Boundary Waters Care Center
200 West Conan Street, Ely, MN 55731 · St. Louis County · (218) 365-8705
38 certified beds, about 29 residents a day · Non profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 1967
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 245138 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on December 11, 2025, inspectors cited 0 health deficiencies (the Minnesota average is 7.1, the national average 9.2).
None of its 11 health citations since January 2024 was rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy.
CMS lists no fines against this home in the last three years.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 4.29 hours per resident per day, against 4.19 across Minnesota and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 1.30 of those hours.
41.7% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Minnesota average 42.2%).
CMS links it to Health Dimensions Group, an affiliated group of 10 nursing homes.
Health inspections
Federal rules call for a standard inspection at least every 15 months, plus a visit whenever a complaint is filed. Each mark below is one citation, colored by how serious inspectors rated it. How to read a citation.
Under each citation, the quoted text is the inspector's own summary from the federal statement of deficiencies (CMS form 2567), word for word apart from a privacy scrub; CMS removes residents' and staff names before it publishes the text. The full notes are on Medicare.gov.
Where its citations fall on CMS's grid
CMS rates every citation by how much harm it caused (rows) and how many residents it touched (columns). The count in each box is this home's, across all 11 health citations on file.
December 11, 2025Standard inspection · 0 citations
October 16, 2024Standard inspection · 5 citations
- F Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure a nutrient and/or calorie substantive snack was offered and provided after the evening meal and before bedtime. This had the ability to affect all 32 residents who reside within the facility.
- D Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and document review the facility failed to notify the provider of a resident presenting with mentation and respiratory changes for 1 of 1 residents (R6) reviewed for change in condition.
- D Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review the facility failed to assess, monitor, and implement interventions to prevent decreased range of motion (ROM) for 1 of 4 residents (R5) reviewed for positioning, mobility, and ROM.
- D Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure oxygen tubing was changed according to facility policy as well as failed to ensure nebulizer tubing/canisters were cleaned and allowed to air dry after each use for 1 of 1 resident (R21) reviewed for oxygen therapy.
- D Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to provide physical therapy and occupational therapy as ordered for 1 of 1 resident (R30) reviewed for therapy services.
January 25, 2024Standard inspection · 6 citations
- F Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure the electronic medical record (EMR) was secured in a manner that prevented unauthorized individuals from viewing and or accessing confidential resident information contained within the EMR. This had the potential to affect all 31 residents residing at the facility.
- E Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review the facility failed to ensure residents were offered proper hand sanitization prior to meals. This had the potential to impact all residents that consumed meals in the dining room.
- D Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to provide the Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced Beneficiary Notice (SNFABN; CMS-10055) to 2 of 3 residents (R17, R137) reviewed whose Medicare Part A coverage ended while in the facility.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure provider orders to monitor blood pressure were followed for 1 of 5 residents (R3) reviewed for unnecessary medications.
- D Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to follow provider interventions for wound care for 1 of 2 residents (R8) reviewed for pressure ulcers.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and document review, facility failed to ensure staff properly utilized a total body mechanical lift for 1 of 2 residents (R15) reviewed for accidents.
Fire safety inspections
16 fire safety citations on file: 2 on December 11, 2025, 6 on October 16, 2024, 8 on January 25, 2024.
Every fire safety citation16 citations
- F To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
- D Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Have horizontal exits used in accordance with safety requirements.
- F Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.
- E Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
- D Install noncombustible or limited-combustible interior walls.
- D Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- D Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
- F Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
- F Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- F Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- E Have horizontal exits used in accordance with safety requirements.
- D Install proper backup exit lighting.
- D Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Fines and payment denials
CMS lists no fines or payment denials against this home in the last three years. The national average is 0.9 fines per home.
Staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, from the payroll records every home sends CMS. Higher means more staff time with each resident.
| Measure | This home | Minnesota | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 4.29 | 4.19 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 1.30 | 1.06 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 3.61 | 3.71 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 2.61 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.38 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 41.7% | 42.2% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | 36.4% | 38.6% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 3.31 hours a day for residents as sick as this home's (its case-mix figure). The staffing star compares the two.
