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• Total deficiencies (90% below)
• Deficiencies per year (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 year
| 1.5 | 15 | 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
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: Studio / 1 Bed
Building Type: Single-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
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
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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 PC RC | Albuquerque (Hodgin) | - | 134
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| Princeton Place | AL HC MC NC NH | Albuquerque (La Mesa) | - | 369
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NM AVG
69
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48
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NM AVG
43
Rank
#102 / 208 | - |
| The Rehabilitation Center of Albuquerque | AL NH | Albuquerque (Academy Acres North) | - | 120
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120
NM AVG
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Rank
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54
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NM AVG
43
Rank
#89 / 208 | - |
| Good Samaritan Society | AL NH | Albuquerque (Highland Business) | - | 117
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117
NM AVG
69
Rank
#27 / 148 | - |
87
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87
NM AVG
43
Rank
#5 / 208 | - |
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.
Who is the administrator of MorningStar at North Ridge?
Morgan O'Roark is the administrator of MorningStar at North Ridge.
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