Worst Nursing Homes in Vermont
Finding quality care in Vermont nursing homes can be challenging. Reports from state officials and CMS data highlight concerns about poor care, neglect, and serious health risks in some facilities. The nursing home abuse attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center are committed to holding negligent facilities accountable and helping families seek justice for their loved ones.
How Nursing Homes Are Rated in Vermont
Vermont nursing homes are evaluated using Medicare’s Five-Star Rating System and state health inspections. These assessments consider staffing levels, health and safety violations, and overall care quality. The Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living conducts inspections to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns ratings based on inspection reports, staffing data, and resident outcomes. Nursing homes with a history of serious violations may be placed in the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program, which requires stricter oversight due to repeated failures. Poor ratings often indicate neglect, inadequate staffing, or serious safety concerns.
List of Worst Vermont Nursing Homes
Some Vermont nursing homes have repeatedly failed to meet basic standards of care, leading to serious safety violations, neglect, and preventable harm to residents. Below are facilities with documented issues, including low health inspection ratings, staffing shortages, and citations for poor care.
- Bennington Health & Rehab – Bennington, VT – This long-term care facility has received multiple citations for poor infection control, medication errors, and failure to prevent falls and bedsores. State inspection reports have documented unsanitary conditions, staff shortages, and delayed treatment for severe medical conditions, which put residents at risk.
- Burlington Health & Rehab – Burlington, VT – This skilled nursing facility has a history of neglect. Reports detail severe understaffing, medication mismanagement, and unsanitary living conditions. Some residents were left without proper hygiene care, and others experienced delays in medical attention. The Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living has flagged multiple violations.
- Elderwood at Burlington – Burlington, VT – This assisted living facility has been cited for failing to prevent infections, poor wound care, and inadequate supervision of complex patients. Reports have noted that one resident suffered serious harm due to medical neglect, and family members have raised concerns about poor communication from staff.
- Springfield Health & Rehab – Springfield, VT – This facility has been flagged for serious health violations, including unsanitary food handling, failure to provide timely medical care, and multiple cases of preventable falls. Inspection reports have noted that residents died due to neglect, and complaints from families have highlighted concerns about overworked staff and poor-quality care.
- St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab – St. Johnsbury, VT – This long-term care facility has repeatedly failed health inspections, with issues ranging from improper medication administration to failure to report and investigate injuries. Some residents were found to be malnourished due to a lack of proper nutrition monitoring, and reports indicate unsafe conditions leading to repeated falls.
- Union House Nursing Home – Glover, VT – This skilled nursing facility has been placed in the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program due to persistent violations. Inspectors found poor care, untrained staff, and repeated medication errors. Some residents were left in soiled bedding for extended periods, and family members have reported severe neglect and mistreatment.
- Vernon Green Nursing Home – Vernon, VT – This assisted living facility has been cited for failing to prevent infections, neglecting residents with mobility issues, and not correctly addressing medical emergencies. One inspection revealed that a resident did not receive critical treatment, leading to hospitalization at UVM Medical Center. Complaints also highlight poor communication with families and understaffing.
Common Deficiencies Found in Vermont Nursing Homes
Inspection reports from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living reveal recurring issues in Vermont nursing homes. These deficiencies put residents at risk for serious health complications, neglect, and even death.
- Infection prevention and control failures – Many facilities fail to follow proper hygiene protocols, leading to pneumonia, sepsis, and COVID-19 outbreaks.
- Inadequate staffing levels and training – Short-staffed facilities often leave residents without timely care, increasing the risk of falls, untreated medical conditions, and neglect.
- Medication errors and mismanagement – Incorrect dosages, missed medications, and improper monitoring can cause serious complications, including overdoses or untreated illnesses.
- Failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration – Malnourishment and dehydration are common in facilities that do not adequately monitor residents’ dietary needs.
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores) and improper wound care – Untreated bedsores can lead to infections, sepsis, and hospitalization. Many cases stem from staff failing to reposition immobile residents or neglecting wound treatment.
Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes
Families should stay alert for warning signs of neglect and abuse in Vermont nursing homes. These issues can severely impact a resident’s health and well-being.
- Unexplained bruises, fractures, burns;
- Frequent trips to the emergency room;
- Malnutrition and dehydration;
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores);
- Poor hygiene;
- Untreated medical conditions;
- Sudden withdrawal or fearfulness;
- Anxiety or agitation around staff;
- Missing money, unauthorized withdrawals, or lost personal items;
- Unexplained STDs, genital pain or bleeding;
- Reluctance to be touched.
Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Vermont
Vermont nursing home residents are protected by federal and state laws designed to ensure they receive quality care and are treated with dignity.
The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA ’87) requires nursing homes receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding to provide care that promotes residents’ health, safety, and well-being. It guarantees freedom from abuse, neglect, and unnecessary restraints.
Vermont’s Residents’ Rights Statutes protect residents from poor care, neglect, and mistreatment. They have the right to participate in their care plans, access medical records, and report concerns without retaliation.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in a Vermont Nursing Home?
If you believe a loved one is experiencing poor care, neglect, or abuse in a Vermont nursing home, take immediate action to protect them.
- Document your concerns – Take notes, photos, and videos of injuries, unsafe conditions, or signs of neglect. Keep records of staff responses.
- Report your suspicions to the nursing home administration – Notify management in writing and request an investigation.
- Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – The Ombudsman investigates complaints about long-term care facilities.
- Consult with an experienced Vermont nursing home abuse attorney – A lawyer can help families seek compensation and hold the facility accountable.
Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Vermont
If a loved one has suffered poor care, neglect, or abuse in a Vermont nursing home, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to seek compensation. The process begins with a thorough investigation, where attorneys gather medical records, inspection reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence to build the case. The next step is determining liability, as the nursing home, staff, administrators, or third-party caregivers may be responsible.
Once sufficient evidence is collected and liability is established, a formal complaint is filed in court against the responsible parties. During the discovery phase, both sides exchange evidence, interview witnesses, and may file motions to dismiss claims. Some cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, while others proceed to trial if a fair agreement cannot be reached.
Contact a Vermont Nursing Home Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you believe an elderly loved one has suffered neglect or abuse in a Vermont nursing home, taking legal action may be the best way to protect their rights. At Nursing Home Law Center, we hold negligent facilities accountable and help families seek compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.
Sources: Medicare