Olivia M
Jan 2026
The nurses and nursing assistants are lovely here, the administration leaves much to be desired. 🤷🏻♀️ what can you do.
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 130
- Medicare rating
- 1 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Limited Liability company
- Certified beds
- 130
- Inspections
- View history (80 citations)
- Licensed capacity
- Licensed for up to 130 residents
- Family notification concern
- Families reportedly not called before hospital transfers
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews of Merrimack Valley Health Center are sharply divided: some families praise the kindness of nurses, aides, and physical therapists, while others describe serious lapses in nursing care, communication, and administration. Multiple reports describe understaffing and families not being notified when a loved one's condition worsened or when they were sent to the hospital. The community holds a 2.4 out of 5 rating from 27 Google reviews.
The Good
- Nurses and aides described as kind and caring
- Physical therapy praised by a reviewer
- One family said facility was kept very clean
- Staff took good care of father, one reviewer said
The Bad
- Multiple reports of families not notified before hospital transfers
- Several reviewers cite understaffing and limited nursing presence
- One report of poor communication from physicians and administration
- One report describes disrespectful treatment of a sleeping patient
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Merrimack Valley Health Center is a senior living community in Amesbury, Massachusetts offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Emergency Call System, Wheelchair Accessible and 24-Hour Staff. Families rate it 2.4 out of 5 across 27 reviews.
About Merrimack Valley Health Center
Merrimack Valley Health Center is a skilled nursing / long term care community in Amesbury, Massachusetts. The community is licensed for up to 130 residents.
Families rate Merrimack Valley Health Center 2.4 out of 5 based on 27 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 Merrimack Valley Health Center
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Emergency Call System
- Wheelchair Accessible
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Merrimack Valley Health Center
2.4overall · 27 ratings combined
2.4★ on Google (27)
Toni D-A
Feb 2025
I'm mortified about this place. It smells every time I go visit, no fresh air that comes through this place. The Aids that work in bring other Aids in to show one patient didn't have panties on and they all laughed at her while she slept :-( Then one nurse tells the patients to come back after 2pm to have their sugar tested when it should be test before they eat lunch. And yes, I have spoken to the nurses and Bob Barker just for him to be rude. That are not allowed to a walker (and my family member can barely walk and they need to have a permission slip, WHAT WHY??? She not even allowed to use her asthma pump without having to ask to use and then make to wait WHAT!!! Don't send your loved ones here
Jill
Jan 2023
My father was sent here after promises of "new management." The reality--this place is the worst, with one exception. The PT seemed good, so shout out to the physical therapists. But that is a very small part of what you are getting. There is no care and very little nursing. Maybe there was a physician who breezed through with a superficial review of my dad's situation? Hard to know because they didn't communicate with him or us. Nurses seemed to be few and far between and certainly there was limited to no interest in the well-being of the patients. The facility is clearly understaffed. On one visit I stayed for 3 hours. There was one nurse, who stood in the hallway on a computer the entire time. No interaction with patients whatsoever. My dad eventually was rushed to the hospital after 2 weeks and he passed away the next day. Not only should that not have happened, no one from Merrimack/Vero even called us to let us know he was sent to the hospital. This facility should be closed. Please take this review to heart and do not make the same mistake we did!! Note: they have a one star Medicare rating as well-had I not been falsely reassured about the changes that were being made, I never would have sent my dad here. Regret to last a lifetime.
Shrijnana Sering
Jan 2023
Poor medical care and callous administration. My father was there for a few weeks to receive respite care. While there his health precipitously declined, which was not cared for effectively by the medical staff. The most egregious aspects of our family's experience was when they finally recognized the seriousness of his decline and sent him to the emergency room, they did not notify any family members. By the time the emergency room staff contacted us he was already unconscious and we missed the opportunity to say good bye. No one ever reached out to us to express condolences. Avoid this place at all costs; they should be shut down.
Dale Contarino
Dec 2019
The people that work at this Nursing Home are the best. They are very kind, friendly and have great attitudes. They took very good care of my Father. He really loved the people and the room he was in. They keep the place very clean. I highly recommend Merrimack Valley Health Center.
Government Inspection History
7 inspection visits in the last three years, 80 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
May 20, 2026Health Complaint3 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 21, 2026
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 8, 2026
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 Apr 8, 2026
Mar 24, 2026Health Complaint2 citations
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 Apr 28, 2026
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 28, 2026
Feb 3, 2026Health Complaint2 citations
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 Feb 23, 2026
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 23, 2026
May 29, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard29 citations
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 8, 2025
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 11, 2025
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 11, 2025
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 Jul 11, 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 Jul 11, 2025
Have elevators that firefighters can control in the event of a fire.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 11, 2025
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 11, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 11, 2025
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 Jul 11, 2025
Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 11, 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 Jul 11, 2025
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 11, 2025
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 Jul 8, 2025
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 11, 2025
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 8, 2025
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 Jul 8, 2025
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 Jul 8, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 8, 2025
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 8, 2025
Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 8, 2025
Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 8, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 8, 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, isolatedCorrected Jul 8, 2025
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 8, 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 Jul 8, 2025
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 Jul 8, 2025
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 Jul 8, 2025
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 Jul 8, 2025
Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 8, 2025
Feb 11, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 18, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 18, 2025
Jun 25, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard17 citations
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Severity K of L: immediate jeopardy, patternCorrected Aug 6, 2024
Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
Severity K of L: immediate jeopardy, patternCorrected Aug 6, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity K of L: immediate jeopardy, patternCorrected Aug 6, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 13, 2024
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 13, 2024
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 13, 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 Aug 6, 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 Aug 6, 2024
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 6, 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 Aug 6, 2024
Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 6, 2024
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 Aug 6, 2024
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 6, 2024
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 6, 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 Aug 6, 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 Aug 6, 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 Aug 6, 2024
Jul 28, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard25 citations
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 1, 2023
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 1, 2023
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 1, 2023
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 Sep 1, 2023
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 Sep 1, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2023
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 Sep 1, 2023
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 Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 2023
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, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2023
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 2023
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 Sep 1, 2023
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2023
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 2023
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 2023
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 2023
Have elevators that firefighters can control in the event of a fire.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 2023
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2023
Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2023
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 Sep 1, 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 Merrimack Valley Health Center offer?
Merrimack Valley Health Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Merrimack Valley Health Center located?
Merrimack Valley Health Center is located at 22 Maple Street in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
What do families say about Merrimack Valley Health Center?
Reviews of Merrimack Valley Health Center are sharply divided: some families praise the kindness of nurses, aides, and physical therapists, while others describe serious lapses in nursing care, communication, and administration. Multiple reports describe understaffing and families not being notified when a loved one's condition worsened or when they were sent to the hospital. The community holds a 2.4 out of 5 rating from 27 Google reviews.
How did Merrimack Valley Health Center do on recent health and safety inspections?
Merrimack Valley Health Center had 7 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 80 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 Merrimack Valley Health Center?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Merrimack Valley Health Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Merrimack Valley Health Center? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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