Show Inspection Reports
Total health inspections
3
Minnesota average 6
Last Health inspection on Oct 2024
Primarily short stays
Residents typically stay for brief periods, with frequent admissions and discharges throughout the year.
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Nursing Home in Minnesota
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Boundary Waters Care Center
Nursing Home in Minnesota
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Boundary Waters Care Center
Overview of Boundary Waters Care Center
Boundary Waters Care Center (BWCC) is a vibrant nonprofit, 503(c)(3), skilled care and rehabilitative community in Ely, Minnesota where values-driven team members are focused on upholding the well-being, dignity, and individual capabilities of each resident. The community serves older adults and their families with short-term rehabilitation services and long-term care designed to ensure residents may safely lead a lifestyle with as much independence as
possible.
Quality ratings
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
Nursing care per resident
This shows how many total hours of nursing staff time are available per resident each day. Higher numbers usually mean more staff support.
Staffing hours breakdown
Hours of care per resident per day, broken down by staff type. Data from CMS Medicare.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurse hours per resident per day.
Registered nurse hours per resident per day.
Nurse Aide
Nurse aide hours per resident per day.
Nurse aide hours per resident per day.
Total Nursing (Weekend)
Total number of nurse staff hours per resident per day on weekends.
Total number of nurse staff hours per resident per day on weekends.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapist staff hours per resident per day.
Physical therapist staff hours per resident per day.
RN (Weekend)
Registered nurse hours per resident per day on weekends.
Registered nurse hours per resident per day on weekends.
Capacity and availability
Smaller home
May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.
Total beds
42
This home usually has availability
Lower occupancy suggests more openings may be available.
Occupancy rate
77%
Residents per day (avg)
29
Occupancy rate
77%
Residents per day (avg)
29
Who this home usually serves
Show admissions and discharges
TYPE OF STAY
Might be optimal for
Post-acute recovery
Temporary care
Transitional stays
Breakdown by payment type
Medicare
31% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
Typical stay
1 - 2 months
Private pay
61% of new residents, often for short stays.
Typical stay
6 - 7 months
Medicaid
8% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Typical stay
4 years
Finances and operations
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$4.9M
Operating deficit
-$223.8K
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$4.9M
Operating deficit
-$223.8K
Payroll costs
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$2.7M
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Other operating costs
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$2.4M
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Total costs
$5.1M
Walk Score: 61 / 100
Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.
BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited)
An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
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About this community
CMS Certification Number245138
AccreditationsBronze – Commitment to Quality Award
Emergency SystemsYes
Staffing
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
ContactAdam Masloski, Admissions Director
Accept Medicaid
Accept Medicare
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care
Doctor on Staff
Skilled Nursing
24-Hour Staffing
Onsite Barber And Beauty Salon
Housekeeping
Laundry Service
Scheduled Transportation
Emergency Response System
Daily Activities
Specific ProgramsSkilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Housekeeping, Laundry Service, Barber/Beauty Salon, Scheduled Transportation, Short-term Respite Stays, Compassionate Hospice Care, Daily Activities.
Food DescriptionThree delicious and nutritious meals daily.
Meals IncludedYes
Meals Per Day3
Access & Eligibility
Ways to qualify for care at this community, including accepted programs and payment options.
Medicaid Accepted
This facility is certified for eligible Medicaid services.
Medicare Accepted
This facility is certified for eligible Medicare services.
Inspection History
In Minnesota, the Department of Health, Health Regulation Division is the primary authority for conducting onsite inspections and reporting on the quality of care in residential facilities.
3 visits/inspections
Latest inspection
Date
December 11, 2025
Plan Of Correction11 deficiencies
Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.
Minnesota average: 10 deficiencies
Inspection Report Summary for Boundary Waters Care Center
The most recent inspection on December 11, 2025, found no health deficiencies. Earlier inspections identified several deficiencies related to resident care, including issues with notification of condition changes, therapy services, respiratory care, nutrition, and infection control practices. Prior reports noted failures in securing electronic medical records, following provider orders, pressure ulcer care, and safe use of mechanical lifts. Complaint investigations were not listed in the available reports. The inspection history shows improvement, with the latest survey free of deficiencies after previous findings.
Health Inspection History
Inspections
Total health citations
21
Minnesota average 23.2
Citations per inspection
7
Minnesota average 3.76
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
All 21 citations resulted from standard inspections.
Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical Health citations
0
0
100% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 0.7
Serious Health citations
1
1
100% worse than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 0.5
0 critical citations
1 serious citation
19 moderate citations
1 minor citation
Citations history (last 3 years)
Nutrition moderate citation
Issues related to food quality, meal service, and resident's nutritional needs.
Oct 16, 2024
Issues related to food quality, meal service, and resident's nutritional needs.
Oct 16, 2024
Corrected
Quality of Care moderate citation
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Oct 16, 2024
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Oct 16, 2024
Corrected
Quality of Care moderate citation
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Oct 16, 2024
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Oct 16, 2024
Corrected
Quality of Care moderate citation
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Oct 16, 2024
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Oct 16, 2024
Corrected
Data sourced from CMS Health Deficiencies reports. Citation severity codes range from A (least serious) to L (most serious). Immediate Jeopardy (J-L) citations indicate situations where the facility's noncompliance has placed residents at risk of death or serious harm.
Compare Nursing Homes around Minnesota The information below is reported by the Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division.
