Buckingham at Norwood, the
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 305 Google reviews

Watch Buckingham at Norwood, the
Get an email when new inspections, ratings, or penalties are published for this facility.
We’ll only email you about this — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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)
- Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
- Low staffing rating (2/5 stars)
- Above-median deficiencies (15 vs median 7)
Bottom 25% in NJ · Below recommended RN staffing · Low staff turnover (stable workforce) · Worst in EXCELCARE chain · $101,674 in fines · Special Focus Facility (CMS)
What this means for your family
This facility is highly recommended for its exceptional recreation program and effective physical therapy, which significantly aid recovery and morale. However, families should be aware of reports regarding slow response times for basic needs; we advise you to ask management about their current staffing ratios and how they handle call bell response times during off-hours.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
305 reviews on Google“Buckingham at Norwood (also referred to as Excelcare) is widely praised for its dedicated rehabilitation team and exceptionally warm, engaging recreation staff, particularly Meena Kamath. While many families report high satisfaction with the cleanliness and the quality of care, a recurring subset of reviews highlights significant concerns regarding understaffing, slow response times for call bells, and inconsistent hygiene care for residents.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Highly engaging and compassionate recreation staff
- Dedicated and professional physical therapy team
- Clean and well-maintained facility environment
- Strong, supportive nursing and social work communication
Concerns
- Slow response times to call bells and requests for assistance (mentioned by 5 reviewers)
- Inconsistent hygiene and bathing frequency (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
- Understaffing leading to inadequate patient care (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 198 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1Given the facility's large capacity of 240 residents, what specific protocols are in place to ensure that call bells are answered promptly and that residents receive timely assistance?
- 2I noticed the facility has a very active recreation program; could you walk me through a typical daily activity schedule and how you tailor these programs to residents with different levels of mobility?
- 3With recent feedback regarding hygiene and bathing routines, could you explain the current system for tracking and ensuring that every resident receives their scheduled personal care?
- 4How does the nursing and social work team manage communication with families to ensure we are kept fully updated on our loved one's health status and any changes in their care plan?
- 5I see that the physical therapy team is highly regarded here; how do they coordinate with the nursing staff to ensure that the progress made during therapy sessions is maintained throughout the rest of the day?
- 6What is the facility's current strategy for managing staffing levels to ensure that residents receive consistent, high-quality care throughout all shifts?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“The therapists are dedicated and gentle in their dealing with patients. I would like to recognize Roma, Donna and Samantha who helped me recovering from my physical challenges.”
“My mom was brought here after having a stroke - and left here like SuperWoman! The nurses/doctors/therapists are all pros - they are extremely knowledgeable and very patient!”
“The staff has been very helpful with his admission and the Social and Head of Nursing has been amazingly informative with his care. The nurse staff has been equally amazing in bringing me up to date information on his condition.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Both RN and total nursing hours are below national benchmarks. This can mean less clinical attention per resident, so ask about their staffing plan.
Quality Measures
Quality Measures
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
11
measures
3
measures
3
measures
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents whose walking got worse
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents on antipsychotic medication
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
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
The Buckingham at Norwood shows recurring deficiencies across multiple surveys, with fire safety systems, care planning, and medication management being the most frequent problem areas. While all 46 deficiencies have been corrected by the facility, several issues persist across surveys including fire alarm maintenance, resident assessments, and emergency preparedness protocols, suggesting ongoing challenges with maintaining compliance standards.
Apr 2, 2026Routine11
Egress Deficiencies
Have stairways and smokeproof enclosures used as exits that meet safety requirements.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
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 enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Administration Deficiencies
Ensure the facility is licensed under applicable State and local law and operates and provides services in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes, and with accepted professional standards.
Apr 2, 2026Complaint1
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Nov 7, 2024Routine32
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Ensure that nurse aides who have worked more than 4 months, are trained and competent; and nurse aides who have worked less than 4 months are enrolled in appropriate training.
Administration Deficiencies
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Create arrangements with other facilities to receive patients.
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.
Egress Deficiencies
Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
Egress Deficiencies
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
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
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Services Deficiencies
Have elevators that firefighters can control in the event of a fire.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
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.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
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.
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 treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Post nurse staffing information every day.
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.
Jul 14, 2023Routine7
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
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.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Nov 7, 2024
$76,226
Fine
Jul 14, 2023
$25,448
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Buckingham at Norwood, the
for profit
Chain Affiliation
Excelcare
8 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 2.4/5 · Rank 9 of 9 (Worst)
Ownership & Management
Owners
Jacobs, Hyman
Owner
Jacobs, Livia
Owner
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
305 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit excelcarenorwood.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
EveryPlace is a research directory. Facility information is compiled from public sources — Medicare.gov, state licensing portals, Google Places, and publicly available street-level imagery. Listings do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or advertisement, and we do not accept payment for placement. Families should verify all details directly with the facility and the original sources linked above before making any care decisions. See our Research Policy for our editorial standards, correction process, and image-removal policy.
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.
Andrus on Hudson
4.5 miNursing Home · Hastings on Hudson, NY
Phnj, LLC
5.1 miMemory Care · Hillsdale, NJ
Brightview Tenafly, LLC
5.2 miAssisted Living · Tenafly, NJ
Palisade Gardens
6.0 miAssisted Living · Yonkers, NY
Lincoln Rest Home
6.1 miAssisted Living · Ardsley, NY
Promenade at Chestnut Ridge
6.5 miAssisted Living · Chestnut Ridge, NY