Page 6 of Best Nursing Homes in Massachusetts

Overview of Palm Center

Palm Center is a nursing home ideal for residents who seek to relax and recover. Specializing in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, the multi-awarded community provides professional and compassionate service for its residents. The nursing home cultivates the holistic needs of its residents in a home-like setting.
The services are multidisciplinary for both skilled nursing and rehabilitation– focusing on post-surgical care, on-site therapy (physical, occupational, speech), strength conditioning, mobility improvement; colostomy care, dementia care, pain management, wound care; and medical professionals are on-call– medical directors, nurse practitioners, and physicians.

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 Parsons Hill Rehabilitation and Health Care Center

Parsons Hill Rehabilitation and Health Care Center is a remarkably skilled nursing and rehab facility in Worcester that is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. The warm and inviting atmosphere is uniquely designed to provide comfort and peace of mind. With physicians, nurses, clinical staff, rehabilitation therapists, and other team members on standby, residents have access to everything they need, any time of day. 

Their post-hospital care and recovery programs include a wide range of specialties and facilities, such as central venous catheter management, Lasix IV push, blood draws, oxygen therapy, and nutritional management. They also provide post-surgical care and a behavioral management unit to meet the needs of all residents. Moreover, Parsons Hill offers 24-hour supervision, restorative care programs, registered dietitian services, and a selective menu dining program to promote overall well-being. They also provide family counseling and support groups to ensure that families are supported in their loved one’s care.

Sudbury Pines Extended Care is a family-owned and operated care home in Sudbury, MA, offering a relaxing environment for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. They offer the services of a large skilled nursing community in a serene and intimate environment that caters to residents’ unique needs and preferences. They help residents maximize their abilities by providing them tailored physical, occupational, and speech therapies, alongside a well-equipped gym.

With the help of their dedicated activities and recreational personnel, residents have access to an array of enriching activities and programs that nurture their overall well-being. Three delicious and healthy meals are also served daily with flexible dining options to accommodate residents’ preferences. Here, residents enjoy a combination of comfort, quality care, and enriching experiences in a cozy and supportive environment.

Overview of Edgar P. Benjamin Healthcare Center

Edgar P. Benjamin Healthcare Center offers an inviting community with fine hospitality. The nursing home promotes social activities, education programs, spiritual and religious activities, and arts and crafts to its residents to cultivate their mental and physical abilities. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation for residents each get personalized care that focuses on their specific and unique needs. 
A personal touch approach is the key feature of the nursing home’s service. Management ensures that services are delivered with compassion and kindness, so that residents can feel comfortable and secure in the community.  A few of their essential amenities and services that help with residential lifestyle include medication management, and geriatric care are offered; their 24-hour skilled nursing care services provide compassionate care as it is their utmost priority.

Overview of Watertown Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

The Watertown Rehabilitation and Nursing Center stands as a 163-bed haven of skilled nursing excellence. Its strategic location places it near both Cambridge and downtown Boston, granting residents easy access to a plethora of local conveniences and recreational offerings. The establishment offers private and semi-private rooms adorned with sweeping views that enhance the living experience.

Beyond the captivating vistas, the center boasts inviting meeting spaces, splendid outdoor patios, and generously proportioned dining areas. This carefully curated environment serves as an idyllic backdrop for recovery, fostering a sense of comfort and wellness. A registered dietitian is at the helm, ensuring comprehensive and tailored nutritional support. Among the services, palliative and hospice care, pain management, short-term rehab, and long-term care are seamlessly integrated, catering to a diverse spectrum of needs. Welcoming various insurance options, including Medicare, Medicaid, private pay, UHC One Care, and more, this establishment is committed to providing top-notch care that transcends expectations.

Overview of Park Avenue Health Center

Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, Park Avenue Health Center is an extraordinary senior living community in Arlington, MA, providing short-term care. The community works well with residents to craft care plans according to their needs and preferences. Guiding residents in every step of retirement, the community provides social services to ensure they maximize their available resources.

Physical, speech, and occupational therapies are also provided for residents to get better and jump back into their lives easily. Do not worry about meal preparations with dining options catering to each resident’s dietary needs and tastes. The community goes above and beyond to provide a safe place where residents spend their golden years without worries.

Overview of Chicopee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Located in Massachusetts, Chicopee Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has been a pillar of senior care for over 45 years. They provide a range of services, including short-term and long-term care, respite care, IV and antibiotic therapy, hospice care, and more, and they accept various insurances, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and others. Partnering with Mercy Medical Center and Baystate Medical Center, the Chicopee team is experienced in managing various diseases and decreasing symptoms to improve residents’ overall health and well-being.

The center’s clinical capabilities and a wide array of services empower seniors to live their best lives. Beyond medical treatments, they offer activities such as pet therapy and life enhancement to enrich residents’ experiences. Complementary Wi-Fi and satellite TV, as well as outdoor walking paths and garden areas, also help residents stay connected with the outside world.

Jml Care Center is an award-winning nursing home in Falmouth, MA, offering long-term care and rehabilitation. Here, older adults are treated genuinely in a compassioante and welcoming setting to ensure their comfort and safety. With 24-hour care, well-balanced meals, and comprehensive therapies, residents experience a worry-free retirement. The community also works closely with residents to provide the best possible care tailored to their unique needs and habits.

Social events, exercises, and various recreational activities encourage residents to learn and make friends. Residents can also relax and focus on their wellness with accessible amenities and spacious living areas. Situated next to Falmouth Hospital and public transportation in the tree-lined neighborhood of Falmouth, the community provides residents with quick access to necessities. This nursing home provides exceptional standards of care and well-maintained amenities, making it a great choice for senior living in Massachusetts.

Overview of Prescott House

Prescott House is a nursing home in North Andover, MA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community’s warm and nurturing environment ensures older adults are treated well throughout their stay. Social services, nutritious meals, and laundry services are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community also works closely with residents to get to know their needs and habits to provide the best possible care for their recovery.

Musical entertainment, weekly dog therapy visits, and various recreational activities encourage residents to maintain holistic wellness and gain meaningful experiences. Spacious dayrooms and a beauty salon also ensure residents can freely interact with friends and relax. Lake Cochichewick, Osgood Hill Trails, restaurants, and shops are also available in the peaceful residential area of North Andover, ensuring a laid-back lifestyle. This nursing home has excellent services for older adults’ welfare, making it one of the best options for senior living in Massachusetts.