On Medicare Special Focus status, a serious quality warning. Visit in person and ask tough questions before deciding.
based on 76 Google reviews
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These current public-data fields deserve follow-up with the facility and the official Medicare record. They are not a clinical risk score or a substitute for an in-person assessment.
Medicare Special Focus status indicates a history of serious quality problems and heightened oversight. Review the latest inspection records, ask what corrective actions remain open, and visit in person before deciding.
Blaire House of Tewksbury receives highly polarized feedback, with some families praising the warm, family-oriented environment and dedicated nursing staff, while others report serious concerns regarding neglect, hygiene, and communication. Recurring complaints focus on poor weekend staffing, lack of cleanliness, and issues with personal belongings going missing. Families considering this facility should be aware of the stark contrast between the positive experiences of some and the distressing reports of others.
Quality Themes
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Concerns
Rating Trends
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Distribution · 81 analyzed
This facility rarely responds to reviews.
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“The nurses are truly amazing. Every one of them are truly awesome at what they do and how they care for their patients.”
“The weekend, the place smells like bodily fluids...so they need to work on that. Their front desk receptionist-greeter, doesn’t greet you, she’s too busy on her cellphone looking down.”
“My grandfather has been here for at least a few years and in that time they have lost his clothes and underwear multiple times. I have brought him snacks and food and candy that always seems to get taken or “goes missing”.”
Both RN and total nursing hours are below the EveryPlace reference benchmarks. Ask the facility how it staffs each shift for current resident needs.
Reference benchmarks (0.75 RN and 4.1 total nursing hours per resident/day) are comparison targets, not current federal minimum requirements.
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
4
measures
13
measures
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents whose walking got worse
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Detailed Medicare record · up to 3-year lookback
Blaire House has a concerning pattern of recurring deficiencies across multiple care areas, with families filing complaint reports that triggered three inspections. The facility repeatedly struggles with care planning, safety supervision, fire safety systems, and nutrition services, with the same issues appearing across surveys from 2022 through 2025. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the persistent recurrence of problems in essential areas like resident safety and care planning suggests ongoing operational challenges that families should carefully consider.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Egress Deficiencies
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.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
Smoke Deficiencies
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
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.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Administration Deficiencies
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Construction Deficiencies
Meet requirements for sections of health care facilities separated by fire resistive construction.
Smoke Deficiencies
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Egress Deficiencies
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.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
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.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that corridors are separated from use areas by walls constructed to limit the passage of smoke.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
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.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
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.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Egress Deficiencies
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Dec 17, 2025
$67,340
Fine
Jan 22, 2024
$3,387
Blaire House of Tewksbury
for profit
Elder Services
6 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 2.3/5 · Rank 5 of 6 (Lowest rating)
Key personnel
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
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Google Reviews
76 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit blairehouseoftewksbury.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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