Worst Nursing Homes in New York
Families trust nursing homes to provide safe, compassionate care, but many fall short, leading to abuse, neglect, and even death. If your loved one has suffered in a New York nursing home, our law firm can help you explore your legal options.
How Nursing Homes Are Rated in New York
New York nursing homes are evaluated through Medicare’s Five-Star Rating System and state health inspections. These assessments consider staffing levels, health and safety violations, and quality measures. Facilities with one-star ratings often have a history of poor performance, frequent complaints, and serious deficiencies in resident care. The federal government also identifies some as part of the Special Focus Facility Program, marking them for persistent problems.
List of New York Nursing Homes with a History of Violations
The following facilities have a one-star overall rating due to serious deficiencies in care, frequent health and safety violations, or a history of complaints from residents and family members.
- Central Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center – Syracuse, NY – This nursing and rehabilitation center has been cited for severe health violations, including failure to prevent infections and improper medication management. Health inspections have also revealed issues with staffing shortages, which have led to care delays.
- Dunkirk Rehabilitation & Nursing Center – Dunkirk, NY – Dunkirk Rehabilitation & Nursing Center has a history of poor performance, with complaints about neglect and unsanitary conditions. State inspections have found inadequate staffing and improper care for patients with mobility issues.
- Fieldston Lodge Care Center – Riverdale, NY – This nursing center has been flagged for numerous violations, including failure to care for patients with bedsores, and medication errors. Not having enough staff has contributed to delays in essential treatments.
- Hempstead Park Nursing Home – Hempstead, NY – Hempstead Park has consistently received one-star ratings, and there are documented neglect cases. Inspectors have cited the facility for failing to prevent infections, improper handling of resident hygiene, and poor living conditions.
- Heritage Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing Inc. – Gerry, NY – This skilled nursing facility has been cited for violations of resident safety and inadequate medical care. Previous complaints include medication errors, falls due to a lack of supervision, and unclean conditions.
- Highpointe on Michigan Health Care Facility – Buffalo, NY – Highpointe has a history of health violations, including failure to prevent falls, medication errors, and resident neglect. Reports have also indicated low staffing levels, leading to delays in medical attention.
- Humboldt House Rehabilitation and Nursing Center – Buffalo, NY – This nursing and rehabilitation center has been cited for poor infection control measures, safety hazards, and improper wound care. Several complaints detail instances of neglect, medication mismanagement, and unsanitary conditions.
- Northern Manhattan Rehabilitation and Nursing Ctr – New York, NY – This facility has been on watchlists due to chronic understaffing and frequent safety violations. Complaints include delayed medical treatment, failure to respond to emergency calls, and improper patient nutrition.
- Oceanview Nursing & Rehabilitation Care Center – Far Rockaway, NY – Oceanview has been cited for multiple health and safety violations, including failure to prevent infections, poor hygiene practices, and reports of resident neglect. Many families have raised concerns about inadequate care and staff communication.
- Sapphire Center for Rehab & Nursing – Flushing, NY – This health care center has repeatedly failed health inspections, with violations related to medication errors, poor resident supervision, and unsanitary conditions. Reports indicate a lack of adequately trained staff to meet patient needs.
- The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Barnwell – Valatie, NY – This rehabilitation and nursing center has been cited for serious health violations, including neglect, abuse allegations, and failure to provide adequate medical care. Previous inspections have documented severe understaffing and unsanitary conditions.
- Westchester Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing – Mount Vernon, NY – This health care center has consistently received low ratings due to poor staffing and inadequate medical care. Complaints have highlighted treatment delays, improper medication administration, and a lack of resident engagement.
Common Deficiencies Found in New York Nursing Homes
New York nursing homes frequently fail health inspections, with common violations putting residents at serious risk. Infection prevention and control failures are widespread, leading to outbreaks of illnesses due to poor hygiene and improper handling of medical equipment. Inadequate staffing levels and training often result in delays in care, medication errors, and unmonitored residents. Many facilities struggle with medication mismanagement, leading to overdoses or missed doses. Malnutrition and dehydration are also significant concerns, especially in short-staffed facilities. Bedsores and improper wound care indicate severe neglect, as untreated pressure ulcers can lead to deadly infections.
Signs of Abuse and Neglect in a Nursing Center
Nursing home patients are vulnerable to abuse and neglect, which can take many forms, from physical harm to emotional mistreatment and poor medical care. Families should stay vigilant for warning signs that indicate their loved one may not be adequately cared for.
Physical Indicators of Potential Abuse or Neglect
- Bruises, cuts, or burns with no clear explanation;
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores) from prolonged immobility;
- Dehydration and malnutrition due to lack of proper feeding;
- Sudden weight loss;
- Frequent infections or poor hygiene;
- Untreated medical conditions or worsening illnesses.
Behavioral Changes That May Signal a Problem
- Withdrawal from social activities or family visits;
- Signs of fear, anxiety, or depression;
- Sudden aggression or emotional distress;
- Hesitation to speak in front of staff members;
- Difficulty sleeping or increased confusion.
Environmental Clues Within the Nursing Home Setting
- Unsanitary conditions, including dirty rooms, strong odors, or unclean bedding.
- Lack of staff responsiveness, with residents waiting long periods for help.
- Inadequate supplies, missing medical equipment, food shortages, or improper medication storage.
- Overwhelmed or short-staffed workers, indicating potential neglect.
Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in New York
Nursing home residents in New York are protected by federal and state laws that set standards for care, safety, and dignity. These laws hold nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities accountable for neglect, abuse, and inadequate care.
The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA ’87)
The federal government establishes minimum care requirements for nursing and rehabilitation centers that receive Medicare or Medicaid services. These requirements include proper medical treatment, adequate staffing, protection from abuse and neglect, individualized care plans, and respect for residents’ rights.
New York’s Residents’ Rights Statutes
New York State law reinforces federal protections, ensuring that residents receive safe, high-quality care and are treated with dignity. Nursing home residents have the right to file complaints without retaliation, participate in their own care decisions, and live free from abuse and neglect.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in a New York Nursing Home?
If you believe a loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing care facility or rehabilitation center, take these steps to protect them:
- Document your concerns.
- Report your suspicions to the nursing home administration.
- Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
- Consult with an experienced New York nursing home abuse attorney.
Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in New York
Residents can suffer serious harm when a rehabilitation center or nursing care facility fails to provide proper care. Filing a lawsuit can help families hold poor-performing nursing homes accountable and recover compensation for injuries caused by abuse, neglect, or inadequate care.
The legal process begins with investigating the claim and gathering evidence, including medical records, witness statements, health inspection reports, and photos of injuries or unsafe conditions. Next, an attorney will determine who is liable—the nursing home, staff, management, or parent company.
Once liability is established, the lawsuit is filed in court, outlining allegations of neglect or injury. During the discovery process, both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and argue legal motions before trial. Many cases are settled during this phase, but if no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to court.
Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect Lawsuits in New York
In New York State, the time limit for nursing home abuse or neglect claims depends on the nature of the case. For personal injury lawsuits, families generally have three years to file a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit and two years for wrongful death claims. Medical malpractice cases have a two-and-a-half-year limit. Failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Contact a New York Nursing Home Attorney for a Free Consultation
If your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a New York nursing home, our legal team at Nursing Home Law Center is ready to help. Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys fight to hold negligent facilities accountable and pursue compensation for victims of poor care, inadequate supervision, and safety violations.
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay legal fees unless we win compensation.
Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Sources: Medicare