Home / Connecticut / Shelton
Gardner Heights Health Care Center, Inc
172 Rocky Rest Road, Shelton, CT 06484 · Greater Bridgeport County · (203) 929-1481
124 certified beds, about 114 residents a day · For profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 1992
CMS abuse icon: cited for abuse in a recent inspection Last standard inspection more than 2 years ago Certified for Medicaid Certified for Medicare
Overall
2 of 5
Health inspections
2 of 5
Staffing
2 of 5
Quality measures
3 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 075368 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on August 19, 2024, inspectors cited 9 health deficiencies (the Connecticut average is 13.4, the national average 9.2).
Of 32 health citations since August 2019, 1 was rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy to residents (1 immediate jeopardy).
CMS lists 1 fine totaling $7,446 in the last three years; the largest was $7,446, and the latest is dated August 8, 2024.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 3.13 hours per resident per day, against 3.73 across Connecticut and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.33 of those hours.
34.4% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Connecticut average 37.4%).
CMS links it to Apple Rehab, an affiliated group of 20 nursing homes.
Health inspections
Federal rules call for a standard inspection at least every 15 months, plus a visit whenever a complaint is filed. Each mark below is one citation, colored by how serious inspectors rated it. How to read a citation.
Under each citation, the quoted text is the inspector's own summary from the federal statement of deficiencies (CMS form 2567), word for word apart from a privacy scrub; CMS removes residents' and staff names before it publishes the text. The full notes are on Medicare.gov.
408/19
1001/22
209/23
208/24
908/24
105/25
404/26
Potential for minimal harm Potential for more than minimal harm Actual harm Immediate jeopardy Found on a complaint visit
Where its citations fall on CMS's grid
CMS rates every citation by how much harm it caused (rows) and how many residents it touched (columns). The count in each box is this home's, across all 32 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
1J
0K
0L
Actual harm
0G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
22D
8E
1F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
0B
0C
April 27, 2026Complaint inspection · 4 citations
- E Provide appropriate foot care.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, clinical record reviews, review of facility documentation, review of facility policy and interviews for two of six sampled residents (Resident #3 and Resident #56) reviewed for foot care, the facility failed to ensure the resident received podiatry services for trimming of toenails.
- D Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, review of facility documentation, review of facility policy/procedures and interviews for one of five sampled residents (Resident #15) reviewed a resident-to-resident altercation, the facility failed to ensure the resident was free from abuse.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, review of the clinical record, review of facility documentation, review of facility policy and interviews for one sampled resident (Resident #56) with an alteration in skin integrity, the facility failed to ensure the wound was assessed per the standard of practice, and failed to ensure a physician's order was in place to address the alteration in skin integrity and failed to ensure weekly monitoring of the alteration in skin integrity.
- D Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, review of facility documentation and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure the secured unit was addressed in the facility assessment.
May 28, 2025Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record reviews, review of facility documentation, facility policies, and interviews for one (1) sampled resident (Resident #1) who require staff assistance of one (1) and an adaptive device during transfers, the facility failed to ensure Resident #1 was transferred from the chair to the bed according to the physician's order.
August 19, 2024Standard inspection · 9 citations
- F Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, staff interviews, facility documentation and facility policy related to the dishwasher temperatures in the Dietary Department, the facility failed to identify when dishwasher temperatures were below the manufacturers guidelines.
- E Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, interviews, review of the clinical record, and facility policy in 1 of 3 dining rooms (Laurel dining room) observed for Residents (Resident #31, #42, #44, #45, #52, #93 and Resident #99) who were dining, the facility failed to provide a dignified dining experience.
- E Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Inspectors wroteBased on interviews, review of clinical records, and facility policy for 2 of 3 residents, (Resident #23 and Resident #29) reviewed for abuse, the facility failed to report incidents of unknown origin to the State Agency. within the 24-hour time requirement.
