The Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehab
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 147 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)
- Low staffing rating (1/5 stars)
- Above-median deficiencies (10 vs median 6.0)
- High RN turnover (57%)
Bottom 25% in NY · Critically understaffed (RN) · Worst in NATIONAL HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATES chain · $8,788 in fines
What this means for your family
The Pines at Utica is highly regarded for its dedicated therapy team and compassionate nursing staff, making it a strong contender for rehabilitation. However, because multiple families have raised concerns about staffing levels and response times, we recommend you visit during off-hours and ask specifically about the staff-to-patient ratio on weekends.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
147 reviews on Google“The Pines at Utica receives high praise for its compassionate, attentive nursing staff and effective rehabilitation programs, with many families noting that their loved ones felt well-cared for and respected. While the majority of reviews are positive, there are recurring concerns regarding occasional understaffing, slow response times for basic needs, and inconsistent food quality. Families should be aware that while the facility is generally described as clean and welcoming, some experiences highlight significant lapses in care during high-stress periods.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Warm, attentive nursing and aide staff
- Effective physical and occupational therapy
- Clean and well-maintained environment
- Welcoming and professional administrative team
Concerns
- Understaffing leading to slow response times for basic care (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
- Inconsistent or poor food quality (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
- Hygiene and incontinence care lapses (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 151 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility responds to some reviews.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1Given the current staffing levels, what specific protocols are in place to ensure residents receive timely assistance with call bells and daily hygiene needs?
- 2I noticed the facility has a high volume of residents; how does the team manage personalized care plans to ensure each individual receives consistent attention?
- 3Could you walk me through the current dining program and how you are working to improve the variety and quality of meals for residents?
- 4With the recent focus on facility improvements, what steps are being taken to increase the frequency of staff rounds and incontinence care checks?
- 5I see that you actively engage with feedback online; how do you incorporate that family input into your daily operational changes?
- 6What does a typical daily activity schedule look like to ensure residents remain socially and physically engaged outside of their therapy sessions?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“The staff go above and beyond—not only in meeting medical needs but also in making sure each resident feels seen and cared for as an individual.”
“The physical therapy staff are amazing, they know when to push you and also know when you may need a break or if you just may be having a bad day.”
“My mother has been here for at least 3 years. The staff at this facility are the kindest, most compassionate people who give my mom absolutely fantastic care. And this is in spite of the fact that my mother, in her state of dementia, is a real handful!”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Both 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
7
measures
8
measures
2
measures
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents whose walking got worse
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
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
Families have filed multiple complaints about this facility, with 6 complaint-triggered deficiencies identified across surveys including serious issues with medication management and basic daily care assistance. The most recurring problems involve quality of care, food service and dietary accommodations, and safety hazards, with several issues repeating across multiple years despite reported corrections. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the pattern of recurring problems in core care areas warrants careful consideration during any visit.
Nov 5, 2025Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Jul 22, 2025Routine11
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Egress Deficiencies
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have an enclosure around a vertical opening shaft.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Jul 22, 2025Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Feb 20, 2025Complaint3
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Jan 12, 2024Routine6
Construction Deficiencies
Use approved construction type or materials.
Egress Deficiencies
Install proper backup exit lighting.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Jan 12, 2024Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Nov 5, 2025
$46,920
Fine
Feb 20, 2025
$8,788
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
The Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehab
for profit
Chain Affiliation
National Health Care Associates
43 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 3.0/5 · Rank 42 of 43 (Worst)
Ownership & Management
Owners
Biderman, Nechama
Owner
Cohen, David
Owner
Fuchs, Morris
Owner
Goldenberg, Chaim
Owner
Lipman, Michael
Owner
Manela, Magda
Owner
Ostreicher, Susan
Owner
Roberts, Laurence
Owner
Bokow, Barry
Owner
David, Albert
Owner
Eisen, Mordechai
Owner
Geffner, Fay
Owner
Gerber, Jennifer
Owner
Laufer, Schmuel
Owner
Lopiansky, Rebecca
Owner
Lyons, Rachel
Owner
Neuman, Gerald
Owner
Ostreicher, David
Owner
Ostreicher, Marc
Owner
Pollack, Sylvia
Owner
Shaya-Mograby, Moshe
Owner
Skoczylas, Dvora
Owner
Skoczylas, Josef
Owner
Steg, Yitzchok
Owner
Warman, Elissa
Owner
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
147 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit pinesutica.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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