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Nursing Home Facing MassHealth Termination Has Record of Abuse

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Wareham Healthcare

Wareham Healthcare, one of three Massachusetts nursing homes to receive a termination notice last week from MassHealth, carries a red warning badge on Nursing Home Compare, a U.S. government web tool.

 

The badge indicates the nursing home has been cited for abuse.

 

An inspection report from February of 2019 shows several violations involving how staff handled a particular patient’s pressure wound. 

 

Another citation says the nursing home failed to meet quality standards for one in five patients out of a sample of 25.

 

Neither Wareham Healthcare nor its parent company provided comment.

 

A state official says the decision to terminate the three nursing homes’ relationship with MassHealth was based on numerous factors, including inadequate infection control, staffing levels, and compliance with testing for COVID-19.

 

MassHealth is the state’s program to administer Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program.

 

The action could result in the nursing homes closing.

Jennette Barnes is a reporter and producer. Named a Master Reporter by the New England Society of News Editors, she brings more than 20 years of news experience to CAI.