Merry Heart Nursing Home

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Merry Heart Nursing Home, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, widespreadF812Jun 26, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, record review and policy review, it was determined that the facility failed to sanitize and air dry steam table pans in a manner to prevent microbial growth. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: On 06/22/26 at 11:04 AM, in the presence of the Food and Nutrition Supervisor (FNS) Supervisor, and the Registered Dietitian (RD), the surveyor observed the following:In the food preparation area, on a shelf, the surveyor observed two shallow full sized steam table pans which were stacked with water between them. The FNS stated that these pans should have been air dried before they were stacked. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF947Jun 26, 2026

  Based on interview and review of facility documentation, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) received at least 12 hours of mandatory in-service (education) training annually, for 4 of 5 CNA (CNA #1, #2, #3, and #4) education reviewed.On 6/25/26 at 8:57 AM, the surveyor reviewed the provided in-service education for five randomly selected CNAs for the year 2025 to 2026, which revealed the following:CNA #1 hired on 3/18/21, had 11.5 hours of in-service training from date of hire anniversary dates for 2025 to 2026.CNA #2 hired on 4/11/12, had 8 hours of in-service training from date of hire anniversary dates for 2025 to 2026.CNA #3 hired on 1/11/21, had 9.5 hours of in-service training from date of hire anniversary dates for 2025 to 2026.CNA… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF728Jan 5, 2024

  Based on interviews and review of pertinent facility documentation, it was determined that the facility allowed 2 of 4 Non-Certified Nursing Aides (NA) to continue working as an NA after the specified 120 days. This deficient practice was identified during NA review. This deficient practice was evidenced by the following: Reference: State of New Jersey Department of Health memo dated April 21, 2023 sent to Nursing Homes included the following: Facilities are advised as follows: I. TNAs (Temporary Nursing Assistant) A. Individuals who are working as TNAs must pass the nurse-aide written or oral exam and the State-approved clinical skills competency exam by May 11, 2023, or the end of the federal PHE (Public Health Emergency), whichever comes first. B. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF656Jun 26, 2026

  Based on observation, interview, and record review it was determined that the facility failed to develop a comprehensive, person-centered care plan for 2 of 20 residents (Resident #1 and #88) reviewed for comprehensive care plans. 1. On 6/22/26 at 10:37 AM, the surveyor observed Resident #88 in bed, awake, sitting up with knees bent towards their chest. The resident had incoherent speech and could not answer simple questions. Resident #88 was calm and observant. There were no concerns observed. On 6/23/26 at 9:31 AM, the surveyor reviewed the electronic medical record (EMR) of Resident #88. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF689Jun 26, 2026

  Complaint #2729626Based on observation, interview, record review, and review of facility documents, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a resident who was cognitively impaired and high risk for falls received adequate supervision to prevent accidents. This deficient practice was identified for 1 of 4 residents (Resident #122) reviewed for falls.On 6/24/26 at 9:15 AM, the surveyor reviewed the electronic medical record (EMR) of Resident #122. The resident no longer resided at the facility.The admission Record (a summary of important information about a resident) documented that the resident had diagnoses that included but were not limited to, hydrocephalus (a medical condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the brain's cavities), mild cognitive impairment… […]