Map showing the location of POLARIS HEALTHCARE AND REHABILITATION CENTER in MILFORD, Delaware
21 W CLARKE AVENUE, MILFORD, DE, 19963

Overall Score

CMS Five-Star Quality Rating
1/5Much below averageCMS Five-Star overall rating

Where it ranks

  • DelawareLowest tier among peers43 rated homes · average 3.3★
  • Sussex CountyLowest tier among peers11 rated homes · average 3.1★
  • United StatesLowest tier among peers14,574 rated homes · average 3.0★

How the rating is built

  • Health inspectionsStarting point1★−1.7 vs DE avg
  • StaffingCan add or remove a star2★−2.0 vs DE avg
  • Quality measuresCan add or remove a star3★−1.2 vs DE avg

CMS starts from the health inspection stars, then adds or subtracts a star for staffing and for quality measures. Stars are assigned relative to other facilities in the same state.

  • Special Focus Facility candidateThis facility is on the CMS candidate list for the Special Focus Facility program, meaning it is among the poorest-performing facilities in its state on recent inspections.

Ratings & measures

Tap a row to see what it means
Health inspection ratingCMS stars from the last three on-site inspection cycles1★Lowest tier among peersDE avg2.7★U.S. avg2.8★
What is health inspection rating?

Stars assigned from the last three standard surveys and every complaint investigation in that window, weighted toward the most recent and the most serious findings. CMS assigns these stars relative to other facilities in the same state.

Why it matters

It carries the most weight in the overall rating and is the only domain based on what trained inspectors saw on site rather than what the facility reported.

Staffing ratingCMS stars from payroll-reported hours and turnover2★Above only 2% of peersDE avg4.0★U.S. avg2.9★
What is staffing rating?

Nurse and aide hours per resident day from payroll records CMS collects every quarter, adjusted for how much care residents need, plus staff turnover and weekend coverage.

Why it matters

More hours and lower turnover are the strongest predictors of fewer falls, pressure sores, and avoidable hospital stays.

Quality measures ratingCMS stars from clinical outcomes and resident assessments3★Above only 10% of peersDE avg4.2★U.S. avg3.6★
What is quality measures rating?

Clinical outcomes from resident assessments and Medicare claims: falls with injury, pressure ulcers, hospitalizations, antipsychotic use, and more, for both short-stay and long-stay residents.

Why it matters

It shows whether care is working, but part of it comes from the facility’s own assessments, so read it alongside the inspection results.

Total nurse hoursPer resident per day, all nursing staff4.19hrsAbove 63% of peersDE avg4.51Benchmark4.10
What is total nurse hours?

All licensed nurse and aide hours worked, divided by the number of residents, on an average day. Reported from payroll, not self-reported.

Why it matters

Federal research links 4.1 hours a day to fewer avoidable harms. Below about 3 hours, residents wait longer for help with basics like toileting and repositioning.

RN hoursPer resident per day, registered nurses only0.83hrsAbove 51% of peersDE avg1.03Benchmark0.75
What is rn hours?

Registered nurse hours only. RNs assess residents, manage medications, and catch changes in condition; LPNs and aides deliver most hands-on care.

Why it matters

RN coverage is the staffing measure most tied to fewer hospital transfers and infections, and it is where thinly staffed facilities cut first.

Nursing staff turnoverShare of nursing staff who left within a year · lower is better71%Lowest tier among peersDE avg42%RN turnover69%
What is nursing staff turnover?

The share of nursing staff who left within the past year, from the same payroll data.

Why it matters

High turnover means residents are cared for by people who do not know them, and it is one of the strongest predictors of inspection problems.

Fines in the last three yearsCivil money penalties imposed by CMS · lower is better$127,199Above only 19% of peersDE avg$66,380Fines · denials2 · 0
What is fines in the last three years?

Civil money penalties CMS imposed after serious or uncorrected deficiencies, and denials of Medicare payment for new admissions.

Why it matters

Penalties follow the worst inspection findings. A recent fine is the clearest sign that inspectors found real harm.

Inspection history

Last three inspection cycles
89citations
6inspection dates
2actual harm (G–I)
1immediate jeopardy (J–L)
Aug 11, 2025most recent

Citations by monthOct 2022 – Aug 2025

  • No actual harm (D–F)
  • Actual harm (G–I)
  • Immediate jeopardy (J–L)
  • $Fine or payment denial

Click a month or a year to filter the findings below. Arrow keys move between months; Esc clears.

