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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Handmaker Home for the Aging

On Medicare Special Focus status, a serious quality warning. Visit in person and ask tough questions before deciding.

2221 North Rosemont Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 8571294 bedsLicensed & Active
2/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Handmaker Home for the Aging Nursing Home in Tucson, AZ — Street View
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10/ 10
critical Risk

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 (2/5 stars)
  • Low staffing rating (2/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (28 vs median 6.0)
  • High staff turnover (61%)

Bottom 25% in AZ · Critically understaffed (RN) · Best in POLLAK HOLDINGS chain · $4,194 in fines · Special Focus Facility (CMS) · Abuse citation

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

This facility has areas of concern that warrant careful consideration. Registered Nurse hours are only 46% of the national benchmark, which can affect medication management and response times. The facility has 28 deficiencies, which is above the state average. This facility is on Medicare Special Focus status, indicating a pattern of serious quality issues. We recommend asking the administrator directly: "How are you addressing recent staffing shortfalls?" These are not reasons to panic, but they are reasons to ask tough questions and visit in person.

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.34hrs
46%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.77hrs
92%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
61%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
50%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

Both 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

Medicare Rating
5/ 5
Better Than Avg

11

measures

Worse Than Avg

4

measures

Mixed Results

2

measures

Long-Stay Residents
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.0%
Better than Avg
Here
0.0%
US
12.1%
AZ
4.0%
Pima
4.7%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility2.5%
Better than Avg
Here
2.5%
US
14.4%
AZ
10.6%
Pima
13.0%
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility13.7%
Better than Avg
Here
13.7%
US
19.5%
AZ
20.6%
Pima
19.7%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
93.4%
AZ
97.0%
Pima
97.7%
💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility16.2%
Worse than Avg
Here
16.2%
US
15.4%
AZ
11.2%
Pima
14.2%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility10.4%
Better than Avg
Here
10.4%
US
15.3%
AZ
13.5%
Pima
14.4%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility99.7%
Better than Avg
Here
99.7%
US
81.8%
AZ
91.3%
Pima
91.4%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility93.4%
Better than Avg
Here
93.4%
US
79.7%
AZ
87.3%
Pima
90.9%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.3%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
1.3%
US
1.6%
AZ
1.1%
Pima
0.8%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

28deficiencies
1penalties
Well above state avg (7.6)
22 complaint-triggered
$4,194 in fines

Handmaker Home has serious ongoing concerns about protecting residents from abuse and neglect, with multiple families filing complaints that triggered investigations. The most recurring problem areas are resident protection from abuse/neglect, medication management, and fire safety systems. Recent inspections show some uncorrected deficiencies including failure to protect residents from abuse, though most violations have been addressed with correction plans.

Jan 23, 2026Complaint
2
0600MinorCorrected

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.

0689MinorCorrected

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 24, 2025Complaint
1
0600MinorCorrected

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.

Nov 12, 2025Complaint
1
0600MinorCorrected

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.

Sep 12, 2025Complaint
6
0600SevereCorrected

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.

0607ModerateCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

0609ModerateCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

0610ModerateCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

0657MinorCorrected

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.

0835MinorCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Administer the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.

Mar 19, 2025Complaint
1
0600MinorCorrected

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.

Jan 22, 2025Complaint
3
0677ModerateCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

0609MinorCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

0610MinorCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

State Inspection History

State Inspections

Source: AZ State Licensing Agency

18total
61deficiencies
Feb 26, 2026Complaint
CleanReport

An onsite complaint survey was conducted on January 30, 2026 for the investigation of the intake #2744871. Handmaker home for the aging is in compliance with 42 CFR Part 483, Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities.

Sep 24, 2025Other
NFPA 101 FederalCorrected Sep 25, 2025

Based on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to have an annual fuel quality test completed for the facility's diesel generator. Failure to conduct an annual fuel quality test for the emergency generator could result in harm to patients during emergency system failures.

