Part of Life Care Centers of America

This chain operates 194 facilities. View all →