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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Humboldt House Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

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

64 Hager Street, Hamlin Park Historic District · Buffalo, NY 14208173 bedsLicensed & Active
2/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
3.1/5

based on 161 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Humboldt House Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Nursing Home in Buffalo, NY — Street View
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8/ 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)
  • Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
  • Low staffing rating (2/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (15 vs median 6.0)
  • High staff turnover (58%)

Bottom 25% in NY · Critically understaffed (RN) · Worst in THE SHERMAN FAMILY chain · $375,976 in fines · Special Focus Facility (CMS)

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

While the physical therapy department is frequently praised for helping patients recover, the facility suffers from persistent, severe issues regarding cleanliness and staff responsiveness. If you choose this facility, you must be a highly proactive advocate for your loved one, as communication and basic care standards appear to be inconsistent.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

161 reviews on Google
Humboldt House Rehabilitation and Nursing Center receives highly polarized feedback, with many families reporting severe neglect, unsanitary conditions, and unresponsive staff. While a subset of reviewers praises the physical therapy department and specific individual staff members, these positive experiences are frequently overshadowed by reports of poor hygiene, slow call-bell response times, and communication failures.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food2.0Staff4.0Clean1.0Activities5.0Meds2.0MemoryN/AComms3.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Highly regarded physical therapy department
  • Specific, dedicated individual nursing aides
  • Helpful and welcoming front desk staff
  • Recent improvements in facility atmosphere noted by some

Concerns

  • Unsanitary conditions and persistent urine odors (mentioned by 18 reviewers)
  • Understaffing and slow response to call bells (mentioned by 14 reviewers)
  • Staff observed using phones instead of providing care (mentioned by 8 reviewers)
  • Cold, poor quality, or late food service (mentioned by 7 reviewers)
  • Lack of communication with families regarding medical status (mentioned by 6 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'18(18)'20(3)'22(14)'24(41)'26(8)

Distribution · 165 analyzed

5
64
4
28
3
4
2
4
1
65

How They Respond to Reviews

0%response rate

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1I understand the physical therapy department is highly regarded here; how do you integrate that therapy schedule into the residents' daily routines to ensure they stay active?
  • 2We have heard that some families have had difficulty getting timely updates on their loved one's medical status; what is your specific process for keeping families informed about changes in care?
  • 3With a large facility of 173 residents, how do you ensure that staff are consistently available to respond to call bells in a timely manner?
  • 4I noticed some concerns regarding the facility's environment; what is your current protocol for maintaining cleanliness and managing odors throughout the day?
  • 5Could you walk us through how the dining experience is managed, and what steps are being taken to ensure meals are served at the right temperature and meet residents' nutritional preferences?
  • 6How do you monitor staff engagement during shifts to ensure that caregivers are focused on resident needs and providing attentive support?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The only positives are Concierge Mike, aids Tony and Kerri, nurses Cece and Debbie the therapy staff. Most if the time the employees are sitting on their phone ignoring patients.

Rehab patient · 2024☆☆☆☆

The physical therapist is especially charming and manages to get my wife out of bed. Staff care about the residents and give encouragement.

Long-term resident's family · 2024★★★★

My sister is in this place and I can't get any information on her. No one will answer the phone. I leave messages and NEVER GET A RESPONSE!!

Long-term resident's family · 2025☆☆☆☆
Source: 161 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.46hrs
61%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.10hrs
76%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
59%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
47%
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

9

measures

Worse Than Avg

5

measures

Mixed Results

3

measures

Long-Stay Residents
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility3.1%
Better than Avg
Here
3.1%
US
12.1%
NY
18.9%
Erie
13.2%

Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.

💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility5.9%
Better than Avg
Here
5.9%
US
19.5%
NY
13.3%
Erie
18.2%
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility82.5%
Worse than Avg
Here
82.5%
US
95.5%
NY
95.3%
Erie
93.8%
💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility6.2%
Better than Avg
Here
6.2%
US
15.4%
NY
13.8%
Erie
16.6%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility85.1%
Worse than Avg
Here
85.1%
US
93.4%
NY
91.3%
Erie
89.8%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility9.2%
Better than Avg
Here
9.2%
US
15.3%
NY
13.8%
Erie
15.1%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility39.9%
Worse than Avg
Here
39.9%
US
79.7%
NY
78.8%
Erie
75.1%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility45.2%
Worse than Avg
Here
45.2%
US
81.8%
NY
77.0%
Erie
82.3%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.4%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
1.4%
US
1.6%
NY
1.2%
Erie
0.9%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

19deficiencies
3penalties
Well above state avg (7.6)
19 complaint-triggered
$375,976 in fines

This facility shows concerning patterns with families filing multiple complaints about abuse and neglect protection, care quality, and living environment issues that persist across surveys. The most recurring problems involve resident safety and protection from harm, maintaining clean and comfortable living conditions, and fire safety compliance. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the repeated nature of abuse-related citations and ongoing family complaints suggest systemic challenges that warrant careful consideration during any visit.

Mar 27, 2026Complaint
4
0812Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0557Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.

0677Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0690Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

Oct 10, 2025Routine
24
0600Immediate jeopardy · WidespreadCorrected

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.

0609Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

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

0725Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

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.

0835Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

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

0841Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Designate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.

0925Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

0161Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Construction Deficiencies

Use approved construction type or materials.

0225Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Have stairways and smokeproof enclosures used as exits that meet safety requirements.

0281Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Install proper backup exit lighting.

0321Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

0363Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0372Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.

0920Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

0921Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

0923Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

0584Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0331Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Construct fire resistant interior walls.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

0561Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

0607Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

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

0657Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0685Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

0689Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

0742Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Jun 18, 2025Complaint
1
0925Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Apr 4, 2025Complaint
2
0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Dec 31, 2024Complaint
1
0600Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

Dec 16, 2024Complaint
1
0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Oct 10, 2025

$195,218

Fine

May 23, 2024

$72,466

Fine

Aug 14, 2023

$3,174

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Humboldt House Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

The Sherman Family

Chain Size

7 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 2.3/5 · Rank 6 of 7 (Worst)

Ownership & Management

Owners

Amsel, Hindy

Owner

Goldstein, Jeffrey

Owner

24%

Mendlowitz, Esther

Owner

11%

Sherman, Alexander

Owner

17%

Sherman, Lea

Owner

24%

Sherman, Tzvi

Owner

11%

Sherman, Yehuda

Owner

11%

Key personnel

Hardy, MichelleW-2 Managing Employee
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

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

References & Resources

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.

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