- E Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, record reviews, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews for 3 of 6 residents (Resident #30, Resident #53 and Resident #105), reviewed for Nutrition, the facility failed to provide a nutritional supplement for a resident with known weight loss.
- D Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility policy, and interviews for 3 of 4 sampled residents (Resident #44, #56, and #85) reviewed for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), the facility failed to ensure residents were free of facial hair.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility policy, and interviews for the only sampled resident (Resident #75) reviewed for dental services, during the clinical record review, it was noted that the facility failed to ensure blood pressures were taken prior to the administration of an antihypertensive (blood pressure reduction) medication .
- D Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 1 of 5 residents (Resident #42) reviewed for pressure injuries, the facility failed to ensure off-loading for a dependent resident according to the plan of care and failed to ensure a hospice recommendation was reviewed by a provider.
- D Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, review of the clinical record, facility policy, and interviews for 3 of 5 residents (Resident #8, #33 and #46) reviewed for a limited range of motion, the facility failed to apply positioning devices according to the physician orders and rehabilitation plan of care.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, interviews, review of the clinical record, facility documentation, and facility policy for the only sampled resident (Resident #17) reviewed for accidents, the facility failed to complete a safe transfer with the mechanical lift.
August 8, 2024Complaint inspection · 2 citations
- D Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record reviews, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for one (1) of three (3) sampled residents (Resident #2) who were reviewed for a change in condition, the facility failed to notify the family at the time the resident tested positive for COVID-19.
- D Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews for one (1) sampled resident (Resident #1) who was reviewed for an allegation of abuse or neglect, the facility failed to implement their abuse policy when an allegation of abuse was reported to the Director of Nursing.
September 27, 2023Complaint inspection · 2 citations
- J Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record reviews, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews, for 2 of 6 sampled residents who were reviewed for elopement risk (Resident #1 and Resident #2), the facility failed to provide the necessary supervision for Resident #1 to prevent an elopement resulting in a finding of Immediate Jeopardy. Further, the facility failed to implement their policy for the use of wanderguard devices or other interventions based on the interdisciplinary team's assessment for Resident #2 when identified to be at risk for elopement.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record reviews, facility documentation, facility policy and interviews for one (1) of six (6) residents, (Resident #1), who were reviewed for elopement risk, the facility failed to ensure physicians orders were obtained for the placement and monitoring of a wandering device and failed to transcribe physician orders to discontinue a wandering device for a resident who previously eloped from the facility.
January 28, 2022Standard inspection · 10 citations
- E 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, review of facility documentation, facility policy and interviews, the facility failed to maintain a clean, comfortable, home like environment.
- D Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 1 resident (Resident #78) reviewed for Advance Directives, the facility failed to obtain a physician's order for Resident #78's code status to ensure the resident ' s wishes were followed.
- D Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interview for 1 of 2 residents (Resident #16) reviewed for pressure ulcers, the facility failed to ensure timely notification to the resident's representative when the resident developed a stage 2 pressure ulcer.
- D Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy and interview for 1 resident (Resident #77) reviewed for a grievance, the facility failed to provide thorough follow up.
- D Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy and interview for 1 of 3 residents (Resident #84) reviewed for abuse, the facility failed to ensure the resident was free from physical abuse by another resident.
- D Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 1 of 3 residents (Resident #78) reviewed for abuse, the facility failed to complete a thorough investigation after the allegation was made.
- D Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 1 resident (Resident #1) reviewed for care plan conference attendance, the facility failed to invite the resident to the care plan conference.
- D Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 1 of 3 residents (Resident #16) reviewed for pressure ulcer, the facility failed to ensure a timely RN assessment when the resident had a skin change to the coccyx, and failed to notify the dietician in a timely manner.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy and interview for 1 of 4 residents (Resident #79) reviewed for accidents, the facility failed to follow the plan of care to prevent 3 falls.
