Ginger Vannostrand
Oct 2025
Wonderful, caring staff! Dad is so happy there!
Sandy River Center
119 Livermore Falls Road4.2(67 ratings)· Farmington average: 3.9
Part of Genesis HealthCare · 137 communities · 4.1★ average
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 82
- Medicare rating
- 2 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Corporation
- Certified beds
- 82
- Inspections
- View history (67 citations)
- Veteran care
- VA Contracted facility for veteran benefits
- Rehab focus
- Specializes in joint replacement and amputation recovery
- Short-term stays
- Offers respite care in addition to long-term stays
- Security feature
- Alarm system for residents with cognitive deficits
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews for Sandy River Center are sharply divided: some families describe a clean, caring environment where a parent was happy and well looked after, while others report serious lapses in care, hygiene, and communication. The facility specializes in skilled nursing and orthopedic rehabilitation, but multiple reports raise concerns about staffing, cleanliness, and discharge practices.
The Good
- Staff described as caring and responsive by some families
- Facility called clean and well cared for
- Specializes in orthopedic and joint replacement rehab
- Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance
- VA Contracted for veteran care
The Bad
- One detailed report of an unsafe, poorly documented discharge
- One reviewer described strong urine odor and lack of cleanliness
- One report of patients left in soiled diapers for extended periods
- One report of overheated rooms not adjusted despite complaints
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Sandy River Center is a senior living community in Farmington, Maine offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 67 reviews.
About Sandy River Center
Sandy River Center is a skilled nursing facility in Farmington, Maine offering post-hospital short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term and respite care. The facility is dedicated to serving the medical and rehabilitation needs of individuals recovering from illness or injury.
The center specializes in orthopedic rehabilitation, including joint replacement, injuries, and amputation recovery. Sandy River Center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. The facility includes an alarm system to aid in the security of residents with cognitive deficits.
The clinical and administrative team includes experienced healthcare professionals. The facility's leadership and care staff focus on quality of life outcomes and geriatric care, with staff members bringing extensive experience in nursing, palliative care, and internal medicine. The caring attitude of the daily staff, including CNAs, medical technicians, and nursing personnel, is highlighted as a key strength of the center.
Types of Care at Sandy River 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)
- Security
Activities
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Sandy River Center
4.2overall · 67 ratings combined
4.2★ on Google (67)
Serena Perrault
Aug 2025
It was my mother's first time at this facility, the first few days seemed great. Everyone was very nice, or so it seemed. After only 10 days of rehab, Ashley Frost the social worker called me to tell me my mother made progress, was walking 30ft on her own, was doing everything independently and was ready to return home as insurance wouldn't pay anymore where she was at a baseline, not making any more progress. To our surprise - my mother entered the facility from the hospital reportedly walking 30ft to the bathroom & Sandy River proceeded with an unsafe discharge while she had declined significantly walking less than 2ft to a commode at time of pickup for discharge. She couldn't hold a conversation without vomiting profusely. We had no choice but to take her to the emergency room because she was vomiting, extremely ill, had a split lip, two lacerations on her face, abrasions on her hands and even stated herself that she felt unsafe to return home in her worsening condition. My mother couldn't even remember how she got the wounds either. They falsified documentation stating my mother 'made some progress' & was 'safe' to return home while being completely inaccurate and the complete opposite of what the situation actually was, which is completely illegal & inexcusably wrong. They also failed to report her complaints for 4 DAYS prior to her discharge of vomiting, worsening nausea, headaches, persistent weakness, inability to hold down fluids and other symptoms. If we had taken her home instead of to the emergency room & something had happened to her Sandy River would have been completely liable for that. She almost fell while transferring to her commode next to her bed in the emergency room & she would have successfully fell had I not have been right there to assist her. She wasn't in ANY condition to be discharged home, quite frankly they should have given her further medical attention for her worsening condition. The emergency department also has record that her condition worsened significantly from her 10 short days at Sandy River. Sandy River & Ashley Frost specifically are negligent for proceeding with an unsafe discharge, worsening her condition, falsifying medical documents, violating her patient rights by not allowing either of us to appeal her discharge & refusing the opportunity to, even after I specifically asked her options & was told by Ashley Frost that my mother didn't have any other options but to return home due to her improved condition when that was not even close to true or accurate. The nurse on shift during her discharge even stated Ashley Frost was supposed to inform us of a date we had to appeal by but she failed to mention that we even had the right to appeal & purposely avoided informing her caregiver of her options. My mother shouldn't be admitted in the hospital awaiting progress to her condition & acceptance into another facility for the rehabilitation she should have rightfully received the first time due to their negligence, ignorance & malpractice. Her hospital providers even stated Sandy River did NOT do their jobs & ultimately failed this patient. Now they're trying to get her back into rehabilitation & Sandy River immediately refused her back, losing their opportunity to try to right their wrongs & actually do their jobs this time. Which is totally fine with us because the last thing we want is for my mother or any patient to get care less than they deserve. I could go on & on about this horrendous experience, but I would never recommend this facility for any patient/loved one! Full of completely incompetent 'providers' who couldn't care less about the safety or well-being of their patients/residents. This is why we have little to no faith in the healthcare system anymore. I refuse to stay quiet further allowing or excusing this type of treatment/behavior. There's absolutely no excuse.
