MorningStar at North Ridge
Assisted Living, Nursing Home, Memory Care & Respite Care · Albuquerque, NM

MorningStar at North Ridge

Assisted Living, Nursing Home, Memory Care & Respite Care · Albuquerque, NM

Overview of 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.

Bed community size
66-bed community Rank #66 / 148Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 66th out of 148 homes in New Mexico. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other New Mexico facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Rankings are based only on facilities in New Mexico that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 56 / 100 Rank #79 / 208Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 79th out of 208 homes in New Mexico. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across New Mexico facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Rankings are based only on facilities in New Mexico that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
71%
Rank #89 / 121Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 89th out of 121 homes in New Mexico. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the New Mexico average, with its Statewide rank out of 121. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Rankings are based only on facilities in New Mexico that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Lower than the New Mexico average: 78.9%
Occupied beds
47 / 66
Average occupied beds in New Mexico homes 82 beds

Awards

Best of Senior Living

License Details

Facility TypeAssisted Living Facility
StatusActive
ExpirationDecember 31, 2026
CountyBernalillo
CertificationsBest of Senior Living

Ownership & Operating Entity

MorningStar at North Ridge is legally operated by North Ridge Management Nm, Llc, and administered by Morgan O'roark.

Safety & Compliance

Safety FeaturesEmergency call systems, 24-hour Care Managers.

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Leadership

ContactMorgan O'Roark

Therapy & Rehabilitation

1 service
Respite Care

Additional Services

2 services
Rehabilitation
Home Care

Contact Information

Fax(505) 821-9190

Additional Policies & Features

Admission CriteriaPrivate pay community, does not accept Medicaid.
Minimum Age55+

Amenities & Lifestyle

Fitness Center
Salon
Spa
Chapel
Dining Room
Restaurant
Bistro
Garden
Art Studio
Transportation
Housekeeping
Laundry
Linen Service
Activities
Wellness ProgramMontessori-based therapies, individualized service plans
Branded ProgramsLavender Sky
Specific ProgramsLife Enrichment, Dining Experience, Clinical Services

Pricing & Financial Information

Starting Price$4,750 per month

Contact MorningStar at North Ridge

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.

Since 2024 · 2 years of data 3 deficiencies

Inspection Scorecard Info 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
Overall vs. NM average 0 Worse No metrics in this bucket. 2 Better Metrics better than New Mexico average:
• Total deficiencies (90% below)
• Deficiencies per year (90% below)
Latest Inspection July 23, 2024 Complaint Investigation

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityNM Averagevs. NM Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 330 This facility has 90% fewer total deficiencies than a typical New Mexico assisted living residence (3 vs. NM avg 30).↓ 90% better
Deficiencies per year Info Average deficiencies per year since 2024. 1.515 This facility has 90% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical New Mexico assisted living residence (1.5 vs. NM avg 15).↓ 90% better

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • July 23, 2024 inspection found three deficiencies including resident abuse, medication administration errors, and food handlers not wearing hair nets.
  • Complaint investigation substantiated improper physical restraint of a resident, resulting in staff termination and self-reporting by the Executive Director.
  • Deficiencies involved failure to ensure resident dignity and safety, medication errors with dosage and frequency, and food safety violations.

What does this home offer?

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Single-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for MorningStar at North Ridge

AL - 1 Bed
1 Bedroom
AL - 2 Bed
2 bedroom
MC - Studio
Studio
MC - 1 Bed
1 Bedroom

Places of interest near MorningStar at North Ridge

Address 8.2 miles from city center Info 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

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Address

Compare Assisted Living around Albuquerque

The information below is reported by the New Mexico Department of Health, Division of Health Improvement.

Albuquerque Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
AL
HC
MC
NH
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RC
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NM AVG 43
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-
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AL
HC
MC
NC
NH
Albuquerque (La Mesa) -
369
Facility 369
NM AVG 69
Rank #1 / 148
A+
48
Facility 48
NM AVG 43
Rank #102 / 208
-
The Rehabilitation Center of Albuquerque
AL
NH
Albuquerque (Academy Acres North) -
120
Facility 120
NM AVG 69
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54
Facility 54
NM AVG 43
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-
Good Samaritan Society
AL
NH
Albuquerque (Highland Business) -
117
Facility 117
NM AVG 69
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-
87
Facility 87
NM AVG 43
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-

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.

Get Financial aid guidance

Centennial Care Community Benefit

NM Medicaid Centennial Care

Age 65+ or disabled
General New Mexico resident, Medicaid- eligible, long-term care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) (excludes home, car).
NM

Managed care model; rural outreach efforts.

Benefits
In-home care (5-7 hours/day, e.g., bathing, dressing) Respite care (up to 240 hours/year) Adult day care (~$65/day) Medical services

New Mexico Caregiver Support Program

NM NFCSP Respite

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General New Mexico resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
NM

Limited slots; rural focus due to sparse population.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$65/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

New Mexico PACE (e.g., InnovAge New Mexico PACE)

Age 55+
General NM resident (specific counties), NFLOC, safe with PACE support.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month (Medicaid-eligible); private pay option available.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) for Medicaid enrollees.
NM

Available in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia Counties via InnovAge.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Respite Therapies

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

New Mexico Older Americans Act Services

Age 60+
General NM resident (or spouse of any age); no income/asset limits.
Income Limits (2025) None; sliding scale fees may apply for some services.
Asset Limits Not assessed.
NM

Two AAAs (Albuquerque vs. Non-Metro); services vary by region.

Benefits
Meals (home-delivered or group, ~$5-$7/meal value) Transportation Homemaker services (~4 hours/week) Respite (5 days/year) Adult day care ($50/day)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

New Mexico Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General NM resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits None in NM unique among states
NM

No asset test; includes Extra Help for Part D.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

New Mexico VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General NM resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
NM

High veteran demand in rural/urban areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Property Tax Rebate for Seniors

New Mexico Property Tax Rebate

Age 65+
General NM resident, homeowner or renter, paid property taxes.
Income Limits (2025) ~$36,000/year individual, projected
Asset Limits Not assessed.
NM

Rebate up to $250-$500; annual application required.

Benefits
Tax rebate (~$250-$500/year) to offset housing costs

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.

Who is the administrator of MorningStar at North Ridge?

Morgan O'Roark is the administrator of MorningStar at North Ridge.

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