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The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

135 Ellis Avenue

3.2(44 ratings)· Norwood average: 4

The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
191
Medicare rating
4 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
For profit, Limited Liability company
Certified beds
191
Ownership
Family-owned and operated by the Franchi family
Therapy staffing
Rehab therapists available seven days a week
Therapy departments
PT, OT, and speech pathology staffed in-house

What Families Think

Family-owned skilled nursing and rehab center in Norwood, Massachusetts, where several reviewers describe strong therapy outcomes and attentive nurses, particularly in the Applewood unit, while others report serious concerns about communication, food quality, and unresolved complaints, especially in the Driftwood section. Experiences appear to vary noticeably by unit within the same building.

The Good

  • Nurses praised for catching medical issues early
  • Rehab and therapy staff described as caring and effective
  • Family-owned and operated for a personal touch
  • Staff coordinated complex medical needs and appointments diligently
  • Activities available for residents who want to participate

The Bad

  • Multiple reports of language barriers affecting communication with elderly patients
  • One report of cold, subpar food quality
  • One report of belongings frequently going missing
  • One report of a mouse sighting near the kitchen area
  • One report of an unresponsive unit manager and unresolved written complaints

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is a senior living community in Norwood, Massachusetts offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 3.2 out of 5 across 44 reviews.

About The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

The Ellis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood, Massachusetts provides post-acute and long-term care services in a home-like environment. The facility is family-owned and operated by the Anthony A. Franchi Family and serves those requiring short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term residential care.

The center offers comprehensive rehabilitation services staffed by highly skilled and experienced therapists available seven days a week. The occupational, physical, and speech language pathology departments are staffed by facility employees who work as part of an interdisciplinary team with nursing and social services to design personalized treatment programs for each patient.

Care at The Ellis includes services provided by nurses, dieticians, and physical therapists who work to promote optimal functional ability and integration of community resources. The facility is committed to providing individualized attention and compassionate care without regard to race, creed, national origin, age, handicap, or payor class.

Located in a quiet section of Norwood adjacent to the Westwood line, The Ellis occupies a comfortable setting designed to support residents' well-being. The facility maintains ongoing staff education and continuous improvement programs to meet the evolving needs of its patient population.

Types of Care at The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)

Activities

  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Reviews of The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

3.2overall · 44 ratings combined

3.2★ on Google (44)

Gary Anderson

Feb 2026

via Google

This is a review in direct correlation with experiences in the Driftwood section of the building. The experience thus far has been very mixed. I visit a family friend weekly and find that the place is staffed by people who do not speak English and when you have patients who are hard of hearing and or very old they do not seem to get the care they need because of the communication barrier. The food is sub par at best and often cold by the time it is served to the patients again in that section of the building, I can not speak to the rest of the facility. Belongings go missing frequently including newly purchased items left to have patients names placed on them. There are staff in the driftwood unit who do a fantastic job, however those are the exceptions and not the standard. The place itself appears to be clean, however I have myself now on two different occasions have seen a mouse run across the hallway on the first floor just after the kitchen doors. There are signs of pest control being used but not sure at how effective or often that is happening. I would not personally want to end up here as the place I'm going to end up living out my last days but I hope those that do have a better experience than what I have witnessed thus far.

Frank Prokos

Jan 2026

via Google

My mother was a resident at the Ellis for about seven years. I visited her every week. The nurses in the Applewood unit are great. Numerous times they spotted a medical issue, notified me immediately, and formulated a plan, thus preventing a minor issue from quickly becoming something worse. There are always activities to do, and she could be as involved in them as she wants. I highly recommend the Ellis.

Ron Zullo

Jul 2025

via Google

My mom was here for a few months and I would say the care was "middle of the road" for a nursing home. There were one or two exceptional care providers in Driftwood, but the Unit Manager (nurse) was unpleasant, with neither compassion, nor bedside manner. I was chided for contacting the house physician on my own, without checking with her first. Very combative with me. But, the absolute worst was the day that I was there to pick up my mom's personal belongings the day after she died. I was approached by one of the administrators in the parking lot. After expressing condolences, I was shocked when she requested that I leave a Google review. Mom had died yesterday and I was being asked to leave a review!!! I wrote a letter about 2 months after her death and I heard absolutely nothing. I pretty much said exactly what I wrote here. While I continue to get bills for some service that was supposedly provided (around $40 or so), my concerns were never acknowledged or addressed. I've waited about 4 months to write this to see of anyone gave a crap. But, I have concluded that nobody does. So, here is the Google review that was requested.

Tyler Lloyd

Feb 2025

via Google

My mother was recently at the Ellis for about two weeks after moving to Massachusetts from a nursing facility in another state. The building itself is a little dated and could do with some renovations, but I found the staff there to be kind, caring, and responsive, and Sherry’s coordination and communication with me was excellent from the start. It was a relief knowing that my mother’s complicated medical needs were met and that her appointments and prescriptions were being diligently tracked during her stay. My family and I are very grateful to the Ellis for taking good care of our mother.

D D

Aug 2024

via Google

My father has had to go to rehab a few times due to various health conditions. He has always been accepted at Ellis and has been treated with the utmost respect. The people at Ellis are caring and have helped him to strengthen his muscles to maintain some independence. This most recent time, when the staff at Ellis heard that he was coming back, they were excited and have made all attempts to put him in the same room and accommodate him as best they can. My family and I are grateful for the care and service my dad has gotten there.

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Government Inspection History

8 inspection visits in the last three years, 53 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Jan 15, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
  • Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 10, 2025

Sep 2, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
  • Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 2, 2025

May 20, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
  • Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 9, 2025

  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 13, 2025

Apr 29, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard8 citations
  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 6, 2025

  • Employ or obtain outside professional resources to provide services in the nursing home when the facility does not employ a qualified professional to furnish a required service.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 6, 2025

  • Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 6, 2025

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 6, 2025

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 6, 2025

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 6, 2025

  • Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jun 6, 2025

  • Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 6, 2025

Apr 22, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard17 citations
  • Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 1, 2024

  • Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 16, 2024

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 21, 2024

  • Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 29, 2024

  • Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 1, 2024

Oct 19, 2023Infection Control1 citation
  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 4, 2023

Aug 16, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 28, 2023

Dec 16, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard22 citations
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 20, 2023

  • Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Perform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 24, 2023

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 24, 2023

  • Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Honor the resident's right to receive visitors of his or her choosing, at the time of his or her choosing.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 24, 2023

  • Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 24, 2023

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 27, 2023

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 27, 2023

  • To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 27, 2023

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offer?

The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center located?

The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is located at 135 Ellis Avenue in Norwood, Massachusetts.

What do families say about The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center?

Family-owned skilled nursing and rehab center in Norwood, Massachusetts, where several reviewers describe strong therapy outcomes and attentive nurses, particularly in the Applewood unit, while others report serious concerns about communication, food quality, and unresolved complaints, especially in the Driftwood section. Experiences appear to vary noticeably by unit within the same building.

How did The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center do on recent health and safety inspections?

The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center had 8 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 53 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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