We arrange tours, appointments, and even moving support so you don’t have to
5/5
CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that rates nursing home quality. Its Overall Rating runs from 1 to 5 stars, combining health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most heavily.
5/5
CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that rates nursing home quality. Its Overall Rating runs from 1 to 5 stars, combining health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most heavily.
Ecumen Duluth the Shores is an assisted living community that offers memory care services in the scenic city of Duluth, Minnesota. Nestled amidst the enchanting ambiance of century-old homes, this exquisite campus captivates with its serene waterfront location, majestic pines, meandering trails, and breathtaking lakefront vistas. With a legacy spanning over 85 years, Ecumen Duluth the Shores has established itself as a trusted provider of senior care in Northern Minnesota, proudly recognized as the premier senior living campus in Greater Duluth.
At The Shores, residents can choose from a variety of distinctive floor plans, each tailored to the unique needs of their respective neighborhoods, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. In addition to the exceptional living options, this community offers a short-stay and complex medical rehabilitation center, delivering top-notch physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, among others. The memory care neighborhood at The Shores provides a comforting and secure environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. With 20 apartments thoughtfully designed for memory care, the dedicated staff receives specialized training to provide personalized care and assistance. With utmost dedication, these experienced professionals honor the security and independence of each member of the community, ensuring a warm and nurturing experience for residents and their families alike.
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.
Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.
This home is ranked 18th out of 85 homes in Minnesota for nurse hours. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
| Staff type | Hours / Day / Resident | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs hold the highest nursing license and can assess residents, interpret test results, and direct care plans. More RN hours per day often signals stronger clinical oversight and faster response to health changes.
| 1h 47m per day | ▲ 66% State avg: 1h 4m per day · National avg: 41m per day |
|
LPN / LVN
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver routine hands-on care — medication administration, wound dressing, and monitoring vital signs. They work under RN supervision and make up a large share of daily bedside care.
| 39m per day | ▲ 6% State avg: 37m per day · National avg: 52m per day |
|
Nurse Aide
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide the most direct day-to-day assistance: bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Nurse aide hours are typically the largest staffing category and directly affect residents' quality of life.
| 2h 59m per day | ▲ 19% State avg: 2h 30m per day · National avg: 2h 20m per day |
|
Weekend Total Nursing
Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.
| 4h 44m per day | ▲ 29% State avg: 3h 40m per day · National avg: 3h 27m per day |
|
Physical Therapist
Hours per resident per day provided by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) or PT Assistants. PT services help residents recover mobility after injury or illness and are especially important for post-acute (short-stay) rehabilitation.
| 25m per day | ▲ 444% State avg: 5m per day · National avg: 4m per day |
|
Weekend RN
Registered nurse hours specifically on weekends. Facilities sometimes reduce RN presence on Saturdays and Sundays — a low weekend RN figure compared to weekday hours can indicate reduced clinical oversight when most administrative staff are absent.
| 1h 7m per day | ▲ 61% State avg: 41m per day · National avg: 29m per day |
Higher than the Minnesota average: 79.7%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.
This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Minnesota state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Deficiencies
| This Facility | MN Average | vs. MN Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.
| 11 | 10 | This facility has 10% more total deficiencies than a typical Minnesota assisted living residence (11 vs. MN avg 10).↑ 10% worse |
|
Deficiencies per year
Average deficiencies per year since 2025.
| 11 | 10 | This facility has 10% more deficiencies per year than a typical Minnesota assisted living residence (11 vs. MN avg 10).↑ 10% worse |
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
Minnesota average 6
Last Health inspection on Aug 2025
Minnesota average 23.2
Minnesota average 3.76
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
All 7 citations resulted from standard inspections.
100% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 0.7
100% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 0.5
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
17% more staff per resident than Minnesota average
0% compared with Minnesota average
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Manages medical care and health needs.
23 total: 18 full-time employees and 5 contractors.
23
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.9 hoursAssists with medical care and medications.
