MorningStar at North Ridge
MorningStar at North Ridge is a 66-bed nursing facility at 8101 Palomas Avenue NE in Albuquerque’s Bernalillo County, privately operated by Morgan O’Roark under the ownership of Lisa Noya. The community accepts Medicaid and private-pay residents, with pricing starting at $4,750 monthly.
It serves memory care, assisted living, and independent living populations with a portfolio of amenities: fitness center, salon, spa, chapel, dining areas (restaurant and bistro), garden, art studio, transportation, housekeeping, laundry service, and linen service. The community received recognition as a “Best of Senior Living” honoree.
Federal regulators imposed $599,000 in penalties across three enforcement actions between July 2024 and September 2025, the most recent a $301,000 fine.
Seven critical citations were issued within a two-year window; 536% above the New Mexico state average, with a total of 91 citations ranked 51st of 54 New Mexico nursing facilities. A July 2024 complaint investigation documented a substantiated allegation of improper physical restraint of a resident, leading to staff termination and self-reporting by the Executive Director. The same inspection cited deficiencies in medication administration (errors in dosage and frequency between July 10-18, 2024) and food handling practices (cooks and food handlers failing to wear required hair nets or caps).
The deficiency pattern reflects ongoing struggles with resident rights, medication safety, and care quality that inspectors found unresolved across multiple inspection cycles.
Staffing metrics run significantly below state averages.
Nurses provide 3 hours 4 minutes of care per resident per day, 22% below the New Mexico average. Weekends drop further to 2 hours 29 minutes per resident; 23% below state norms. Contractors comprise 26.4% of the workforce, and payroll investment stands at 28.4% of revenue, positioning the facility 52nd of 54 in payroll spending relative to peers in New Mexico.
Clinical outcomes reflect these staffing constraints: residents show higher rates of functional decline in daily activities (24.8%, 58% worse than average), worsening mobility (24.6%, 35% worse), and weight loss (8.9%, 53% worse than state average).
The facility’s current occupancy rate is 71%, approximately 8 percentage points below the New Mexico average.
The inspection record, enforcement history, and clinical measures identify significant resident care and medication management challenges that create material risk for prospective residents and families.
About this community
Occupancy
MorningStar at North Ridge is legally operated by North Ridge Management Nm, LLC, and administered by Morgan O'roark.
Staffing
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
Inspection History
In New Mexico, the Department of Health, Division of Health Improvement is the primary regulatory authority that conducts unannounced inspections and investigates quality of care complaints.
Inspection Scorecard
This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the New Mexico state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Since 2024 vs. New Mexico state average• Deficiencies per inspection (11% above) 1 Better Metrics better than New Mexico average:
• Total deficiencies (90% below)
Deficiencies
| This Facility | NM Average | vs. NM Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
| 3 | 30 | This facility has 90% fewer total deficiencies than a typical New Mexico assisted living residence (3 vs. NM avg 30).↓ 90% better |
|
Deficiencies per inspection
| 3.0 | 2.7 | This facility has 11% more deficiencies per inspection than a typical New Mexico assisted living residence (3 vs. NM avg 2.7).↑ 11% worse |
Inspections
| This Facility | NM Average | vs. NM Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total inspections
| 1 | 11 | This facility has had 91% fewer total inspections than the New Mexico average (1 vs. NM avg 11). More inspections can mean more regulatory scrutiny rather than worse care.↓ 91% fewer |
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed
Building Type: Single-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Living Spaces & Floor Plans for MorningStar at North Ridge
Places of interest near MorningStar at North Ridge
8.2 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Albuquerque's city center to MorningStar at North Ridge's address, calculated via Google Maps.