- D Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, review of facility documentation, facility policy and interviews, the facility failed to maintain an accurate record of the dishwasher temperatures.
August 22, 2019Standard inspection · 4 citations
- E Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, facility policy and/or procedures and interviews for 4 of 20 sampled residents reviewed for advanced directives (Resident #27, Resident #40, Resident #59 and Resident #96), the facility failed to ensure the resident's advanced directives were updated to reflect the wishes of the new conservator (Resident #27) and/or failed to ensure physician orders were written to reflect code status (Resident #40, Resident #59 and Resident #96).
- E Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, review of the clinical record, facility documentation, facility policy, and interviews for 1 sampled resident reviewed for dental (Resident #8), the facility failed to respond to the recommendations provided by a consulting dentist.
- E 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on review of the clinical record, and interviews for 2 of 5 residents reviewed for unnecessary medications (Resident #34 and Resident #56), the facility failed to ensure behavior monitoring was completed in accordance with identified target behaviors.
- D Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
Inspectors wroteBased on staff interviews, review of facility documentation and observation of the medication rooms failed to ensure a clean and sanitary environment for 1 of 3 medication rooms.
Fire safety inspections
10 fire safety citations on file: 2 on August 19, 2024, 4 on January 28, 2022, 4 on August 22, 2019.
Every fire safety citation10 citations
- D Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
- D Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
- D Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
- D Have exits that are accessible at all times.
- D Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
- D To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
- E Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- E Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- D Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.
- D Have exits that are accessible at all times.
Fines and payment denials
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| August 8, 2024 | Payment Denial | 5 days from November 8, 2024 |
| September 27, 2023 | Fine | $7,446 |
A payment denial means Medicare and Medicaid stopped paying for new admissions for that period.
Staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, from the payroll records every home sends CMS. Higher means more staff time with each resident.
| Measure | This home | Connecticut | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 3.13 | 3.73 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 0.33 | 0.69 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 2.90 | 3.37 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 2.04 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.76 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 34.4% | 37.4% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 46.7% | 38.6% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 3.59 hours a day for residents as sick as this home's (its case-mix figure). The staffing star compares the two.
Staffing by quarter, from daily payroll records
Every nursing home sends CMS its staff hours for each day (the Payroll Based Journal). Here they are added up by quarter. The latest quarter is the one behind the figures above. In January to March 2026, nursing staff hours per resident were 3.23 on weekdays and 2.90 on weekends, 10% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 0.0% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 3.07 in April to June 2025 to 3.13 in January to March 2026.
| Quarter | All nursing staff | Registered nurses | Weekdays | Weekends | Contract staff share | Days with no RN hours | Residents a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.13 | 0.33 | 3.23 | 2.90 | 0.0% | 0 of 90 | 114 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 3.14 | 0.31 | 3.23 | 2.93 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 113 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 3.12 | 0.31 | 3.21 | 2.90 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 114 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 3.07 | 0.32 | 3.16 | 2.84 | 0.5% | 0 of 91 | 115 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Connecticut, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.66 | 0.61 | 3.80 | 3.31 | 6.0% | 1.3% of days |
Hours per resident per day: staff hours in the quarter divided by resident days (the daily census CMS derives from resident assessments). Registered nurses include the director of nursing and RNs with administrative duties; aides include nurse aides in training and medication aides, as in CMS's own staffing measure. How these are calculated.
