Mix of rehab and long-term care
This home supports both short-term rehab and long-term care, with residents staying for a wide range of durations.
Boundary Waters Care Center
Boundary Waters Care Center is a Nursing Home in Minnesota
Boundary Waters Care Center is a Nursing Home in Minnesota
Boundary Waters Care Center
Boundary Waters Care Center is a Nursing Home in Minnesota
Boundary Waters Care Center is a Nursing Home in Minnesota
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
Based on health inspections, staffing and quality measures.
Based on deficiencies found during state health inspections.
Based on nurse staffing hours per resident per day.
Based on clinical outcomes for residents.
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
78.3%
Residents per day (avg)
29
Occupancy rate
78.3%
Residents per day (avg)
29
Who this home usually serves
Show admissions and discharges
TYPE OF STAY
Might be optimal for
Flexible care needs
Breakdown by payment type
Medicare
51% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
Typical stay
5 - 6 months
Private pay
44% of new residents, often for short stays.
Typical stay
6 - 7 months
Medicaid
5% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Typical stay
1 years
Finances and operations
Governmental home
City
Home revenue
$4.1M
Deficit of revenue
-$734.8K
Governmental home
City
Home revenue
$4,144,817.00
Deficit of revenue
$-734,808.00
Payroll costs
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$2.5M
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
$4.9M
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.
How BBB ratings work
How BBB ratings work
Additional licensing details
CMS Certification Number:
245138
Staffing
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
Leadership
Contact:
Adam Masloski, Admissions Director
Comparison Chart
The information below is reported by the Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division.Compare Nursing Homes around Minnesota
Boundary Waters Care Center
SNF
Nursing Home 24/7 care needed
AL
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Ely
42
No
A+
61
FORSMAN, MICHAEL
78.3%
$3,721,654.00
$2,457,296.00
66%
28.80
5/5
4.4984
3/5
5/5
5/5
1
Little Sisters of the Poor Holy Family Residence
SNF
Nursing Home 24/7 care needed
AL
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
St. Paul
-
No
A+
77
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Places of interest near Boundary Waters Care Center
0.3 miles from city center
200 W Conan St, Ely, MN 55731
Calculate Travel Distance to Boundary Waters Care Center
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Staffing Data
Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal (Q2 2025)
53
Total Staff
40
Employees
13
Contractors
13,037
Total Hours (Quarter)
17
Avg Staff/Day
8.4
Avg Shift (hrs)
Nursing Staff Breakdown
| Role ⓘ | Count ⓘ | Avg Shift (hrs) ⓘ | Uses Contractors? ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 8 | 9.7 | Yes |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 1 | 11.5 | No |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 16 | 9.3 | Yes |
Staff by Category
Administration ⓘ
2 staff
7.8hs shift avg
Nursing Staff ⓘ
32 staff
9.5hs shift avg
Physicians & Practitioners ⓘ
5 staff
7.6hs shift avg
Therapy Services ⓘ
10 staff
5.5hs shift avg
Activities & Recreation ⓘ
0 staff
0hs shift avg
Social Services ⓘ
0 staff
0hs shift avg
Dietary Services ⓘ
3 staff
7.7hs shift avg
Other Services ⓘ
1 staff
8hs shift avg
Contractor Analysis
16.8%
of total hours from contractors
2,192 contractor hours this quarter
Certified Nursing Assistant: 3
Registered Nurse: 1
Physical Therapy Assistant: 2
Respiratory Therapy Technician: 4
Occupational Therapy Assistant: 1
Occupational Therapy Aide: 1
Medical Director: 1
| Role ⓘ | Employees ⓘ | Contractors ⓘ | Total Staff ⓘ | Total Hours ⓘ | Days Worked ⓘ | % of Days ⓘ | Avg Shift (hrs) ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Health Inspection History
Source: CMS Health Citations (Apr 2023 – Oct 2024)
3
Inspections
21
Total Citations
0
Critical (J-L)
1
Serious (G-I)
7
Citations/Inspection
Oct 2024
Last Inspection
Citation Severity Distribution
What do these levels mean?
