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The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Optima Care Castle Hill, located in Union City, NJ, stands as a premier community for exceptional healthcare and vibrant living, offering unparalleled nursing and hospice care, rehabilitation, and memory care services. The dedicated team of skilled healthcare professionals is here to help individuals and loved ones regain strength, independence, and confidence after illness, injury, or surgery, ensuring a smoother path to recovery.
Uncover new passions and reignite hobbies with a vibrant line-up of activities, including lively pizza parties and engaging programs like horticulture and yoga. Extensive amenities offer residents countless chances to connect with friends and enjoy an active lifestyle. Additionally, daily dining options cater to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, ensuring every meal is both satisfying and nutritious. At Optima Care Castle Hill, it is not just about living, but also about flourishing in a place that feels like home.
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.
This home is ranked 81st out of 274 homes in New Jersey. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
| Staff type | Hours / Day / Resident | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs hold the highest nursing license and can assess residents, interpret test results, and direct care plans. More RN hours per day often signals stronger clinical oversight and faster response to health changes.
| 55m per day | ▲ 34% State avg: 41m per day · National avg: 41m per day |
|
LPN / LVN
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver routine hands-on care — medication administration, wound dressing, and monitoring vital signs. They work under RN supervision and make up a large share of daily bedside care.
| 21m per day | ▼ 62% State avg: 56m per day · National avg: 52m per day |
|
Nurse Aide
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide the most direct day-to-day assistance: bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Nurse aide hours are typically the largest staffing category and directly affect residents' quality of life.
| 2h 25m per day | ▲ 8% State avg: 2h 14m per day · National avg: 2h 20m per day |
|
Weekend Total Nursing
Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.
| 3h 19m per day | ▼ 4% State avg: 3h 27m per day · National avg: 3h 26m per day |
|
Physical Therapist
Hours per resident per day provided by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) or PT Assistants. PT services help residents recover mobility after injury or illness and are especially important for post-acute (short-stay) rehabilitation.
| 4m per day | ▼ 33% State avg: 6m per day · National avg: 4m per day |
|
Weekend RN
Registered nurse hours specifically on weekends. Facilities sometimes reduce RN presence on Saturdays and Sundays — a low weekend RN figure compared to weekday hours can indicate reduced clinical oversight when most administrative staff are absent.
| 48m per day | ▲ 66% State avg: 29m per day · National avg: 28m per day |
Lower than the New Jersey average: 77%Optima Care Castle Hill is legally operated by Optima Care Union City, Llc, and administrated by Margot Domingo.
Officers are individuals or entities with formal legal or financial responsibility for the organization that owns this facility
Eric Mendel
In New Jersey, the Department of Health, Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing conducts mandatory unannounced surveys to ensure facilities provide safe and effective resident care.
This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the New Jersey state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Deficiencies
| This Facility | NJ Average | vs. NJ Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.
| 41 | 18 | This facility has 128% more total deficiencies than a typical New Jersey nursing home (41 vs. NJ avg 18).↑ 128% worse |
|
Deficiencies per year
Average deficiencies per year since 2020.
| 6.8 | 3 | This facility has 127% more deficiencies per year than a typical New Jersey nursing home (6.8 vs. NJ avg 3).↑ 127% worse |
|
Deficiencies per inspection
Average deficiencies per inspection.
| 2.2 | 2 | This facility has 10% more deficiencies per inspection than a typical New Jersey nursing home (2.2 vs. NJ avg 2).↑ 10% worse |
Per-category split of the 61 deficiencies recorded across all inspections. Counts are compared against the New Jersey state average for each category. A green dot means this facility is below the state average for that category; an amber dot means it is above.
Inspections
| This Facility | NJ Average | vs. NJ Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total inspections
Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations.
| 19 | 9 | This facility has 111% more total inspections than a typical New Jersey nursing home (19 vs. NJ avg 9).↑ 111% worse |
|
Complaint investigations
On-site investigations triggered by complaints filed with New Jersey regulators.
| 6 | 3 | This facility has 100% more complaint investigations than a typical New Jersey nursing home (6 vs. NJ avg 3).↑ 100% worse |
New Jersey average 4
Last Health inspection on Mar 2025
New Jersey average 20.9
New Jersey average 5.35
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
26 of 30 citations resulted from standard inspections; 2 of 30 resulted from complaint investigations; and 2 of 30 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).
100% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 0.7
100% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 0.4
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
44% worse than New Jersey average
5% better than New Jersey average
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Manages medical care and health needs.
All 23 RN Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
23
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
11 hoursAssists with medical care and medications.
All 9 LPN Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
9
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.3 hoursHelps with daily care and mobility.
All 54 CNA Staff are full-time employees. No contractors work on this role.