Sep 8, 2025Complaint

The complaint survey was conducted on September 8, 2025, through September 12, 2025, of the following complaint numbers:  2608157, 00143284, 2608481, and 00143337.  The following deficiencies were cited: 

A governing authority shall: R9-10-403.A.6. Designate, in writing, an acting administrator licensed according to A.R.S. § Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 6, if the administrator is: R9-10-403.A.6.a. R9-10-403.A.6.a.Corrected Sep 13, 2025

Based on interviews, facility documentation and postings, the facility failed to ensure the acting assistant administrator was licensed and duly appointed by the governing authority.  Findings include:

12(b) The facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures that: §483.12(b)(1) Prohibit and prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents and misappropriation of resident Develop/Implement Abuse/Neglect Policies - 0607 FederalCorrected Oct 30, 2025

Based on clinical record reviews, interviews, and review of facility policy and procedures, the facility failed to implement their policies and procedures on resident protection, abuse reporting and investigation of an allegation of verbal and physical abuse for one resident (#1) by another resident (#2). The deficient practice resulted in further abuse of resident #1 Findings include:

12(c) In response to allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment, the facility must: §483.12(c)(1) Ensure that all alleged violations involving abuse, neglect, exploitation or mistreReporting of Alleged Violations - 0609 FederalCorrected Sep 26, 2025

Based on clinical record reviews, interviews, and review of facility policy and procedures, the facility failed to ensure allegations of verbal and physical abuse of one resident (#1) by another resident (#2) was reported to the State Agency (SA) and Adult Protective Services (APS). The deficient practice could result in abuse not investigated and resident not protected from further abuse.Findings include:

12(c) In response to allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment, the facility must: §483.12(c)(2) Have evidence that all alleged violations are thoroughly investigated. §483.12(c)(Investigate/Prevent/Correct Alleged Violation - 0610 FederalCorrected Sep 26, 2025

Based on clinical record reviews, interviews and review of facility documentation, policies and procedures, the facility failed to ensure allegations of verbal and physical abuse of one resident (#1) by another resident (#2) were thoroughly investigated and appropriate corrective actions were taken. The deficient practice could result in resident not protected from further abuse.Findings include:

21(b) Comprehensive Care Plans §483.21(b)(2) A comprehensive care plan must be- (i) Developed within 7 days after completion of the comprehensive assessment. (ii) Prepared by an interdisciplinary teamCare Plan Timing and Revision - 0657 FederalCorrected Sep 13, 2025

Based on clinical record review, staff and family interviews, facility documentation and policy review, the facility failed to ensure the care plan for one resident (#2) was revised with interventions to address the resident's verbal and physical aggression towards other residents. The deficient practice could result in resident not meeting their needs according to their comprehensive assessment.Â

70 Administration. A facility must be administered in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psyAdministration - 0835 FederalCorrected Sep 13, 2025

Based on interviews, facility documentation and postings, the facility failed to ensure the assistant administrator was duly appointed by the governing board. The deficient practice could contribute to actions, inactions or decisions regarding facility deficiencies, as related to attaining or maintaining the highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident.Findings include:

An administrator shall ensure that: R9-10-410.B.3. A resident is not subjected to: R9-10-410.B.3.a. Abuse;R9-10-410.B.3.a.Corrected Oct 30, 2025

Based on observations, clinical record reviews, interviews, and review of facility policy and procedures, the facility failed to protect the rights of one resident (#1) to be free from verbal and physical abuse by another resident (#2). Findings include:

An administrator shall ensure that a care plan for a resident: R9-10-414.B.2. Is reviewed and revised based on any change to the resident&#39;s comprehensive assessment; andR9-10-414.B.2.Corrected Sep 13, 2025

Based on clinical record review, staff and family interviews, facility documentation and policy review, the facility failed to ensure the care plan for one resident (#2) was revised with interventions to address the resident's verbal and physical aggression towards other residents.Â