Aug 11, 20252 citationsCycle 1worst D · no actual harm
  1. F726Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.Nursing and Physician ServicesD · isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2025
  2. F791Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2025
Jan 28, 202539 citationsCycle 1worst K · immediate jeopardy$114,368
  1. Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  2. Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  3. F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Apr 24, 2025
  4. F805Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.Nutrition and DietaryD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  5. F626Permit a resident to return to the nursing home after hospitalization or therapeutic leave that exceeds bed-hold policy.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  6. F561Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  7. F578Honor 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.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  8. F585Honor 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.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  9. F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  10. F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  11. F688Provide 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.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  12. F692Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  13. F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  14. F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Quality of Life and CareG · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  15. F730Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.Nursing and Physician ServicesD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  16. F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  17. F758Implement 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.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  18. F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  19. F791Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  20. F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Nutrition and DietaryD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  21. F941Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.AdministrationD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  22. F942Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  23. F945Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.Infection ControlD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  24. F946Provide training in compliance and ethics.AdministrationD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  25. F947Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.Nursing and Physician ServicesD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  26. F949Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.AdministrationD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  27. F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  28. F622Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  29. F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningE · patternCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  30. F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  31. F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  32. F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Pharmacy ServiceK · patternCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  33. F567Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  34. F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and ExploitationD · isolatedCorrected Apr 24, 2025
  35. F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and ExploitationD · isolatedCorrected Apr 24, 2025
  36. F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  37. F773Provide or obtain laboratory tests/services when ordered and promptly tell the ordering practitioner of the results.AdministrationD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  38. F710Obtain a doctor's order to admit a resident and ensure the resident is under a doctor's care.Nursing and Physician ServicesD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
  39. Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.AdministrationD · isolatedCorrected Mar 18, 2025
Jul 9, 20242 citationsCycle 2worst D · no actual harm
  1. F660Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Aug 26, 2024
  2. F745Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Aug 26, 2024
Apr 11, 202417 citationsCycle 2worst G · actual harm$12,831
  1. F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  2. F584Honor 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.Resident RightsB · patternCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  3. F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  4. F645PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual DisabilitiesResident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  5. F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  6. F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  7. F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  8. F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  9. F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  10. F756Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  11. F758Implement 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.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  12. F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Nutrition and DietaryE · patternCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  13. F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  14. F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and ExploitationD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  15. F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Quality of Life and CareG · isolatedCorrected Oct 24, 2022
  16. F552Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
  17. F582Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Jun 3, 2024
Mar 10, 20233 citationsCycle 3worst D · no actual harm
  1. F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 29, 2023
  2. F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Mar 29, 2023
  3. Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Mar 29, 2023
Oct 18, 202226 citationsCycle 3worst E · no actual harm
  1. F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Pharmacy ServiceE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  2. F791Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  3. F825Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  4. F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  5. F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Infection ControlE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  6. Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.Resident RightsE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  7. Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Quality of Life and CareE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  8. F887Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.Infection ControlD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  9. F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  10. F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  11. F583Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.Resident RightsD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  12. F584Honor 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.Resident RightsE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  13. F585Honor 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.Resident RightsE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  14. F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and ExploitationD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  15. F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Resident RightsB · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  16. F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedResident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  17. F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  18. F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Resident Assessment and Care PlanningD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  19. F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  20. F685Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  21. F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  22. F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Quality of Life and CareD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  23. F732Post nurse staffing information every day.Nursing and Physician ServicesC · widespreadCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  24. F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  25. F756Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.Pharmacy ServiceE · patternCorrected Dec 1, 2022
  26. F758Implement 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.Pharmacy ServiceD · isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2022

Staffing

From quarterly payroll reports

Hours per resident per day

  • All nursing staffRNs, LPNs and aides combined4.19hrsAbove 63% of peers−0.32 vs DE avg
  • Registered nursesRN hours only0.83hrsAbove 51% of peers−0.20 vs DE avg
  • Licensed practical nursesLPN hours1.17hrs
  • Nurse aidesCNA hours2.18hrs
  • Weekend nursingAll staff on Saturdays and Sundays3.83hrs
  • Delaware average
  • Research benchmark (4.10 total, 0.75 RN)

Turnover & capacity

  • Nursing staff turnoverShare who left within a year · lower is better71%Lowest tier among peersDE avg 42%
  • RN turnoverRegistered nurses only69%Not ranked by CMS
  • Administrators who leftIn the past year2Leadership changed
  • Occupancy100 certified beds · ~91 residents a day91%Above 74% of peersDE avg 81%

Fines & penalties

Roughly the past three years

Enforcement summary

  • $127,199In fines
  • 2Fines
  • 0Payment denials
  • $66,380DE avg in fines
Above only 19% of peersFewer fines than 19% of rated homes in Delaware

Actions on record

  1. Jan 28, 2025Civil money penalty$114,368
  2. Apr 11, 2024Civil money penalty$12,831

Ownership

As filed with CMS

Structure

Ownership type
For profit - Limited Liability company
Chain
Nationwide Healthcare Services7 facilities in the chain2.4★ chain average
Certification
Medicare and Medicaid
Location type
Rural
Ownership change
None in the last 12 months

People and entities on file

Direct owners (5%+)
  • Leah Gelley
  • Meir Gelley
Operational or managerial control
  • Nationwide Healthcare Services
Managing employees
  • Meir Gelley

Person Organization

Sources & notes

Public data, updated quarterly

Data sources

  • CMS Care Compare · Provider InformationStar ratings, staffing hours, turnover, penalties and flags · processed February 2026.
  • CMS Health CitationsEvery deficiency from the last three inspection cycles, with scope, severity and inspection cycle.
  • CMS Penalties and Ownership filesCivil money penalties, payment denials, and the owners and managers on file.

Notes

  • CMS Certification Number 085058 · 21 W CLARKE AVENUE, MILFORD, DE, 19963.
  • Percentiles compare this facility with every rated nursing home in Delaware and Sussex County. Turnover and fines are inverted so a high percentile is always good.
  • This is an informational summary of public data, not medical, legal, or placement advice. Facilities cannot pay to change it; a facility that believes a record is wrong can dispute it with CMS.

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