The Highlands at Brighton

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at The Highlands at Brighton, in the surveyor’s own words.

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF761Aug 13, 2025

  Based on observations, interviews, and record review conducted during the Recertification Survey from 08/6/2025 to 08/13/2025, for four (4) (Medication Carts on Residential Units A, B, D, and E) of five (5) medication carts reviewed, the facility did not ensure that all drugs and biologicals were stored and/or labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles and regulations. Specifically, on the Residential E Unit, there were pre-poured medications for multiple residents and multiple loose medications in the medication cart. On the Residential A Unit, there were multiple loose pills in a medication cart, and an unlocked, unattended medication cart was observed. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, patternF908Dec 6, 2021

  Based on observations, interviews and record reviews conducted during the Recertification Survey, completed on 12/6/21, it was determined that for one of one main kitchen, the facility did not maintain equipment in safe operating condition. Specifically, the low temperature dishwashing machine and five of six bimetallic food thermometers were not working properly. This is evidenced by the following: Review of a facility policy, Thermostat Calibration, dated 4/16/15, included that the thermometer may be the single most important tool you have to protect food. To calibrate a thermometer, fill a container with ice. Add clean tap water until the container is full. Put thermometer stem into the ice water so that the sensing area is completely submerged. Wait until the indicator stops moving. […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF609May 7, 2026

  Based on interviews and record review, the facility did not ensure alleged violations involving resident-to-resident physical aggression were reported immediately to the Administrator and the New York State Department of Health for two (2) of four (4) residents reviewed (Resident #4 and Resident #5). Specifically, on 11/24/2025 at 6:00 PM, Resident #4 threw a cup containing ice at Resident #5 during a verbal altercation, striking Resident #5. The facility did not notify the Administrator until 11/28/2025 at 3:00 PM and did not report the incident to the New York State Department of Health until 12/02/2025 at 3:45 PM.The findings include:The facility policy Abuse, Neglect and Mistreatment, last reviewed in October 2024, included all staff were required to report any potential or actual… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF689May 7, 2026

  Based on observations, interviews, and record review, the facility failed to ensure a resident's environment remained as free from accident hazards as possible for one (1) of five (5) residents reviewed (Resident #6). Specifically, the facility did not ensure consistent monitoring and documentation of Resident #6's self-administration of medications as ordered by the medical provider. The facility also did not ensure accurate accountability of medications available to Resident #6 after the resident reported ingesting multiple days' worth of medications.The findings include:The facility policy Medication Administration: Self-Administration of Medication, last reviewed on 10/04/2018, included if the attending physician and interdisciplinary team approved self-administration of medications,… […]

• No harm, potential for more than minimal, isolatedF583Aug 13, 2025

  Based on observation, interviews, and record review conducted during a Recertification Survey from 08/06/2025 to 08/13/2025, for one (1) (Resident #1) of one (1) resident reviewed, the facility did not ensure the resident's right to privacy and confidentiality of their personal and medical records was maintained. Specifically, a computer stationed in a hallway on Residential Unit D was observed open, exposing Resident #1's personal and medical information; there were no staff members present to secure the information for nine (9) minutes. This is evidenced by the following:Resident #1 had diagnoses including chronic respiratory failure, diabetes, and methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus infection (a bacteria that is resistant to a wide range of antibiotics). […]