Brandon Woods of New Bedford
On Medicare Special Focus status, a serious quality warning. Visit in person and ask tough questions before deciding.
based on 13 Google reviews

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Quality Concerns Identified
Medicare inspection and quality data reveal areas that families should carefully evaluate before choosing this facility.
- Special Focus Facility (under heightened CMS scrutiny)
- Abuse citation on record
- Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
- Above-median deficiencies (46 vs median 7.0)
- High RN turnover (56%)
Bottom 25% in MA · Below recommended RN staffing · Above recommended total nurse staffing · Worst in ELDER SERVICES chain · $464,490 in fines · Special Focus Facility (CMS) · Abuse citation
What this means for your family
While some families report positive long-term care for dementia patients, the facility is currently facing serious allegations regarding medication management and administrative responsiveness. If you are considering this facility, we strongly recommend requesting a meeting with the Director to discuss their current policies on medication oversight and their process for handling medical transfer requests.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
13 reviews on Google“Brandon Woods of New Bedford receives highly polarized feedback, with some families praising the dedicated nursing staff for their long-term care of dementia patients, while others report severe systemic failures. Critical concerns include allegations of over-sedation, administrative negligence regarding medical transfers, and reports of poor facility hygiene and staffing issues.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Dedicated nursing staff on specific floors
- Dignified care for long-term dementia residents
- Accessible location for family visits
Concerns
- Allegations of over-sedation of residents (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
- Administrative negligence regarding medical records and transfers (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
- Poor facility hygiene and cleanliness (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 14 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility responds to some reviews.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1I noticed some families have shared how much they appreciate the dedicated nursing teams on certain floors; how do you ensure that same level of consistent care is felt across the entire facility?
- 2With the recent focus on improving health inspections, what specific steps is the administration taking to address cleanliness and facility maintenance?
- 3How does the nursing team manage medication administration and monitor for any side effects to ensure residents stay alert and engaged?
- 4Can you walk me through your process for managing medical records and ensuring smooth transitions during resident transfers?
- 5What kind of daily activities or social programs are available to keep residents active and connected with one another?
- 6How does the staff handle medical emergencies during the night or over the weekend when the administrative team might not be on-site?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“My mom has been under BW of New Bedford care for 3 years. At 96, dementia has progressed and she needs much assistance as this devastating disease has taken its toll. The staff has been wonderful and caring.”
“My mom has been at this location for a few years. I can honestly say the RNs/LPNs that Ive come in contact on the 1-2nd floor are great. They show a real concern for my mom.”
“It is a horrible place and their practice of sedating patients needs to be investigated by the government. Nearly everyone there is on sedatives.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026RN hours are below the national benchmark. RNs handle complex medical needs and medication, so ask about coverage during your visit.
Quality Measures
Quality Measures
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
5
measures
11
measures
1
measures
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents whose walking got worse
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
This facility has significant recurring deficiencies across multiple critical care areas, including families filing two complaints that resulted in inspection citations. The most persistent problems involve abuse and neglect prevention, medication management, and infection control - issues that have appeared across surveys from 2021 through 2024. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the pattern of repeated violations in essential safety areas raises concerns about sustained quality improvements.
Sep 16, 2025Complaint1
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Jun 12, 2025Complaint1
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Dec 16, 2024Routine54
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.
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 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 pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Administration Deficiencies
Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.
Administration Deficiencies
Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
Administration Deficiencies
Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Administration Deficiencies
Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.
Administration Deficiencies
Provide training in compliance and ethics.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
Administration Deficiencies
Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
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
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
Inform resident or representatives choice to enter into binding arbitration agreement and right to refuse.
Administration Deficiencies
Provide a neutral and fair arbitration process and agree to arbitrator and venue.
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.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
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
Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's 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.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Protect each resident from separation (from other residents, his/her room, or confinement to his/her room).
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
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.
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.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Develop Emergency Preparedness policies and procedures.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Develop a communication plan.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Establish emergency prep training and testing.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Smoke Deficiencies
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
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.
Aug 30, 2023Routine25
Services Deficiencies
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Report COVID19 data to residents and families.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Egress Deficiencies
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
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.
Egress Deficiencies
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
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.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Allow residents to easily view the nursing home's survey results and communicate with advocate agencies.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
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
Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Apr 2, 2021Routine33
Administration Deficiencies
Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Perform COVID19 testing on residents and staff.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Establish policies and procedures for sheltering.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Create arrangements with other facilities to receive patients.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Develop a communication plan.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Provide emergency officials' contact information.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Establish emergency prep training and testing.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Establish staff and initial training requirements.
Services Deficiencies
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
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
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
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 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.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Report COVID19 data to residents and families.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.
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
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
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 appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
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.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
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.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Dec 16, 2024
$464,490
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Brandon Woods of New Bedford
for profit
Chain Affiliation
Elder Services
6 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 2.3/5 · Rank 6 of 6 (Worst)
Ownership & Management
Key personnel
Contact
Get in Touch
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
13 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit brandonwoodsnewbedford.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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Safer Alternatives Nearby
Based on current clinical data, we identified 6 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.
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