12 total: 8 full-time employees and 4 contractors.
12
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.3 hoursHelps with daily care and mobility.
65 total: 49 full-time employees and 16 contractors.
65
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.4 hours
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
3,190 contractor hours this quarter
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 49 | 16 | 65 | 10,858 | 92 | 100% | 7.4 |
| Registered Nurse | 18 | 5 | 23 | 4,716 | 92 | 100% | 7.9 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 8 | 4 | 12 | 2,913 | 92 | 100% | 7.3 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 7 | 0 | 7 | 2,680 | 76 | 83% | 7.9 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 8 | 0 | 8 | 2,371 | 92 | 100% | 7.7 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 10 | 0 | 10 | 1,879 | 86 | 93% | 6.3 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 8 | 0 | 8 | 1,369 | 87 | 95% | 6.3 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 7 | 0 | 7 | 1,266 | 82 | 89% | 6.6 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 2 | 0 | 2 | 764 | 66 | 72% | 7.1 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 2 | 1 | 3 | 484 | 63 | 68% | 6.8 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 480 | 61 | 66% | 7.9 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 464 | 58 | 63% | 8 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 435 | 59 | 64% | 7.4 |
| Dental Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 398 | 62 | 67% | 6.4 |
| Dietitian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 204 | 51 | 55% | 4 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 0 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 5 | 5% | 4.2 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 2 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 8% | 1.3 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 3% | 2 |
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
No penalties in the past 3 years
No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
6.7
40% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 11.1
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
4.4%
16% worse than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 3.7%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
9.0%
66% worse than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 5.4%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
0.0%
100% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 2.7%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
21.7%
26% worse than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 17.2%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
In line with Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 97.3%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
96.7%
9% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 88.9%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
1.5%
21% better than Minnesota averageMinnesota average: 1.9%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
95.3%
15% 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.
65% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
35% of new residents, often for short stays.
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
60Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
Family members meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
Organized group of family members that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, resident care, and activities.
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.
Historical financial and operational data for Ecumen Duluth The Shores from 2011–2023, based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Based on the 2023 CMS SNF Cost Report.
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #24 / 85Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 24th out of 85 homes in Minnesota. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Minnesota average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
Most new residents arrive under Medicare (65% of admissions), and a typical Medicare stay runs around 20 days.
Coverage residents most often arrive under.
Coverage residents most often leave under.
Kristy Johnson, LNHA LALD, serves as Executive Director at Ecumen Duluth The Shores. She leads the community with hands-on experience and genuine compassion, nurturing a thriving environment for residents and team members alike. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to the daily mission of serving residents and their families with care and dedication.
4.0 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Duluth's city center to Ecumen Duluth The Shores's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 2.62 miles to nearest hospital (Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital - Emergency Department)
Add your location
Ecumen Duluth The Shores is located in Duluth, Minnesota.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Minnesota.
The information below is reported by the Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division.
| Ecumen Duluth The Shores |
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.
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). | Duluth (Lakeside-Lester Park) | - | 70
Facility
70
MN AVG
61
Rank
#197 / 532 | - |
17
Facility
17
MN AVG
43
Rank
#516 / 632 | - |
| Viewcrest Health Center |
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.
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). | Duluth (Piedmont Heights) | - | 88
Facility
88
MN AVG
61
Rank
#151 / 532 | - |
40
Facility
40
MN AVG
43
Rank
#337 / 632 | - |
Ecumen Duluth The Shores is in the Lakeside-Lester Park neighborhood of Duluth.
Ecumen Duluth The Shores has a walk score of 17. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
Ecumen Duluth The Shores's occupancy is 93%.
Yes — see the floorplan options available at Ecumen Duluth The Shores on this page.
Ecumen Duluth The Shores has 70 beds.
Yes — there are 7 photos of Ecumen Duluth The Shores in the photo gallery on this page.
(218) 525-1951 will put you in contact with the team at Ecumen Duluth The Shores.
Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area
Nursing Home Data 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
Thank you for your interest!
Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.
