Burcham Hills Retirement Center
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 255 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.
- Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
- Above-median deficiencies (14 vs median 8.0)
- High staff turnover (68%)
Bottom 25% in MI · Meets national RN staffing standard · Above recommended total nurse staffing · Worst in LIFE CARE SERVICES chain · $37,557 in fines
What this means for your family
Burcham Hills offers a beautiful environment and excellent social programming, making it a strong choice for independent living. However, families considering the rehabilitation or skilled nursing units should be cautious; multiple reviewers have reported critical issues with staffing levels and hygiene. We strongly recommend conducting a surprise visit and speaking directly with current residents' families about their experiences with care responsiveness.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
255 reviews on Google“Burcham Hills is a large, well-regarded retirement community that offers a full spectrum of care, from independent living condos to skilled nursing and rehabilitation. While many families praise the beautiful campus, engaging activities, and compassionate long-term care staff, there are significant, recurring reports of understaffing, slow response times, and occasional neglect in the rehabilitation and nursing units. Families should carefully weigh the positive social environment against these reported operational challenges.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Beautiful, well-maintained campus and facilities
- Engaging and diverse resident activities
- Compassionate and friendly long-term care staff
- Strong rehabilitation and therapy programs
Concerns
- Understaffing leading to slow response times and neglect (mentioned by 7 reviewers)
- Poor communication and coordination during discharge planning (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
- Instances of poor hygiene care and lack of supervision (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
- Difficulty with medication management and scheduling (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 363 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1Given the recent feedback regarding response times, what specific protocols or technology do you have in place to ensure residents receive timely assistance when they press their call buttons?
- 2I noticed the facility has a 4-star staffing rating, but some families have expressed concerns about consistency in care; how do you manage staff assignments to ensure residents receive reliable, attentive support throughout the day?
- 3With the CMS health inspection ratings in mind, could you walk us through your internal process for quality assurance and how you track improvements in areas like medication management?
- 4I see that you have a very active social calendar; how do you ensure that residents who may need extra supervision are still able to safely participate in these diverse activities?
- 5Communication is very important to our family, especially during transitions; could you explain how your team coordinates discharge planning and keeps families informed throughout the process?
- 6I appreciate that you engage with feedback online; how does that resident and family input directly influence the changes or improvements you make to daily operations?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“The nursing staff and techs, and physical/occupational therapists were so kind and very caring. Their admin staff go above and beyond!”
“Unfortunately, I believe he was released to go home very prematurely. He got home and could not walk or maneuver with his walker, he struggled going potty and just did not have needed physical strength.”
“My mother has been a resident the past 7 years... as my mother's health has changed, we have been able to add services while she remains in the same apartment. This makes the transitions easier.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026This facility meets the national staffing benchmarks. Higher staffing is linked to fewer falls and better day-to-day care.
Quality Measures
Quality Measures
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
9
measures
5
measures
3
measures
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents whose walking got worse
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
This facility has faced significant ongoing challenges with numerous complaints filed by families triggering inspections. The most frequent problem areas are accident prevention and safety supervision, medication management, and nursing staffing levels. Many safety and care issues have recurred across multiple surveys, indicating persistent difficulties in maintaining consistent quality standards despite corrections being made.
Mar 4, 2026Complaint2
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.
Dec 3, 2025Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
May 15, 2025Complaint6
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
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.
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.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
May 15, 2025Routine11
Smoke Deficiencies
Have an alternate power supply for its alarm system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
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.
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 treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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
Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
Mar 19, 2025Complaint1
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Jan 29, 2025Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Aug 8, 2024
$37,557
Payment Denial
May 24, 2024
25-day denial
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Burcham Hills Retirement Center
nonprofit
Chain Affiliation
Life Care Services
45 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 4.0/5 · Rank 19 of 20 (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
255 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit burchamhills.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.
Burcham Hills Retirement Center II
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