Top Deficiency Categories
Quality of Life & Care
10
48% of total
Resident Rights
3
14% of total
Infection Control
2
10% of total
Administration
1
5% of total
Citation Sources
Standard Inspections
21
Complaint Investigations
0
State Comparison (MN)
Avg Citations (State)
23.2
This Facility: 21
Avg Critical (State)
0.7
This Facility: 0
Recent Citations (Last 3 Years)
| Date | Severity ? | Category | Tag | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 16, 2024 | F | Nutrition | F0809 | Corrected |
| Oct 16, 2024 | D | Quality of Care | F0688 | Corrected |
| Oct 16, 2024 | D | Quality of Care | F0695 | Corrected |
| Oct 16, 2024 | D | Quality of Care | F0825 | Corrected |
| Oct 16, 2024 | D | Resident Rights | F0580 | Corrected |
| Jan 25, 2024 | E | Infection Control | F0880 | Corrected |
| Jan 25, 2024 | D | Quality of Care | F0684 | Corrected |
| Jan 25, 2024 | D | Quality of Care | F0686 | Corrected |
| Jan 25, 2024 | D | Quality of Care | F0689 | Corrected |
| Jan 25, 2024 | D | Resident Rights | F0582 | Corrected |
| Jan 25, 2024 | F | Resident Rights | F0583 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | D | Administration | F0770 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | D | Infection Control | F0880 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | E | Nutrition | F0812 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | D | Quality of Care | F0685 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | E | Quality of Care | F0686 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | G | Quality of Care | F0688 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | D | Quality of Care | F0689 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | D | Care Planning | F0641 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | D | Care Planning | F0657 | Corrected |
| Apr 20, 2023 | C | Care Planning | F0661 | Corrected |
Facility Characteristics
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Ownership: Non-Profit Corporation
Resident Census by Payment Source
32
Total Residents
Medicare
2
(6.3%)
ⓘ
Medicaid
22
(68.8%)
ⓘ
Private Pay/Other
8
(25%)
ⓘ
Programs & Services
Residents' Group
ⓘ
Nurse Aide Training
ⓘ
Family Engagement
Active councils help families stay involved in care decisions and facility operations.
Active
Resident Council
ⓘ
Quality Measures
CMS quality measures assess care quality for long-stay and short-stay residents. Lower percentages generally indicate better outcomes for most measures.
Source: CMS Nursing Home Compare (Data as of Jan 2026)
High-Risk Clinical Events
6.9
Score
38% better than avg
Minnesota avg: 11.1
Composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and ADL decline
Functional Decline
16.7
Score
26% better than avg
Minnesota avg: 22.6
Composite score based on ADL decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence
Long-Stay Resident Measures
Measures for residents who stay 101 days or more. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care.
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased
8.5%
Lost Too Much Weight
8.1%
Urinary Tract Infection
0.9%
Depressive Symptoms
0.9%
Falls with Major Injury
2.6%
Pneumococcal Vaccine
100.0%
Antipsychotic Use
14.3%
Walking Ability Worsened
13.1%
Influenza Vaccine
100.0%
High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers
2.3%
Low Risk Long-Stay Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
28.4%
Short-Stay Resident Measures
Measures for residents who stay 100 days or less (typically rehabilitation patients).
Pneumococcal Vaccine
100.0%
12% better than avg
Minnesota: 88.9%
Short-Stay Residents Who Received a New Antipsychotic Medication
5.0%
161% worse than avg
Minnesota: 1.9%
Influenza Vaccine
95.7%
16% better than avg
Minnesota: 82.6%
Penalties & 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
$10K
Minnesota avg: $44K
77% better than avg
Number of Fines
1
Minnesota avg: 2.0
Compared to Minnesota Average
Facility: $10K |
Minnesota Avg: $44K
Penalty History
Showing all 1 penalties (Apr 2023 - Apr 2023)
Apr 20, 2023
Civil Money Penalty
$10K
Guides for Better Senior Living
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Claim What’s Yours: Financial Aid for Minnesota Seniors
Program
State Program Name
Eligibility
Benefits
Elderly Waiver
Minnesota Medicaid EW
Official government program page
- General: Age 65+, Minnesota resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).
- Asset Limits: $3,000 (individual, higher than most states).
- MN Specifics: Higher asset limit; rural access focus.
- Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), respite (240 hours/year), adult day care (~$70/day), home aides.
Essential Community Supports (ECS)
Minnesota ECS
Official government program page
- General: Age 65+, Minnesota resident, at risk of decline but not nursing home level.
- Income Limits: ~$1,732/month (individual, varies).
- Asset Limits: $3,000 (individual).
- MN Specifics: Bridges gap for those ineligible for waivers.
- Services: In-home support (2-4 hours/week), respite (up to 5 days/year), transportation (~5 trips/month).
Alternative Care (AC) Program
Minnesota Alternative Care Program
Official government program page
- General: Age 65+, Minnesota resident, NFLOC, not MA-eligible.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$1,255-$2,829/month (100%-300% FPL); sliding scale copays.
- Asset Limits: $3,000 (individual); home equity limit $713,000.
- MN Specifics: CDCS option; statewide via counties.
- Services: Personal care (4-6 hours/day), respite (~5 days/year), home health, meals, home mods.
Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO)
Minnesota Senior Health Options
Official government program page
- General: Age 65+, Minnesota resident, eligible for MA and Medicare Parts A/B.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$1,255/month (100% FPL for MA); spenddown allowed.
- Asset Limits: $3,000 (individual), $6,000 (couple).
- MN Specifics: 7 health plans (e.g., UCare, HealthPartners); care coordinator assigned.
- Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), medical care, respite, adult day care, home mods, $900/year groceries (some plans).
Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+)
Minnesota Senior Care Plus
Official government program page
- General: Age 65+, Minnesota resident, MA-eligible, not on Medicare.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$1,255/month (100% FPL); spenddown allowed.
- Asset Limits: $3,000 (individual), $6,000 (couple).
- MN Specifics: Includes EW services; 7 health plans available.
- Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), respite, adult day care, home mods, limited nursing home care.
Consumer Support Grant (CSG)
Minnesota Consumer Support Grant
Official government program page
- General: Age 65+ or disabled, Minnesota resident, eligible for MA personal care but opts for grant.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$1,255/month (MA-eligible); spenddown allowed.
- Asset Limits: $3,000 (individual).
- MN Specifics: Can hire family; statewide via counties.
- Services: Cash (~$500-$1,500/month) for personal care, respite, home mods, assistive tech.
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
Minnesota Medicare Savings Program
Official government program page
- General: Age 65+ or disabled, Minnesota resident, Medicare Part A/B.
- Income Limits (2025): ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
- Asset Limits: $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
- MN Specifics: Three tiers; no waitlist; includes Extra Help for Part D.
- Services: Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month), deductibles ($240/year), copays (~20%).
VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits
Minnesota VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound
- General: Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, Minnesota 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).
- MN Specifics: High veteran demand in rural/urban areas.
- Services: Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living).
Claim What’s Yours Financial Aid for Minnesota Seniors
Minnesota Medicaid EW
Elderly Waiver
Requirements:
General:Age 65+, Minnesota resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025):~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).- Asset Limits:$3,000 (individual, higher than most states).
MN Specifics:Higher asset limit; rural access focus.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), respite (240 hours/year), adult day care (~$70/day), home aides.
Minnesota ECS
Essential Community Supports (ECS)
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+, Minnesota resident, at risk of decline but not nursing home level.
- Income Limits:~$1,732/month (individual, varies).
- Asset Limits:$3,000 (individual).
- MN Specifics:Bridges gap for those ineligible for waivers.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: In-home support (2-4 hours/week), respite (up to 5 days/year), transportation (~5 trips/month).
Minnesota Alternative Care Program
Alternative Care (AC) Program
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+, Minnesota resident, NFLOC, not MA-eligible.
- Income Limits (2025):~$1,255-$2,829/month (100%-300% FPL); sliding scale copays.
- Asset Limits:$3,000 (individual); home equity limit $713,000.
- MN Specifics:CDCS option; statewide via counties.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Personal care (4-6 hours/day), respite (~5 days/year), home health, meals, home mods.
Minnesota Senior Health Options
Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO)
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+, Minnesota resident, eligible for MA and Medicare Parts A/B.
- Income Limits (2025):~$1,255/month (100% FPL for MA); spenddown allowed.
- Asset Limits:$3,000 (individual), $6,000 (couple).
- MN Specifics:7 health plans (e.g., UCare, HealthPartners); care coordinator assigned.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), medical care, respite, adult day care, home mods, $900/year groceries (some plans).
Minnesota Senior Care Plus
Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+)
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+, Minnesota resident, MA-eligible, not on Medicare.
- Income Limits (2025):~$1,255/month (100% FPL); spenddown allowed.
- Asset Limits:$3,000 (individual), $6,000 (couple).
- MN Specifics:Includes EW services; 7 health plans available.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), respite, adult day care, home mods, limited nursing home care.
Minnesota Consumer Support Grant
Consumer Support Grant (CSG)
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+ or disabled, Minnesota resident, eligible for MA personal care but opts for grant.
- Income Limits (2025):~$1,255/month (MA-eligible); spenddown allowed.
- Asset Limits:$3,000 (individual).
- MN Specifics:Can hire family; statewide via counties.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Cash (~$500-$1,500/month) for personal care, respite, home mods, assistive tech.
Minnesota Medicare Savings Program
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+ or disabled, Minnesota resident, Medicare Part A/B.
- Income Limits (2025):~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
- Asset Limits:$9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
- MN Specifics:Three tiers; no waitlist; includes Extra Help for Part D.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month), deductibles ($240/year), copays (~20%).
Minnesota VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound
VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits
Requirements:
- General:Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, Minnesota 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).
- MN Specifics:High veteran demand in rural/urban areas.
Benefits without Contact:
- Services: Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living).
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