Worst Nursing Homes in New Hampshire
Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is a difficult decision, especially when reports of neglect and substandard care are common. Some of the nursing homes in New Hampshire have been cited for serious violations, including failure to prevent accidents, poor infection prevention, and lack of adequate supervision. Understanding these issues can help families make informed choices and avoid unsafe long-term care environments.
How Nursing Homes Are Rated in New Hampshire
Nursing home ratings in New Hampshire help families assess the quality of care provided at different facilities.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a five-star system, where one-star ratings indicate serious issues, while five stars reflect high-quality care. Ratings are based on staff levels, health inspections, and overall care quality. State inspections also review infection prevention, controlled drugs management, and adherence to professional standards. Poor ratings often indicate neglect, abuse, or failure to provide appropriate treatment.
If a nursing home resident suffers from these failures, legal action may be necessary to hold the facility accountable.
New Hampshire Nursing Homes with a History of Violations
Some nursing homes in New Hampshire have a long history of violations, putting residents at serious risk. Below are some of the worst nursing homes in New Hampshire based on CMS data, state inspections, and reports of neglect and abuse.
- Alpine Healthcare Center (Keene, NH) has been cited for poor infection prevention measures, failure to provide adequate supervision, and issues with controlled drug management.
- Birch Healthcare Center (Concord, NH) has received complaints about understaffing, unsanitary conditions, and leaving residents unattended.
- Derry Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare (Derry, NH) has failed in infection prevention, wound care, and mobility assistance.
- Elm Wood Center at Claremont (Claremont, NH) has been cited for failing to prevent accidents and maintaining poor food safety and hygiene standards.
- Goffstown Nursing and Rehab Center (Goffstown, NH) has not properly monitored residents with intellectual disabilities and has failed to intervene in time to prevent falls and injuries.
- Goldenview Health Care Center (Meredith, NH) has been cited for failing to provide proper wound care, medication errors, and a lack of oversight in handling controlled drugs.
- Harris Hill Center, Genesis Healthcare (Concord, NH) has a history of repeated medication errors, improper monitoring of residents with severe health conditions, and low staffing levels.
- Keene Center, Genesis Healthcare (Keene, NH) has been cited for understaffing, poor sanitation, and failure to meet infection prevention protocols.
- Laconia Rehabilitation Center (Laconia, NH) has failed to provide timely assistance, neglected appropriate treatment for chronic conditions, and has a pattern of violations related to resident safety and controlled drug management.
- Lafayette Center (Franconia, NH) has been cited for failing to properly monitor residents with dementia and experiencing ongoing staffing shortages.
- Morrison Nursing Home (Whitefield, NH) has repeatedly failed to follow infection prevention guidelines.
- Oceanside Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation (Hampton, NH) has faced complaints about poor hygiene standards, lack of adequate supervision, and improper medication management.
- Pleasant Valley SNF LLC (Derry, NH) has been cited for failing to provide necessary medical attention, neglecting proper nutrition monitoring, and persistent understaffing.
- Pleasant View Center (Concord, NH) has a record of multiple medication errors.
- Premier Rehab and Healthcare (Nashua, NH) has been cited for violations related to controlled drug storage and distribution, as well as poor resident monitoring.
- Sullivan County Health Care (Unity, NH) has been flagged for infection prevention issues and delayed medical care due to staffing shortages.
- Wolfeboro Bay Center (Wolfeboro, NH) has failed to provide appropriate treatment to residents with mobility issues. It has been criticized for poor communication and delayed response to urgent medical needs.
Common Deficiencies Found in New Hampshire Nursing Homes
State inspections and CMS data highlight serious deficiencies in many nursing homes across New Hampshire, putting residents at risk for illness, injury, and neglect. Common violations include:
- Infection prevention and control failures – Many facilities fail to follow hygiene protocols, leading to outbreaks of illnesses, including COVID-19. Poor sanitation and lack of a proper control program increase infection risks.
- Inadequate staffing levels and training – Low staff numbers and unqualified caregivers contribute to medical care delays, falls, and failure to provide appropriate treatment.
- Medication errors and mismanagement – Mishandling of controlled drugs, incorrect dosages, and missed medications create serious health risks.
- Failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration – Residents suffering from malnutrition and dehydration often go unnoticed due to inadequate monitoring.
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores) and improper wound care – Lack of adequate supervision and failure to follow professional standards result in untreated wounds, infections, and unnecessary hospital visits.
These failures put nursing home residents in danger and may require legal intervention to hold facilities accountable.
Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes
Recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect in a nursing home resident is essential for protecting their safety. Warning signs include:
- Unexplained bruises, fractures, burns, or injuries.
- Malnutrition, dehydration, untreated pressure ulcers, poor hygiene, and unclean living conditions.
- Withdrawal, depression, fear of caregivers, or sudden agitation.
- Sudden mood swings, confusion, or reluctance to speak in front of staff.
- Missing money, forged signatures, or unauthorized financial transactions.
- Unexplained STDs, pain, bleeding, or fear of certain staff members.
If these signs appear, immediate action may be needed to protect the resident.
Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in New Hampshire
Nursing home residents in New Hampshire are protected under both state and federal laws to ensure their safety.
The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA ’87) sets national care standards for facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid services. Nursing homes must provide proper medical care, infection prevention, and adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Residents must be treated with dignity and protected from neglect and abuse.
New Hampshire’s Residents’ Rights Statutes provide additional protections, ensuring residents receive quality care, privacy, and the ability to participate in treatment decisions. Facilities must follow professional standards and cannot deny care based on payment source.
Violations of these rights can lead to legal consequences for the facility.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in a New Hampshire Nursing Home?
If you suspect abuse or neglect in a New Hampshire nursing home, take these steps to protect your loved one and hold the facility accountable:
- Document your concerns.
- Report your suspicions to the nursing home administration.
- File a complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
- Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
- Consult with an experienced New Hampshire nursing home abuse attorney.
Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in New Hampshire
Filing a lawsuit for nursing home abuse or neglect in New Hampshire involves several steps to prove wrongdoing and seek compensation.
- Investigating the Claim and Gathering Evidence: Attorneys collect medical records, witness statements, and photos of injuries or unsafe conditions.
- Determining Liability: The facility, staff, or administrators may be held accountable for failing to meet professional standards.
- Filing a Complaint in Court: A formal lawsuit is submitted, outlining the harm suffered and the legal claims against the nursing home.
- The Discovery Process and Pre-Trial Motions: Both sides exchange evidence, interview witnesses, and file motions that may affect the case.
- Negotiating a Settlement or Proceeding to Trial: Many cases are settled outside of court, but if an agreement isn’t reached, the case goes to trial, where a judge or jury decides.
Contact a New Hampshire Nursing Home Attorney for a Free Consultation
If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a New Hampshire nursing home, our legal team at Nursing Home Law Center is here to help. Our nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to holding negligent facilities accountable and securing compensation for victims of unsafe conditions, inadequate supervision, and violations of professional standards.
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Sources: Medicare