Calculate Travel Distance to MorningStar at North Ridge
Add your location
Compare Assisted Living around Albuquerque
Info below is compiled from the NM Dept. of Health, senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.
| The Watermark at Cherry Hills | AL MC | Albuquerque (Jade Park) | 131
Facility
131
NM AVG
68
Rank
#14 / 144 | Yes |
42
Facility
42
NM AVG
43
Rank
#110 / 207 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 77.1% | A+ | Brooke Kohman | Shp Vi Albuquerque LLC | 13 | 2
Facility
2
NM AVG
4
Rank
#29 / 83 | 2
Facility
2
NM AVG
5.3
Rank
#14 / 83 | 4
Facility
4
NM AVG
30
Rank
#9 / 83 | 0.3
Facility
0.3
NM AVG
2.7
Rank
#3 / 83 |
| Palmilla Senior Living | AL IL MC | Albuquerque (Cottonwood Heights) | 95
Facility
95
NM AVG
68
Rank
#43 / 144 | Yes |
31
Facility
31
NM AVG
43
Rank
#130 / 207 | Studio / 1 Bed | 78.9% | - | Elizabeth Wisneski | Chp Albuquerque Nm Tenant Corp | 10 | 1
Facility
1
NM AVG
4
Rank
#13 / 83 | 2
Facility
2
NM AVG
5.3
Rank
#14 / 83 | 9
Facility
9
NM AVG
30
Rank
#21 / 83 | 0.9
Facility
0.9
NM AVG
2.7
Rank
#17 / 83 |
| MorningStar Assisted Living of Albuquerque | AL MC RC | Albuquerque (Countrywood Area) | 85
Facility
85
NM AVG
68
Rank
#53 / 144 | Yes |
56
Facility
56
NM AVG
43
Rank
#79 / 207 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 80.0% | A+ | Efren Gallardo | Ms. Albuquerque Management Nm, LLC | 11 | 4
Facility
4
NM AVG
4
Rank
#47 / 83 | 4
Facility
4
NM AVG
5.3
Rank
#41 / 83 | 7
Facility
7
NM AVG
30
Rank
#16 / 83 | 0.6
Facility
0.6
NM AVG
2.7
Rank
#10 / 83 |
| MorningStar at North Ridge | AL MC RC | Albuquerque (Countrywood Area) | 66
Facility
66
NM AVG
68
Rank
#63 / 144 | Yes |
56
Facility
56
NM AVG
43
Rank
#79 / 207 | Studio / 1 Bed | 71.2% | - | Morgan O'roark | North Ridge Management Nm, LLC | 1 | 1
Facility
1
NM AVG
4
Rank
#13 / 83 | 1
Facility
1
NM AVG
5.3
Rank
#2 / 83 | 3
Facility
3
NM AVG
30
Rank
#6 / 83 | 3.0
Facility
3.0
NM AVG
2.7
Rank
#53 / 83 |
| Avista Senior Living Albuquerque | AL MC | Albuquerque (Eldorado Heights) | 54
Facility
54
NM AVG
68
Rank
#76 / 144 | No |
56
Facility
56
NM AVG
43
Rank
#79 / 207 | Private Suite / Companion Suite | 55.6% | A+ | Olivia Romero | Avista Abq, LLC | 1 | 0
Facility
0
NM AVG
4
Rank
#1 / 83 | 1
Facility
1
NM AVG
5.3
Rank
#2 / 83 | 1
Facility
1
NM AVG
30
Rank
#2 / 83 | 1.0
Facility
1.0
NM AVG
2.7
Rank
#19 / 83 |
Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in New Mexico
MorningStar at North Ridge is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in New Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions about MorningStar at North Ridge
What neighborhood is MorningStar at North Ridge in?
MorningStar at North Ridge is in the Countrywood Area neighborhood of Albuquerque.
Who is the owner of MorningStar at North Ridge?
MorningStar at North Ridge is legally operated by North Ridge Management Nm, LLC, and administered by Morgan O'Roark.
Is MorningStar at North Ridge in a walkable area?
MorningStar at North Ridge has a walk score of 56. Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.
When does MorningStar at North Ridge's license expire?
According to NM state health department records, MorningStar at North Ridge's license expires on December 31, 2026.
What is the occupancy rate at MorningStar at North Ridge?
MorningStar at North Ridge's occupancy is 71%.
Does MorningStar at North Ridge have different floorplan options?
Yes — see the floorplan options available at MorningStar at North Ridge on this page.
Are pets allowed at MorningStar at North Ridge?
Yes, MorningStar at North Ridge allows residents to bring their pets.
Guides for Better Senior Living
Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area
Assisted Living Explorer
Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now
The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It
Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance





