David
Nov 2025
I saw cockroaches coming out of the kitchen and a horrible smell coming from there. It honestly seems like they cook in a nest of bacteria. Terrible management.
Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
476 Varnum Avenue2.7(42 ratings)· Lowell average: 3.8
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 169
- Medicare rating
- 2 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Limited Liability company
- Certified beds
- 169
- Inspections
- View history (97 citations)
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews for Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing are overwhelmingly negative, with families describing serious lapses in hygiene, staffing, and basic care. Multiple reviewers cite slow response times, falls, and unsanitary conditions, alongside one report of missing personal belongings. A couple of reviewers acknowledge some caring individual staff members even as they warn others away from the facility.
The Good
- A few individual staff members described as genuinely caring
- Provides skilled nursing and rehab services
The Bad
- Multiple reports of slow call-bell response, some over 30 minutes
- Several reviewers describe unsanitary conditions, including urine odors and dirty tables
- One report of cockroaches near the kitchen
- Multiple mentions of falls linked to inadequate supervision or safety equipment
- One report of missing jewelry after a resident's death
- One reviewer called the administration unprofessional and lacking posted care policies
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is a senior living community in Lowell, Massachusetts offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Housekeeping, Emergency Call System and Private Bathroom. Families rate it 2.7 out of 5 across 42 reviews.
About Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is a skilled nursing / long term care community in Lowell, Massachusetts. The community is licensed for up to 169 residents.
Families rate Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing 2.7 out of 5 based on 42 Google reviews.
Contact the community directly to ask about availability, pricing, and tours, or browse the photos and reviews here to see if it could be the right fit for your family.
Types of Care at Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Emergency Call System
- Private Bathroom
- Wheelchair Accessible
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Housekeeping
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
Need help deciding?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with communities that fit. Free, and you choose who contacts you.
Help Me ChooseReviews of Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
2.7overall · 42 ratings combined
2.7★ on Google (42)
Undertheclouds 978
Nov 2025
The administrator is extremely unprofessional. There are no nursing procedures or policies posted anywhere, or on hand anywhere in the building as of this date. There are some genuinely good people there, but the bad outweighs the good. Ask any patient, or reference the reviews they themselves have left here on Google!
Bruuski
Jun 2025
Never mind nice clothing WITH labels attached disappearing. My mother entered Fairhaven dementia ward only a few months ago with a wedding band and mother's ring. Why did we not remove them? Because her arthritic fingers prohibited easy removal upon admittance. Rings FH denies she was wearing when admitted because they weren't on her property list. She falls ill and dies in less than 24 hours. "Where are my mother's rings; the ones I have pictures of her wearing 2 weeks ago while in the Fairhaven facility? Do they hold much value? Absolutely not. However, after being on my mother's finger >71 & 55 years respectively, you bet I'm angry!
Carlos Ortiz
Nov 2024
This place is a nightmare, and its 2-star rating is generous. My mother was here for rehab after surgery, and the experience was beyond appalling. The staff were not just unfriendly but outright disrespectful. When she called for help, it often took over 30+ minutes for anyone to respond. There was much more that is too much to list. This neglect led to multiple falls—completely unacceptable. The excuse of being understaffed doesn’t cut it anymore. You are responsible for people’s lives, and this level of care is disgraceful. If you love your family, keep them as far away from this facility as possible until they make improvements. To the ownership of Fairhaven: Take an honest look in the mirror. On your website it says “Fairhaven offers compassionate and excellent care for your loved ones…”. The majority of these reviews tell a different story, and there’s no way you entered this business aiming for a 2.6 out of 5. Take pride in what you do and make things right.
