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Nursing Home · Needham, MA
865 Central Avenue, Needham, MA 02492
Map location from our source data
Medicare overall rating
2 / 5 stars
Inspection records →About this listing
Catalog updated Sep 1, 2026. Current services and availability are unconfirmed.
Monthly cost
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Availability
We don't have live openings. Ask about current availability, waiting lists, and move-in timing.
Reported capacity: 72 beds. This is not the number of openings.
Contact information →Care & support
Provides nursing care and help with daily activities. Some offer short-term rehabilitation.
This describes the care category. Confirm support for your family member's needs.
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Participation is reported in our source data. Confirm eligibility, covered services, and any private-pay costs.
Medicare participation does not mean all stays or services are covered.
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Your next step
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Medicare rates this facility 2 out of 5 overall. Review the inspection findings, ask which corrective actions are complete, and discuss the support your family member would receive.
North Hill is a highly regarded continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that receives consistent praise from independent living residents for its vibrant social atmosphere, high-quality dining, and extensive amenities. However, the skilled nursing and rehab facility, Pines Edge, faces significant criticism regarding staffing levels, responsiveness, and the adequacy of care provided to residents with higher medical needs. While many families report excellent rehab outcomes, others express frustration with administrative communication and the necessity of hiring private aides to supplement facility care.
AI summaries of public opinions. These describe review sentiment, not verified care quality.
While many praise the friendly and professional staff, several negative reviews cite rude behavior and a lack of adequate nursing support.
Multiple reviewers reported difficulty getting responses from admissions and administrative staff regarding tours and care concerns.
Reviewers frequently describe the campus and facilities as beautiful, clean, and well-maintained.
Multiple residents and family members consistently describe the food as delicious, first-class, and cooked to order.
Residents highlight an extensive range of activities including fitness classes, lectures, art, and social events.
Reviewers have expressed concerns that the facility is not equipped to handle care needs beyond mild confusion.
Several reviewers noted the high cost of entry and the need for additional private aides, which they felt should be covered by the facility.
Scores range from 0 (negative) to 10 (positive). They are model interpretations of reviews and are not clinical, safety, or inspection ratings. Unmentioned topics are omitted.
Strengths
Concerns
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 40 analyzed
This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.
Key Review Excerpts
“He also said something you never hear from places like this: “the food is delicious, it’s first class here”. So grateful to the kind, compassionate and supportive staff there.”
“The staff, service, physical therapy, and food were all outstanding. What truly stood out was the responsiveness and level of care from everyone—always prompt, professional, and compassionate.”
“Beautiful looking, terrible care. Be prepared to pay for private aides to provide the basic care that North Hill does not.”
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
10
measures
6
measures
1
measures
Residents with depression symptoms
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
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents vaccinated for the flu
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
Detailed Medicare record · up to 3-year lookback
Families filed complaints that led to recent deficiencies regarding treatment quality and accident prevention, though the facility corrected these issues. The facility shows recurring problems with care planning, fire safety protocols, and infection control across multiple surveys, but all deficiencies have been addressed with correction dates. While the pattern suggests ongoing operational challenges, the facility's responsiveness to corrections may indicate improving oversight and quality management.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
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.
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.
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
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
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.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Jan 15, 2025
$16,153
Skilled Nursing Facility at North Hill (the)
nonprofit
Key personnel
Contact the provider directly when you feel ready. Have your questions handy and ask for answers in writing.
Confirm current status with the state licensing agency. A direct record link is not available in this catalog.
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
38 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit northhill.org
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. Some summaries, interpretations, suggested questions, and pricing research are AI-generated or AI-assisted and may contain errors or omit important context. 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.
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