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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.

1010 Varnum Avenue, Pawtucketville · Lowell, MA 01854123 bedsLicensed & Active
1/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
3.9/5

based on 71 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Nursing Home in Lowell, MA — Street View
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4/ 10
moderate Risk

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)
  • Low staffing rating (2/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (22 vs median 7.0)

Bottom 25% in MA · Below recommended RN staffing · Low staff turnover (stable workforce) · Worst in ATHENA HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS chain · $165,780 in fines

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

While the facility's Ambassador program is highly effective at keeping families connected, the recent, consistent reports of pest infestations and neglect are deeply concerning. If you consider this facility, conduct an unannounced visit to check the cleanliness of the rooms and observe how quickly staff respond to call lights.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

71 reviews on Google
Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center presents a starkly divided experience for families. While many reviewers, particularly those connected to the 'Ambassador' program, praise specific staff members for their kindness and communication, a significant number of recent reports describe severe neglect, including unhygienic conditions like pest infestations and delayed responses to basic patient needs. Families should be aware of these conflicting accounts, as the facility appears to struggle with consistent care standards and facility maintenance.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food2.0Staff5.0Clean1.0Activities6.0Meds2.0MemoryN/AComms5.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Dedicated Resident Ambassador program
  • Strong physical therapy department
  • Compassionate individual staff members
  • Effective communication for non-English speakers

Concerns

  • Pest infestation (mice and cockroaches) (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
  • Slow or non-existent response to call lights (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
  • Unsanitary conditions and unpleasant odors (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
  • Staff attitude and lack of patience (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
  • Difficulty reaching staff by phone (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'16(2)'19(3)'21(11)'23(12)'25(4)'26(3)

Distribution · 59 analyzed

5
43
4
2
3
1
2
1
1
12

How They Respond to Reviews

97%response rate

This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1I noticed the facility has a Resident Ambassador program; how does this initiative help new residents integrate into the daily social life and activities here?
  • 2Given the importance of a clean living environment, what specific protocols and daily schedules are in place to ensure resident rooms and common areas remain sanitary and odor-free?
  • 3I understand that physical therapy is a strong point for your facility; how do you coordinate those sessions with the daily nursing care to ensure residents are well-supported throughout the day?
  • 4When a resident uses their call light, what is the standard procedure for ensuring a timely response, especially during shift changes or overnight hours?
  • 5I see that you are very active in responding to feedback online; how do you use that communication to address concerns about staff patience and resident interactions?
  • 6Regarding medication management, what steps do you take to ensure accuracy and timely administration for residents with complex health needs?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

Call lights take almost an hour to be answered to request meds then another hour to get the meds. Not to mention the mice and cockroaches. The food is inedible

Family member · 2025☆☆☆☆

The building is infested with mice and cockroaches, while sitting with my father this past weekend, mouse after mouse after mouse ran across the floor and into the radiator and the wall.

Family member · 2026☆☆☆☆

I attribute this to the outstanding physical therapy staff. My dad has stayed at different senior care facilities in Lowell for short stints after hospital stays and says that Northwood, by far, is the best.

Long-term resident's family · 2020★★★★★
Source: 71 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.40hrs
53%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
2.89hrs
71%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
26%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
33%
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
3/ 5
Better Than Avg

8

measures

Worse Than Avg

9

measures

Long-Stay Residents
💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility39.5%
Worse than Avg
Here
39.5%
US
15.4%
MA
21.3%
Middlesex
22.3%
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility35.1%
Worse than Avg
Here
35.1%
US
19.5%
MA
19.4%
Middlesex
18.8%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility77.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
77.7%
US
93.4%
MA
92.4%
Middlesex
92.8%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility4.6%
Better than Avg
Here
4.6%
US
12.1%
MA
13.7%
Middlesex
12.1%

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

↓ Lower is better
This Facility25.1%
Worse than Avg
Here
25.1%
US
19.4%
MA
21.4%
Middlesex
19.2%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility11.2%
Better than Avg
Here
11.2%
US
15.3%
MA
16.4%
Middlesex
13.6%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility25.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
25.0%
US
79.7%
MA
77.7%
Middlesex
77.8%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility47.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
47.6%
US
81.8%
MA
77.6%
Middlesex
77.4%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility4.2%
Worse than Avg
Here
4.2%
US
1.6%
MA
1.3%
Middlesex
1.2%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

22deficiencies
2penalties
Well above state avg (8.9)
1 complaint-triggered
$165,780 in fines

Northwood Rehabilitation has 79 deficiencies across four surveys, with recurring issues in emergency preparedness, medication management, and care planning. Families filed at least one complaint regarding medical record handling. While the facility shows a pattern of persistent problems across multiple areas including fire safety systems, nursing staffing, and resident protection from abuse, all deficiencies have reported correction dates.

Aug 15, 2025Routine
36
0037Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Establish staff and initial training requirements.

0041Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Implement emergency and standby power systems.

0222Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

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.

0311Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.

0324Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

0345Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0355Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

0521Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Services Deficiencies

Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

0712Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0761Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

0914Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0558Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

0677Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0211Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.

0740Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

0580Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

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.

0604Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

0607Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

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

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0658Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

0679Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

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.

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.

0692Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

0694Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.

0698Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

0712Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

0730Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

0761Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0778Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Help the resident make transportation arrangements to and from radiology services.

0842Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0641Minimal · PatternCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Aug 29, 2024Routine
24
0686Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

0740Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

0725Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0842Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0041Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Implement emergency and standby power systems.

0353Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0712Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0918Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0552Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

0580Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0583Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

0584Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

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.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0692Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

0695Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

0698Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

0699Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

0759Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

0761Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0039Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

0324Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

Jun 5, 2024Complaint
1
0842Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

Aug 10, 2023Routine
18
0689Actual 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.

0041Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Implement emergency and standby power systems.

0321Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0656Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0758Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0791Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.

0679Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

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.

0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

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

0610Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

0695Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

0699Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

0712Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

0759Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

0808Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0842Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Aug 29, 2024

$85,178

Fine

Aug 10, 2023

$80,602

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Northwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Athena Healthcare Systems

Chain Size

24 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 1.7/5 · Rank 21 of 24 (Worst)

Ownership & Management

Owners

Athena Health Care Systems Ma R LLC

Owner · Organization

100%

Chakalos-Santilli, Valerie

Owner (parent company)

5%

Curtis, Diane

Owner (parent company)

Mosier, Michael

Owner (parent company)

6%

Rezendes, Lorrie

Owner (parent company)

Santilli, Lawrence

Owner (parent company)

74%

Key personnel

Mosier, MichaelW-2 Managing EmployeeSantilli, LawrenceOfficer / DirectorAthena Health Care Associates, INC.Manager
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

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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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