Robert Grover
Apr 2025
My Mom's first time here, first day. Staff and administrators were helpful and responsive to Mom’s needs and our questions. Facility is clean, well cared for. I am confident my Mom will be well cared for
jessica hutchinson
Dec 2024
Visit went well! Signing in & out was a little bit different than I'm use to! I do understand why it's done though! Suggestion: a footstool for younger children when they sign in with the kiosk & have to have their picture taken would be helpful! I had to hold my son up in order for it to work & take his picture! It wasn't the easiest task!
Ann M
Nov 2024
This place is disgusting, lack of care, compassion, a very strong pungent odor of urine, patients not receiving post operative care, sitting in bed for over 24 hours in the same adult diaper when they are supposed to be assisted to use a commode. When I inquired I was told " you do not want these CNA's helping people to the commode" But the nurse I was talking to just walked out of the room and didnt help. The heat in the room was stifling and told both my family member and the roommate said they cannot sleep its so hot, I asked about being adjusted and I was told "it cannot be turned down." It was 85 and set on 75. How unhealthy is that? This place needs a good cleaning, staff needs training on how to actually care for patients with skills, dignity, compassion and empathy. I don't care if you are short staffed, stop accepting patients if you cannot give them the care that they require and letting them decide what they will and will not receive. I've never seen staff at a facility so lax and uncaring. I feel for the patients who do not have family advocating for them to get the care they deserve. The most attention my family member received was when they were discussing payment and money!! Other than that they are just a room number. I'm sure there will be a follow-up on this review telling me to call or email with my concerns. They know all of my concerns. If they cannot fix them at that level, then what would it do to call an 800 number and talk to someone who has no clue. After seeing all of the other negative reviews and nothing has changed, they do not care and nothing will be done. The State of Maine is the only 800 number I'll be calling. If this is a suggestion for a family member to reside here permanently or temporarily, I hope you can find an alternative. I've been in a lot of facilities and this is by far the worst. They would get better care in a prison or a dog shelter! This place needs to be shut down and reorganized!! This facility does not look anything like the photos. My #1 question is, would Bob Ritz the CEO put his parents in a facility like this?
Government Inspection History
9 inspection visits in the last three years, 67 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Nov 25, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 5, 2026
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 5, 2026
Sep 18, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard13 citations
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 10, 2025
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 10, 2025
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 10, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 20, 2025
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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 20, 2025
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 20, 2025
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 10, 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 Oct 20, 2025
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 Oct 20, 2025
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 10, 2025
Have exits that are accessible at all times.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 10, 2025
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 20, 2025
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 20, 2025
Jul 30, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity J of L: immediate jeopardy, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionPast Non-Compliance
Aug 8, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard25 citations
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 9, 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 Sep 9, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 9, 2024
Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 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 Sep 9, 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 9, 2024
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 2024
Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 2024
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 2024
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 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 Sep 9, 2024
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 2024
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 23, 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 Sep 9, 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 Sep 9, 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 9, 2024
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 23, 2024
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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 23, 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 Aug 23, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 23, 2024
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 23, 2024
Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 23, 2024
Have a battery powered remote alarm panel in a location accessible by operating personnel.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 23, 2024
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 23, 2024
Apr 29, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 7, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 7, 2024
Oct 3, 2023Health Complaint3 citations
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 15, 2023
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 15, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 15, 2023
Sep 12, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 6, 2023
Jul 20, 2023Health Complaint2 citations
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 25, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 25, 2023
Oct 28, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard18 citations
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 7, 2022
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 6, 2022
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 6, 2022
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 6, 2022
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 Dec 6, 2022
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 Dec 6, 2022
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 Dec 6, 2022
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 6, 2022
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 6, 2022
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 6, 2022
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 Dec 6, 2022
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 28, 2022
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 7, 2022
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 Nov 28, 2022
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 6, 2022
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 28, 2022
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 6, 2022
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 6, 2022
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 Sandy River Center offer?
Sandy River Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Sandy River Center located?
Sandy River Center is located at 119 Livermore Falls Road in Farmington, Maine.
What do families say about Sandy River Center?
Reviews for Sandy River Center are sharply divided: some families describe a clean, caring environment where a parent was happy and well looked after, while others report serious lapses in care, hygiene, and communication. The facility specializes in skilled nursing and orthopedic rehabilitation, but multiple reports raise concerns about staffing, cleanliness, and discharge practices.
How did Sandy River Center do on recent health and safety inspections?
Sandy River Center had 9 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 67 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 Sandy River Center?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Sandy River Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Sandy River Center? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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