Filter by care type
Boundary Waters Care Center
NH
Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL
Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
Ely
42
77.0%
-3%
4.50
-6%
1
21
7.0
1
29
A+
61
Forsman, Michael
$4.2M
$2.7M
64.2%
245138
Little Sisters of the Poor Holy Family Residence
NH
Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL
Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
St. Paul (West Seventh - Fort Road)
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0.0
0
-
A+
77
-
-
-
-
-
Places of interest near Boundary Waters Care Center
0.3 miles from city center — 0.05 miles to nearest hospital (Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital)
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Staffing Data (Q2 2025)
This data corresponds to Q2 2025 and is based on CMS Payroll-Based Journal.
Total staff
53
Employees
40
Contractors
13
Staff to resident ratio
1.66:1
25% worse than Minnesota averageMinnesota average ratio: 2.22:1
Avg staff/day
17
Average shift
8.4 hours
12% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 7.5 hours
Total staff hours (quarter)
13,037
Nursing staff breakdown
Registered Nurse
Manages medical care and health needs.
Total count
8
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.7 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.7 hoursThis role is partially covered by contractors.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Assists with medical care and medications.
Total count
1
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
11.5 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
11.5 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Helps with daily care and mobility.
Total count
16
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.3 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.3 hoursThis role is partially covered by contractors.
Contractor staffing
Total hours from contractors
16.8%
2,192 contractor hours this quarter
Respiratory Therapy Technician: 4
Certified Nursing Assistant: 3
Physical Therapy Assistant: 2
Registered Nurse: 1
Occupational Therapy Assistant: 1
Occupational Therapy Aide: 1
Medical Director: 1
Staff by category
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 13 | 3 | 16 | 5,543 | 91 | 100% | 9.3 |
| Registered Nurse | 7 | 1 | 8 | 1,766 | 85 | 93% | 9.7 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1,012 | 63 | 69% | 7 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 2 | 0 | 2 | 958 | 78 | 86% | 10.1 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 1 | 0 | 1 | 676 | 59 | 65% | 11.5 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 3 | 0 | 3 | 565 | 62 | 68% | 7.7 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 548 | 60 | 66% | 9.1 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 480 | 60 | 66% | 8 |
| Dental Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 464 | 58 | 64% | 8 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 446 | 60 | 66% | 7.4 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 1 | 0 | 1 | 288 | 53 | 58% | 5.4 |
| Nurse Aide in Training | 5 | 0 | 5 | 185 | 13 | 14% | 7.1 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 0 | 4 | 4 | 39 | 14 | 15% | 2.8 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 0 | 2 | 2 | 33 | 10 | 11% | 3.3 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 0 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 12 | 13% | 1.6 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 0 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 3% | 4.8 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2% | 0.9 |
16 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days
100%
8 Registered Nurse
% of Days
93%
4 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days
69%
2 Medication Aide/Technician
% of Days
86%
1 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days
65%
3 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days
68%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days
66%
1 Administrator
% of Days
66%
1 Dental Services Staff
% of Days
64%
1 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days
66%
1 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days
58%
5 Nurse Aide in Training
% of Days
14%
4 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days
15%
2 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days
11%
1 Occupational Therapy Assistant
% of Days
13%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days
3%
1 Medical Director
% of Days
2%
Facility Characteristics
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total census
32 residents
Residents by payment source
Medicare
2 residents (6.3%)
Medicaid
22 residents (68.8%)
Private pay or other
8 residents (25%)
Programs & Services
Residents' Group
Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
Nurse Aide Training
State-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program on-site
Active Resident Council
Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.
Data sourced from CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics quarterly report. Payer mix reflects the current resident census by primary payment source.
Quality of care over time
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
High-risk clinical events score
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
6.9
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
6.9
38% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 11.1
Functional decline score
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
16.7
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
16.7
26% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 22.6
Long-stay resident measures
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
8.5%
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
8.5%
55% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 18.9%
Walking Ability Worsened
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
13.1%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
13.1%
45% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 23.8%
Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
28.4%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
28.4%
14% worse than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 25.0%
Falls with Major Injury
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
2.6%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
2.6%
31% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 3.7%
High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
2.3%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
2.3%
59% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 5.4%
Urinary Tract Infection
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
0.9%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
0.9%
68% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 2.7%
Lost Too Much Weight
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
8.1%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
8.1%
95% worse than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 4.1%
Depressive Symptoms
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.9%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
0.9%
79% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 4.4%
Antipsychotic Use
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
14.3%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
14.3%
17% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 17.2%
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
In line with Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 97.3%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
In line with Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 96.0%
Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
12% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 88.9%
Antipsychotic medication increase
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
5.0%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
5.0%
161% worse than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 1.9%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
95.7%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
95.7%
16% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 82.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
Penalties and fines
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total fines amount
$10K
77% lower than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: $44K
Number of fines
1
50% fewer fines than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 2.0
Payment Denials
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
100% fewer payment denials than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 0.4
Fines amount comparison
Fines amount comparison
This facility
$10K
Minnesota average
$44K
Penalty History
Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.
Civil Money Penalty
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Apr 20, 2023
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Apr 20, 2023
$10K
Last updated: Jan 2026
Financial Trends
Historical financial and operational data for Boundary Waters Care Center based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Occupancy Rate
77.0%
↑ 3.2pp vs 2022
Net Income
-$223.8K
↑ ~$511.0K vs 2022
Total Payroll
$3.4M
↑ ~$196.9K vs 2022
Profit Margin
-5.3%
↑ 14.5pp vs 2022
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