Mo Mclaughlin
Nov 2024
Please make sure if you have family or friends here that you are ALWAYS checking on them. This place does not take care of your loved ones. They do not change them. They let them stay in there own urine and feces for hours unless someone says something to them. They do not have their nail or toenails cut. They let their patients (known for falling) fall and even state (the director)they have the right to fall. Like anyone wants to fall and get hurt! This is an unacceptable! They do not put alarms on their beds to know when they fall out of bed as well as there are no rails on the beds to keep them from falling. Their doors are kept shut so how would they know if someone falls out of the bed? So patients could be stuck on the floor for God knows how long before they are helped! The whole locked unit wreaks of urine. Tables are always dirty. This is not a sanitary environment and can cause infections that your family might not survive from. Or elderly and veterans deserve better treatment! Please please please check on your loved ones and if you're able to help them try your best to get them to a place that actually cares for them! This place is NOT it! Added after automated response My review is accurate it's exactly what I have seen. There is no reason for me to call the director since nothing is done about the unsanitary care I've seen! Would love to see you pass a surprise inspection of any kind!
Government Inspection History
6 inspection visits in the last three years, 97 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Jan 12, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 29, 2025
Sep 26, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard35 citations
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Establish emergency prep training and testing.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Provide family notifications of emergency plan.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Provide a means of sharing information on occupancy/needs.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Provide primary/alternate means for communication.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Develop a communication plan.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Create arrangements with other facilities to receive patients.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 6, 2026
Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 6, 2026
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 8, 2025
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 6, 2026
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 6, 2026
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 6, 2026
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 10, 2026
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Meet requirements for sections of health care facilities separated by fire resistive construction.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 6, 2026
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 Nov 25, 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 Nov 25, 2025
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 Nov 25, 2025
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 25, 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 Nov 25, 2025
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 Nov 25, 2025
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 Nov 25, 2025
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 25, 2025
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 25, 2025
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 Nov 25, 2025
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 25, 2025
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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 25, 2025
Oct 23, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard33 citations
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 16, 2025
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Have an externally vented heating system.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Meet requirements for sections of health care facilities separated by fire resistive construction.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Have exits that are accessible at all times.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Establish emergency prep training and testing.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 22, 2024
Develop a communication plan.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 22, 2024
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 10, 2025
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 16, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 7, 2024
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 7, 2024
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 Dec 7, 2024
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 22, 2024
Develop Emergency Preparedness policies and procedures.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 22, 2024
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2024
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2024
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 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 Dec 7, 2024
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 Dec 7, 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 Dec 7, 2024
Ensure therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician and may be delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, to the extent allowed by State law.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2024
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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2024
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2024
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2024
Mar 28, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 18, 2024
Dec 19, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 19, 2024
Nov 15, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard26 citations
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Establish policies and procedures for sheltering.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Establish roles under a Waiver declared by secretary.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Install properly constructed and protected linen or trash chutes.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 22, 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 Dec 22, 2023
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, isolatedCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 22, 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 Dec 22, 2023
Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 22, 2023
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 Dec 22, 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 Dec 22, 2023
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 22, 2023
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 22, 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 Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing offer?
Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing located?
Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is located at 476 Varnum Avenue in Lowell, Massachusetts.
What do families say about Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing?
Reviews for Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing are overwhelmingly negative, with families describing serious lapses in hygiene, staffing, and basic care. Multiple reviewers cite slow response times, falls, and unsanitary conditions, alongside one report of missing personal belongings. A couple of reviewers acknowledge some caring individual staff members even as they warn others away from the facility.
How did Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing do on recent health and safety inspections?
Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing had 6 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 97 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 Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
Nearby Communities
Other senior living options within 25 miles of Lowell.
D’Youville Life & Wellness Community
Lowell, Massachusetts0 mi
4.2(52)
Assisted LivingMemory CareSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Lowell, Massachusetts0 mi
3.9(71)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
D'Youville Center For Advanced Therapy
Lowell, Massachusetts0 mi
3.1(16)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Princeton House Residential
Lowell, Massachusetts1 mi
4.5(2)
Assisted Living
Genesis HealthCare
Lowell, Massachusetts1 mi
4(1)
Assisted Living
Regalcare At Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts1.2 mi
3.7(45)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Prefer to stay home?
Home care agencies serving Lowell bring help to the house: daily living, companionship, and respite for family caregivers.