54
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
8.3 hours
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 54 | 0 | 54 | 24,991 | 92 | 100% | 8.3 |
| Registered Nurse | 23 | 0 | 23 | 7,585 | 92 | 100% | 11 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 9 | 0 | 9 | 4,360 | 92 | 100% | 9.3 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 9 | 0 | 9 | 2,318 | 84 | 91% | 7.9 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 8 | 0 | 8 | 1,903 | 82 | 89% | 6.5 |
| Dietitian | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1,811 | 92 | 100% | 7 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1,719 | 84 | 91% | 7.7 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1,052 | 73 | 79% | 6.1 |
| Respiratory Therapist | 2 | 0 | 2 | 537 | 71 | 77% | 7.6 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 512 | 64 | 70% | 8 |
| RN Director of Nursing | 2 | 0 | 2 | 512 | 63 | 68% | 8 |
| Mental Health Service Worker | 1 | 0 | 1 | 474 | 61 | 66% | 7.8 |
| Nurse Aide in Training | 1 | 0 | 1 | 471 | 83 | 90% | 5.7 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 1 | 0 | 1 | 440 | 55 | 60% | 8 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 432 | 54 | 59% | 8 |
| Other Social Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 392 | 49 | 53% | 8 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 310 | 40 | 43% | 7.7 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 1 | 0 | 1 | 105 | 21 | 23% | 5 |
| Dental Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 24 | 4 | 4% | 6 |
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database (Data as of Jan 2026)
96% lower than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: $77K
50% fewer fines than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 2.0
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
100% fewer payment denials than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 0.1
No penalties in the past 3 years
No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
7.9
16% worse than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 6.8
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
12.4
In line with New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 12.4
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
12.4%
23% worse than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 10.1%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
11.4%
In line with New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 11.0%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
13.4%
16% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 16.0%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
2.8%
17% worse than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 2.4%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
8.8%
45% worse than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 6.1%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
1.1%
14% worse than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 1.0%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
3.9%
15% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 4.6%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
4.2%
63% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 11.3%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
5.2%
53% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 11.1%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
8% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 93.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
In line with New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 97.2%
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.38
14% worse than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 2.08
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
0.37
67% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 1.12
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
98.9%
25% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 78.9%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
2.0%
68% worse than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 1.2%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
97.6%
22% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 80.1%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
11.9%
53% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 25.4%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
8.5%
In line with New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 8.2%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
1.0%
34% worse than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 0.8%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
83.3%
55% better than New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 53.7%
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
52.4%
In line with New Jersey averageNew Jersey average: 50.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
76% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
3% of new residents, often for short stays.
21% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
130Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.
Data sourced from CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics quarterly report. Payer mix reflects the current resident census by primary payment source.
Historical financial and operational data for Optima Care Castle Hill based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #45 / 272Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 45th out of 272 homes in New Jersey. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the New Jersey average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Total Residents: 215
Building Type: Mid-rise
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
Margot Domingo M.A. RD, LNHA serves as the Administrator at Optima Care Castle Hill. She leads the community with a focus on professional senior care, ensuring high standards and compassionate service for all residents.
1.6 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Union City's city center to Optima Care Castle Hill's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 2.49 miles to nearest hospital (Mount Sinai West)
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Optima Care Castle Hill is located in Union City, New Jersey.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in New Jersey.
The information below is reported by the New Jersey Department of Health, Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing.
| Winchester Gardens |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. | Maplewood (Newark Heights) | 30 | 86.7% | +13% | 5.03 | +57% | +30% | $0 | 7 | 2.3 | - | 26 | 24 | Winchester Gardens Health Care Center | $30.5M | $8.4M | 27.4% | 315527 | ||||
| Crane‘s Mill |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. | West Caldwell (Westville) | 56 | 66.1% | -14% | 4.20 | +111% | +8% | $0 | 13 | 3.3 | 1 | 37 | 32 | Lutheran Social Ministries Of New Jersey, Inc. | $35.2M | $7.3M | 20.6% | 315457 | ||||
| Optima Care Castle Hill |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Union City | 215 | 60.5% | -21% | 4.00 | +91% | +3% | $3.3k | 30 | 7.5 | - | 130 | 97 | Optima Care Union City, LLC | $17.7M | $13.4M | 75.6% | 315344 | ||||
| Grove Park Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision. | East Orange (Ampere) | 185 | 90.8% | +18% | 3.80 | +7% | -2% | $0 | 31 | 10.3 | - | 168 | 66 | Joseph Rosenberg | $21.8M | $9.8M | 44.8% | 315147 | ||||
| New Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation Center |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Newark (Mount Pleasant/Lower Broadway) | 340 | 77.1% | 0% | 4.83 | +36% | +25% | $107.3k | 50 | 10.0 | 1 | 262 | 86 | Rifka Bider | $28.4M | $13.9M | 48.8% | 315458 |
The legal owner and operator of Optima Care Castle Hill is Optima Care Union City, Llc.
Optima Care Castle Hill has a walk score of 97. Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.
According to state health department records, Optima Care Castle Hill's license number is 60910.
According to state health department records, Optima Care Castle Hill's license expires on October 31, 2026.
Optima Care Castle Hill's occupancy is 60%.
Margot Domingo is the administrator of Optima Care Castle Hill.
Optima Care Castle Hill has 215 beds.
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