Quik Sawik
Mar 2026
Major care issues going on. Severe neglect and abuse. Ignores the treatment plans of patients stating things like "im the sheriff here" sadly place is a nightmare
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 123
- Medicare rating
- 1 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Partnership
- Certified beds
- 123
- Inspections
- View history (79 citations)
- Language support
- Staff arrange video calls for non-English-speaking residents' families
- Therapy services
- On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Operator network
- Managed by a multi-facility health care system since 1984
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews for Northwood are sharply divided: a cluster of detailed 1-star accounts describe serious sanitation, staffing, and safety concerns, while a few 5-star reviews single out a family-communication program and rehab therapy staff. Overall Google rating sits at 3.9 from 71 reviews, but the written feedback skews heavily toward alarming specifics rather than general satisfaction.
The Good
- Rehab therapy staff (PT/OT/speech) praised by families
- Staff help connect non-English-speaking residents with family via video calls
- Individual caregivers described as kind and attentive
- Part of a larger multi-facility health system continuum of care
The Bad
- Multiple reports of mice and cockroach infestations in rooms and kitchen
- Reports of call lights unanswered for an hour or more
- One report of staff distracted by phones/earpieces while preparing medications
- Reports of showers limited to once weekly and prolonged hot water outages
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is a senior living community in Lowell, Massachusetts offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Emergency Call System. Families rate it 3.9 out of 5 across 71 reviews.
About Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Lowell, Massachusetts provides skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. As part of Athena Health Care Systems' continuum of care, the facility enables residents to age in place without relocating as their care needs change.
The center offers skilled nursing services with 24-hour care and monitoring for those requiring regular support. Short-term residents recovering from hospital discharge receive rehabilitative therapy services on-site, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy as prescribed by physicians. Longer-term nursing home care is also available for those with ongoing care needs.
The facility features fully furnished private and semi-private rooms designed to create a calming and comfortable environment. Residents have access to on-site dining services, with nutritious meals served either in residents' units or in the dining room, and recreational activities throughout the facility.
The staff includes physicians, nurses, clinical staff, rehabilitation therapists, and ancillary team members who work with residents and families to monitor progress and guide recovery. Northwood is part of Athena Health Care Systems, a Connecticut-based management group established in 1984 that operates skilled nursing centers, hospice agencies, and private duty care services.
Types of Care at Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Emergency Call System
- Private Bathroom
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
Meals & Dining
- Restaurant style Dining Room
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
3.9overall · 71 ratings combined
3.9★ on Google (71)
Calan Hunter
Feb 2026
It is definitely full of mice and cockroaches. The worst part about it is you have to supply your own mouse traps. You can’t get the staff to reset them after they catch the mouse. Very frustrating A nursing facility is infested with mice and cockroaches.
Protect Our Veterans
Feb 2026
If you do any research at all, you’ll come to realize how terrible this rehab truly is. First and foremost, when you walk into the building, you have an immediate smell of urine and feces. The building is infested with mice and cockroaches, while sitting with my father this past weekend, mouse after mouse after mouse ran across the floor and into the radiator and the wall. There are mouse droppings all over my father‘s room, especially in the corners. When I have been there and watched the housekeeping staff, they make one pass in the middle of the broom and walk out of the room just as fast. Call Lights are lucky to be answered within an hour. I watched my father‘s roommate hit the call light, Wait an hour before someone arrived, and then was told he had to wait an hour and a half until she passed out meal trays. I sat in the room and watched a certified nursing assistant trying to figure out what a foot was because she had a language barrier. Most of the staff have trouble with the language. Cell phones by staff and Bluetooth earpieces seem to be mandatory. They are either on the phone or listening to music. I have seen nurses speaking on the phone while putting their meds together. Several individuals, including my father, take multiple pills, where they could easily make a mistake. I have tried to address the situation with the administration, to no avail. The food at Northwood is subpar at best. The selection is limited. You receive a full meal at lunch; But half the time you only receive a sandwich for dinner. The food is either undercooked or overcooked nine times out of 10 with boiled vegetables at every meal. My father is on dialysis. He needs to have as much protein as possible. You don’t receive a lot of protein with a 3 ounce piece of meat. He is supposed to receive double portions, but at least 40% of the time he does not. There is a big disparity between the staff. You have some incredible certified nurse assistants and you have night shift individuals who sleep all night. There are times I come into the facility early and I see my father’s multiple urine bottles completely full. I asked my father why they were not empty and he tells me that nobody comes into empty them even if he puts on the Call light. He falls asleep after waiting for over an hour before they finally show up and then they just come in, shut the call light off and don’t empty the bottles. He has also asked for a drink on several occasions and he always feels like he’s putting the CNA out. State law says each resident is supposed to be visited at least every two hours. You are lucky if they come in once during their shift. State law and the Department of Public Health states, “every individual is allowed to take a shower every single day.” Northwood only allows residents to shower once a week, even If you complain it falls on deaf ears. They went a whole month without any hot water. Now, you are lucky to have hot water once a week. The CNA‘s are constantly taking the hot water out of the water cooler and adding it to the water from the faucet. Does this sound like a place you would want to send you a loved one? If you notice the reviews, most of the good ones are from several years ago. The place should be shut down. It is infested and I mean infested with mice and roaches. Staff say the kitchen has more roaches than food items. I have taken several pictures of the mice and roaches. I can’t stress enough how unsanitary the place is. This place should be condemned and closed immediately! I see I will get the proverbial phone number to call and to talk it out. There is nothing to talk about. Northwood is absolutely terrible and should be embarrassed.
