The Highlands
335 Nichols Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420 · (978) 343-4411
For profit - Limited Liability company · 168 certified beds
The Highlands has a 3-star overall rating from Medicare, out of 5. Its last standard inspection, in November 2025, found 7 citations (the Massachusetts average is 6.8). It hasn't been fined in the last three years.
Medicare ratings
| Overall ratingStarts from the health inspection rating, then goes up or down a star for a 5-star or 1-star staffing or quality rating. | ★★★★★ 3 out of 5 stars · Average |
| Health inspectionsFrom the two most recent standard inspections and three years of complaint inspections, compared with other homes in the same state. | ★★★★★ 3 out of 5 stars · Average |
| Quality measuresFrom 15 measures of how residents do, such as falls with major injury, pressure ulcers, hospital stays and getting home after a short stay. | ★★★★★ 4 out of 5 stars · Above average |
| StaffingFrom payroll records of nurse hours per resident, adjusted for how much care residents need, and staff turnover. | ★★★★★ 3 out of 5 stars · Average |
How to read a nursing home's star ratings
Most recent health inspection
The standard health inspection on November 25, 2025 found 7 citations. What an inspection citation means
- Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.November 25, 2025 · F0804 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Some
- Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.November 25, 2025 · F0880 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Some
- Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.November 25, 2025 · F0656 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.November 25, 2025 · F0676 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.November 25, 2025 · F0690 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.November 25, 2025 · F0773 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.November 25, 2025 · F0842 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
Complaint inspections, last three years
No citations from complaint inspections in the last three years.
Fines and payment denials
No fines or payment denials in the last three years.
Nurse staffing
Hours of nursing care per resident per day, as the home reports them to Medicare through payroll records.
| Hours per resident per day | This home | Massachusetts average | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staffing | 3.86 | 3.86 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses (RN) | 0.41 | 0.65 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurses (LPN) | 1.15 | 0.95 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aides | 2.31 | 2.25 | 2.32 |
| Total nursing staff turnover | 24.8% | 38.2% | 45.8% |
About this home
| Ownership | For profit - Limited Liability company |
| Certified beds | 168 |
| Average residents per day | 156.3 |
| Inside a hospital | No |
| Continuing care retirement community | No |
Nursing homes nearby
- Fitchburg Healthcare Fitchburg · ★★★★★ 1 out of 5 stars
- Fitchburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Fitchburg · ★★★★★ 1 out of 5 stars
- Quabbin Valley Healthcare Athol · ★★★★★ 2 out of 5 stars
- Life Care Center of Auburn Auburn · ★★★★★ 3 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Health at Baldwinville Baldwinville · ★★★★★ 4 out of 5 stars
Compare every nursing home in Fitchburg, MA · Nursing homes in Massachusetts · Home health agencies in Fitchburg, MA
Comparing nursing homes?
See whether help at home or assisted living fits better. Answer four questions and we'll suggest where to start: a medical alert, help at home, or assisted living.
Free for families. This isn't medical advice.
Who are you looking for help for?
Data from Medicare (CMS), updated October 2026, from The Highlands on Medicare's Care Compare and the CMS Provider Data Catalog. ParentNextStep isn't affiliated with Medicare or CMS.