An administrator shall ensure that: R9-10-403.C.2. Policies and procedures for physical health services and behavioral health services are established, documented, and implemented to protect the heaR9-10-403.C.2.b.Corrected Oct 30, 2025

Based on record reviews, interviews, and review of facility policy and procedures, the facility failed to implement their policies and procedures on resident protection, abuse reporting and investigation of an allegation of verbal and physical abuse for one resident (#1) by another resident (#2). Findings include:

If abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a resident is alleged or suspected to have occurred before the resident was admitted or while the resident is not on the premises and not receiving services from R9-10-403.E.2.Corrected Sep 26, 2025

Based on clinical record reviews, interviews, and review of facility policy and procedures, the facility failed to ensure allegations of verbal and physical abuse of one resident (#1) by another resident (#2) was reported to the State Agency (SA) and Adult Protective Services (APS). Findings include:

If an administrator has a reasonable basis, according to A.R.S. § 13-3620 or 46-454, to believe that abuse, neglect or exploitation has occurred on the premises or while a resident is receiving servicR9-10-403.F.5.a.Corrected Sep 26, 2025

Based on clinical record reviews, interviews and review of facility documentation, policies and procedures, the facility failed to ensure allegations of verbal and physical abuse of one resident (#1) by another resident (#2) were thoroughly investigated and appropriate corrective actions were taken.Findings include:

12 Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation The resident has the right to be free from abuse, neglect, misappropriation of resident property, and exploitation as defined in this subpart. This inFree from Abuse and Neglect - 0600 FederalCorrected Oct 30, 2025

Based on observations, clinical record reviews, interviews, and review of facility policy and procedures, the facility failed to protect the rights of one resident (#1) to be free from verbal and physical abuse by another resident (#2). The deficient practice resulted in psychosocial harm to resident #1 and the potential for abuse of other residents.  As a result, the condition of Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) and Substandard Quality of Care was identified.Findings include:

Mar 19, 2025Complaint
CleanReport

An onsite complaint survey was conducted on March 19, 2025 for the investigation of the intake: 00122939. The following deficiencies were cited:

Mar 11, 2025Complaint
CleanReport

An onsite complaint survey was conducted on March 11, 2025 for the investigation of intake # 00116517. There were no deficiencies cited.

Feb 21, 2025Complaint
CleanReport

An onsite complaint survey was conducted on February 21, 2025 through February 24, 2025 for the investigation of intake # AZ00223518. There were no deficiencies cited.

Feb 3, 2025Complaint
CleanReport

An onsite complaint survey was conducted on February 3, 2025. There are no deficiencies cited.

Jan 22, 2025Complaint

The onsite investigation of intake AZ00207198, AZ00202390, AZ00189790, AZ00221730, AZ00189804, and AZ00204965 was conducted on January 22, 2025 and January 24, 2025-. The following deficiencies were cited:

An administrator shall ensure that:R9-10-403.C.5.a.

Violation cited

An administrator shall ensure that a care plan for a resident:R9-10-414.B.3.b.

Violation cited

If an administrator has a reasonable basis, according to A.R.S. § 13-3620 or 46-454, to believe that abuse, neglect or exploitation has occurred on the premises or while a resident is receiving servicR9-10-403.F.2.a.

Violation cited

If an administrator has a reasonable basis, according to A.R.S. § 13-3620 or 46-454, to believe that abuse, neglect or exploitation has occurred on the premises or while a resident is receiving servicR9-10-403.F.5.a.

Violation cited

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Handmaker Home for the Aging

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Pollak Holdings

Chain Size

6 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 1.8/5 · Rank 3 of 5 (Best)

Ownership & Management

Key personnel

Ash, BruceOfficer / DirectorWexler, AllisonOfficer / DirectorBregman, PhilipOfficer / DirectorKohn, BrianOfficer / DirectorPollak, ElieOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.

References & Resources

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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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