Ana Silva
May 2021
My cousin is a patient living in your facility. I live far away and had lost touch with him for many years. I was recently reconnected through the Ambassador program. Nadia has been instrumental in caring for my cousin and facilitating our reunion. I have been able to see and speak to my cousin through a social media platform, with Nadia's assistance. She is kind, caring, and takes excellent care of my cousin's needs. He is looking well cared for and healthy. I hope this program continues and is able to help more families in the future. Much appreciation from me and my family!
Maria McGarry
Oct 2020
My father had a stroke in August and is now under the care of Northwood after leaving Encompass. My family is thankful for the ambassador program as my father does not speak English, this program has made our lives easier and bearable as we are not able to visit. I can see how happy my father is when he is with Nadia (one of the Portuguese ambassadors), the pictures we have been receiving along with the daily face time visits cannot be put into words. My family is truly touched, it has made such a big difference in our lives. Good job for thinking outside the box and find a way to serve the patients with whom the primary language is Portuguese, making them feel at ease, comfortable. They are very positive, caring and happy ambassadors, which is great for the well-being of the permanent residents and those who are in recovery, you can tell they really love what they do and that makes such a big difference. I know that everyone is doing the best job possible, I chose the facility simply because of the reputation of its PT staff, having an ambassador program is a bonus. It does set the facility apart especially during these difficult times. It would be great if the facility had more ambassadors that could work on weekends as well. To be honest it is one of the best things I have encountered and something all facilities should implement, we are truly great-full The family of Osvaldo Espinola
Government Inspection History
4 inspection visits in the last three years, 79 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Aug 15, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard36 citations
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 Oct 5, 2025
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 5, 2025
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 5, 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 Feb 4, 2026
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 5, 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 Oct 5, 2025
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 5, 2025
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 Jan 23, 2026
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 5, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 5, 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 Jan 30, 2026
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 5, 2025
Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 5, 2025
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 11, 2025
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 11, 2025
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 5, 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 Sep 11, 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 Sep 11, 2025
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 Sep 11, 2025
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2025
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 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 Sep 11, 2025
Help the resident make transportation arrangements to and from radiology services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 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 Sep 11, 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 Sep 11, 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 Sep 11, 2025
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 2025
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 11, 2025
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2025
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2025
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 Sep 11, 2025
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2025
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 11, 2025
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 Sep 11, 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 Sep 11, 2025
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 11, 2025
Aug 29, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard24 citations
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 27, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 27, 2024
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 7, 2024
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 27, 2024
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 Sep 27, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 7, 2024
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 7, 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 Oct 7, 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 Sep 27, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 27, 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 Sep 27, 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 Oct 4, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 27, 2024
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 27, 2024
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 Sep 27, 2024
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 7, 2024
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 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 Oct 4, 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 Sep 27, 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 Sep 27, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 27, 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 Oct 4, 2024
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 27, 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 Sep 27, 2024
Jun 5, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
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 Jun 28, 2024
Aug 10, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard18 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 Sep 8, 2023
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 7, 2023
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 7, 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 Sep 7, 2023
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 7, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 8, 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 8, 2023
Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 19, 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 8, 2023
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 Sep 8, 2023
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 Sep 8, 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 8, 2023
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 8, 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 8, 2023
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 8, 2023
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 Sep 8, 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 8, 2023
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 Sep 8, 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 Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center offer?
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center located?
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is located at 1010 Varnum Avenue in Lowell, Massachusetts.
What do families say about Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center?
Reviews for Northwood are sharply divided: a cluster of detailed 1-star accounts describe serious sanitation, staffing, and safety concerns, while a few 5-star reviews single out a family-communication program and rehab therapy staff. Overall Google rating sits at 3.9 from 71 reviews, but the written feedback skews heavily toward alarming specifics rather than general satisfaction.
How did Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center do on recent health and safety inspections?
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center had 4 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 79 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 Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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