Best Hospice Homes in Lowell, MA

Fairhaven Healthcare Center sits in Lowell’s Pawtucketville neighborhood, a 169-bed nonprofit skilled nursing home founded in 1984 and now led by Michael Takesian. The facility hosts 125 current residents, the majority on Medicaid (59.2%), with meaningful private-pay (38.4%) and scant Medicare (2.4%) populations. Average stays stretch to 172 days, yet occupancy has fallen to 61.4%, nearly a quarter below state averages and ranking 82nd of 92 Massachusetts facilities.

The facility’s 2-star CMS rating lands 37.7% below state performance, driven primarily by quality measure deficits running 39.2% worse than state baselines. Nursing hours average 4 hours 14 minutes daily per resident, marginally below the 4-hour 18-minute state average but the facility’s single below-average metric.

Payroll investment stands at 56.6% of revenue, which is a healthy position within the 54–65% range typical of well-managed operations and with minimal agency dependence at 8.8% contractor hours.

Six inspections across three years (above-average frequency) identified 41 citations and ranked 67th of 89 facilities. Of critical importance: zero critical citations emerged (100% better than state baseline), and only one serious citation (33% better than state norm). Deficiency clusters centered on Quality of Life & Care (41%), Resident Rights (15%), and Pharmacy Services (12%).

The facility’s single federal penalty of $15K issued November 2023 fell 79% below the Massachusetts average, suggesting enforcement action concentrated on lower-severity violations.

Weight loss at 9.1% tracks 75% above state rates. Antipsychotic use reaches 29.9%, 48% worse than state average. Walking ability decline and functional decline both exceed state norms by 18–32%.

Conversely, depressive symptoms remain exceptionally managed at 3.9% (63% better than state), and short-stay antipsychotic new-use hits zero; 100% above state performance. Fall injury rates improved 11% above baseline.

Financial trajectory reversed sharply after a $398K 2022 loss; the facility posted $605K net income in 2023. Yet occupancy collapsed from 73.1% to 61.4%.

Fairhaven Healthcare combines nonprofit governance with strengthened finances but carries persistent quality gaps in nutritional management and functional preservation unsuitable for residents with high dependency needs.

Overview of Northwood Rehabilitation & Health Care Center

As a member of the Athena Health Care Systems, Northwood Rehabilitation and Health Care focuses on skilled nursing and short-term care for seniors in Lowell. The nursing home is composed of a professional care staff who brings not only excellence to the recovery of every senior; residents can genuinely feel the high-end quality of care in a nurturing environment.
Expect nothing but quality regarding Northwood service: 24/7 skilled nursing with specialized therapy programs, post-hospital care, hospice care, home health care, assisted living, and memory care services. Comprehensive services include behavioral management, wound care, tracheostomy care, respiratory treatments, etc.

Located at Lowell, Massachusetts, Horn Home for the Aged offers a safe environment. Renowned for their exceptional nursing and rehabilitative care, they prioritize comfort, relaxation, and a personalized approach to well-being. Residents enjoy a variety of activities designed to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit. These include healthy and nutritious meals, social gatherings in spacious common areas, quiet relaxation in lounge areas, and specialized programs that promote resident independence and individuality. Located in a middle-income area with easy access to shopping, churches, medical facilities, and other amenities, Horn Home provides a convenient and comfortable setting.

Private rooms are fully furnished and cable TV provides entertainment options. Housekeeping services ensure a clean and comfortable environment. Small pets are even welcome, adding a touch of home. These include assisted living, nursing care, hospice care, and personal care assistance. A dedicated staff, including nurses and caregivers, is available 24/7 to provide medication support, laundry services, and other essential support. Family outreach programs keep loved ones connected and informed.

Situated in Lowell, Massachusetts, Lowell General Hospital Palliative Care is dedicated to providing vital supportive care services to individuals confronted with life-threatening illnesses and complex medical situations. The hospital’s palliative care department specializes in delivering compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of patients.
Lowell General Hospital Palliative Care focuses on enhancing the quality of life and promoting holistic well-being, ensuring that patients and their loved ones receive the comprehensive support they need during challenging times. Beyond the physical aspects, they also address patients’ and their families’ emotional, practical, and spiritual concerns.

Overview of Tufts Medicine Care at Home

Based in the vibrant community of Lowell, Massachusetts, Tufts Medicine Care at Home, formerly Merrimack Valley Hospice, is a community dedicated to delivering essential home health and hospice care right where seniors call home. Their highly skilled professionals are recognized for their proficiency in delivering cutting-edge clinical and supportive services. 
At Tufts Medicine Care at Home, they ensure that seniors receive the highest quality care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Focusing on compassionate care, they empower seniors to receive the care they need while remaining in the comfort and familiarity of their homes and communities. Their commitment is unwavering, and they provide comprehensive care services to seniors in home and community settings.