Highlands, The
Fitchburg, MA · Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home (CCN 225315) · 168 certified beds
Health inspection: 3 · Quality measures: 4 · Staffing: 3
Federal fines: none on current record
Phone: (978) 343-4411 · Verify on Medicare Care Compare ↗
The Highlands holds a CMS overall rating of 3 stars, which is at the Massachusetts state average of 3.04. Its health inspection rating is 3 stars and its staffing rating is 3 stars.
The Highlands reports total nurse staffing of 3.86 hours per resident per day, including 0.41 RN hours per resident per day, with a staffing rating of 3 stars from CMS. Nursing staff turnover is reported at 24.8%.
The Highlands has no federal fines on record, with 0 fines totaling $0.00, and no payment denials reported by CMS. There is no abuse icon or Special Focus Facility flag noted in the available CMS data for this facility.
About this facility
The Highlands is a nursing home in Fitchburg, Massachusetts (Worcester County), certified for Medicare and Medicaid since December 1988. The facility is certified for 168 beds and reports an average of 156.3 residents. It is operated under a for-profit, limited liability company ownership structure and is part of the Life Care Centers Of America chain, which includes 194 facilities nationwide with an average CMS rating of 3.4 stars. CMS records show no change of ownership in the past 12 months.
According to CMS Care Compare, The Highlands holds an overall rating of 3 stars, which is at the Massachusetts state average of 3.04. Its component ratings are: 3 stars for health inspections, 4 stars for quality measures, and 3 stars for staffing.
Nurse staffing data reported to CMS shows total nurse staffing of 3.86 hours per resident per day, including 0.41 RN hours per resident per day. Nursing staff turnover is reported at 24.8%.
On penalties, CMS records show no federal fines on record (0 fines totaling $0.00) and no payment denials for this facility. There is no abuse icon flag or Special Focus Facility designation associated with this listing in the provided data.
Families considering The Highlands should verify current details directly with the facility and cross-check the latest information on Medicare Care Compare, as CMS data is updated periodically. This profile reflects CMS Care Compare data as provided.
Questions families ask
What is this nursing home's CMS overall star rating and how does it compare to the state average?
The Highlands has an overall CMS rating of 3 stars, which is at the Massachusetts state average of 3.04.
Does this facility accept Medicare, Medicaid, or both?
Yes, The Highlands is certified to accept both Medicare and Medicaid.
How well is this facility staffed — nurse hours per resident and turnover?
CMS reports 3.86 total nurse hours per resident per day, including 0.41 RN hours per resident per day, with a staffing rating of 3 stars; nursing turnover is 24.8%.
Does this facility have federal fines or penalties on record?
No, CMS records show no federal fines on record (0 fines, $0.00 total) and no payment denials.
Has CMS flagged this facility for abuse or placed it in the Special Focus program?
No abuse icon or Special Focus Facility designation is indicated in the CMS data provided for The Highlands.
How large is this facility and how many residents live there?
The Highlands is certified for 168 beds and reports an average of 156.3 residents.
Who owns this facility — and is it part of a chain?
It is owned by a for-profit limited liability company and is part of the Life Care Centers Of America chain, which has 194 facilities with an average rating of 3.4 stars.
How long has this facility been Medicare/Medicaid certified?
The facility was first approved for Medicare/Medicaid certification on December 8, 1988.
What do the four different CMS star ratings mean?
CMS rates facilities on four measures — overall, health inspections, staffing, and quality measures — reflecting different aspects of care; The Highlands scores 3, 3, 3, and 4 stars respectively.
Does this facility offer short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term care?
The provided CMS data does not specify short-term rehabilitation services; contact the facility at (978) 343-4411 and verify on Medicare Care Compare.
What should I look for when touring this facility?
The data provided does not include tour details; contact the facility at (978) 343-4411 to arrange a visit and verify current conditions.
How do I verify this facility's current record on Medicare Care Compare?
You can view the latest official record for The Highlands at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/details/nursing-home/225315?state=MA.
Data: CMS Care Compare (Aug2026 refresh). Star ratings, staffing hours, and penalty records are CMS's official published measures. Always tour the facility, review the current inspection record, and verify details with Medicare before making care decisions.