Quality measures
The measures CMS uses for the quality star. Lower is better for every one of them.
| Measure | This home | Connecticut | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 17.8 | 17.9 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.8 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 13.8 | 16.4 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 26.3 | 17.8 | 15.4 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 16.2 | 24.3 | 23.8 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit Short Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 7.3 | 10.8 | 12.0 |
| Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 1.9 |
| Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days Long Stay residents, 20250101-20251231 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 1.8 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: GARDNER HEIGHTS HEALTH CARE CENTER. CMS links this home to Apple Rehab, a group of 20 nursing homes averaging 2.4 stars overall.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foley, Brian | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Individual | 100% | 11/01/2004 |
| Foley, Brian | 5% or greater mortgage interest | Individual | 11/01/2004 | |
| Vess, Ryan | Corporate director | Individual | 03/15/2013 | |
| Foley, Brian | Corporate officer | Individual | 11/01/2004 | |
| Vess, Ryan | Corporate officer | Individual | 03/15/2013 | |
| Vess, Ryan | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 03/15/2013 |
As listed in the CMS ownership file, which names owners with a 5% or greater stake and the people and companies with operational or managerial control.
Questions to ask on a visit
Chosen from this home's own inspection record.
- How do you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 13 problems in this area, most recently on April 27, 2026: "Provide appropriate foot care."
- How do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 7 problems in this area, most recently on August 19, 2024: "Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights."
- How are allegations of abuse or neglect reported and investigated, and who tells the family?Inspectors cited 5 problems in this area, most recently on April 27, 2026: "Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody."
- When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 2 problems in this area, most recently on May 28, 2025: "Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured."
- Who is on the floor on Saturday and Sunday, and how many residents does each aide care for?Weekend nurse staffing here was 2.90 hours per resident per day, below the Connecticut average of 3.37.
Other nursing homes nearby
- Masonicare at Bishop Wicke Health & Rehabilitation Shelton, 0.3 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 25 citations
- Hewitt Health & Rehabilitation Center, Inc Shelton, 1.8 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 64 citations
- Apple Rehab Shelton Lakes Shelton, 2.2 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 50 citations
- Lord Chamberlain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Stratford, 2.7 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 46 citations
- Lord Chamberlain Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Ce Stratford, 2.7 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 37 citations
- Civita Care Center at West River Milford, 4.3 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 26 citations
- Civita Care Center at Milford Milford, 5 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 67 citations
- Orange Health Care Center Orange, 5.2 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 19 citations
Connecticut contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Connecticut. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Connecticut Department of Public Health, Facility Licensing and Investigations Section, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: Connecticut Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, 860-424-5200. The long-term care ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents and families, set up under the federal Older Americans Act.
- State inspection reports: Connecticut DPH Nursing Home Site, survey findings by facility, where Connecticut publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Gardner Heights Health Care Center, Inc's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Gardner Heights Health Care Center, Inc 2 out of 5 stars overall, with 2 for health inspections, 2 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Gardner Heights Health Care Center, Inc get at its last inspection?
- 9 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on August 19, 2024. The Connecticut average is 13.4.
- Has Gardner Heights Health Care Center, Inc been fined?
- Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $7,446 in the last three years.
- Does Gardner Heights Health Care Center, Inc accept Medicaid?
- It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicare and Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.
- Who owns Gardner Heights Health Care Center, Inc?
- CMS lists 6 owners and managers, and links the home to Apple Rehab. Legal business name: GARDNER HEIGHTS HEALTH CARE CENTER.
Sources
- Ratings, staffing and fines: CMS Provider Information, released September 30, 2026, data as of September 1, 2026.
- Citations: CMS Health Deficiencies and Fire Safety Deficiencies.
- Owners: CMS Ownership. Penalties: CMS Penalties.
- Staffing by quarter: CMS Payroll Based Journal Daily Nurse Staffing, April 2025 to March 2026, summed by NursingHomeClear.
- Inspector summaries: CMS Full Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567 text), data as of September 1, 2026. Each quote is the part of the statement before the detailed findings.
- Inspection reports with the inspectors' full notes are on this home's Medicare.gov page.
- Something wrong on this page? Ask for a correction. We fix errors in our copy of the data; findings themselves can only be changed by CMS and the state.
- NursingHomeClear is independent and not affiliated with CMS, Medicare or any state agency. This page reports federal records; it does not rate, recommend or endorse any home, and it is not medical or legal advice.