Staffing by quarter, from daily payroll records
Every nursing home sends CMS its staff hours for each day (the Payroll Based Journal). Here they are added up by quarter. The latest quarter is the one behind the figures above. In January to March 2026, nursing staff hours per resident were 4.56 on weekdays and 3.61 on weekends, 21% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 12.4% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 4.07 in April to June 2025 to 4.29 in January to March 2026.
| Quarter | All nursing staff | Registered nurses | Weekdays | Weekends | Contract staff share | Days with no RN hours | Residents a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan to Mar 2026 | 4.29 | 1.30 | 4.56 | 3.61 | 12.4% | 0 of 90 | 29 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 4.34 | 1.26 | 4.56 | 3.78 | 12.7% | 1 of 92 | 29 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 4.03 | 1.23 | 4.27 | 3.42 | 15.6% | 1 of 92 | 30 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 4.07 | 1.27 | 4.30 | 3.52 | 19.5% | 0 of 91 | 29 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Minnesota, Jan to Mar 2026 | 4.19 | 1.05 | 4.38 | 3.73 | 5.2% | 0.8% of days |
Hours per resident per day: staff hours in the quarter divided by resident days (the daily census CMS derives from resident assessments). Registered nurses include the director of nursing and RNs with administrative duties; aides include nurse aides in training and medication aides, as in CMS's own staffing measure. How these are calculated.
Quality measures
The measures CMS uses for the quality star. Lower is better for every one of them.
| Measure | This home | Minnesota | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 13.8 | 18.2 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 1.0 | 1.9 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 2.6 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 5.1 | 20.5 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 5.5 | 5.2 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 7.6 | 17.1 | 15.4 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: BOUNDARY WATERS CARE CENTER. CMS links this home to Health Dimensions Group, a group of 10 nursing homes averaging 3.2 stars overall.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champa, Kathleen | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 06/01/2022 | |
| Forsman, Michael | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 04/01/2015 | |
| Johnson, Warren | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 07/01/2024 | |
| Lobe, Joneene | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 02/01/2023 | |
| Pekuri, Roger | Managing control - governing body | Individual | 01/01/2015 | |
| Champa, Kathleen | Corporate director | Individual | 06/01/2022 | |
| Forsman, Michael | Corporate director | Individual | 04/01/2015 | |
| Johnson, Warren | Corporate director | Individual | 07/01/2024 | |
| Lobe, Joneene | Corporate director | Individual | 10/01/2011 | |
| Pekuri, Roger | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2015 | |
| Lobe, Joneene | Corporate officer | Individual | 10/01/2011 | |
| Pekuri, Roger | Corporate officer | Individual | 01/01/2015 | |
| Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 09/30/2011 | |
| Health Dimensions Consulting Inc | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 03/17/2011 | |
| Briscoe, David | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 03/07/2011 | |
| Briscoe, Patricia | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 03/07/2011 | |
| Hennessey, Erin | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2020 | |
| Masloski, Adam | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 06/01/2016 | |
| Rogotzke, Amber | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 03/07/2011 | |
| Schwinghamer, Joseph | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 10/01/2011 | |
| Shvetzoff, Sergei | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 03/07/2011 | |
| Shvetzoff, Tami | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 03/17/2011 | |
| Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 09/30/2011 | |
| Health Dimensions Consulting Inc | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 07/08/2025 | |
| Masloski, Adam | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 06/01/2016 | |
| Schwinghamer, Joseph | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 10/01/2011 |
As listed in the CMS ownership file, which names owners with a 5% or greater stake and the people and companies with operational or managerial control.
Questions to ask on a visit
Chosen from this home's own inspection record.
- How do you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 6 problems in this area, most recently on October 16, 2024: "Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason."
- How do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 3 problems in this area, most recently on October 16, 2024: "Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident."
- Can we see a week of menus and the kitchen, and how are special diets handled?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on October 16, 2024: "Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times."
- What changed in infection control since the last inspection, and who on staff is the infection preventionist?Inspectors cited 1 problem in this area, most recently on January 25, 2024: "Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program."
- Who is on the floor on Saturday and Sunday, and how many residents does each aide care for?Weekend nurse staffing here was 3.61 hours per resident per day, below the Minnesota average of 3.71.
Minnesota contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Minnesota. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- State inspection reports: MDH Nursing and Boarding Care Home Survey and Complaint Inspection Findings, where Minnesota publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Boundary Waters Care Center's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Boundary Waters Care Center 5 out of 5 stars overall, with 5 for health inspections, 5 for staffing and 5 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Boundary Waters Care Center get at its last inspection?
- 0 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on December 11, 2025. The Minnesota average is 7.1.
- Has Boundary Waters Care Center been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does Boundary Waters Care Center accept Medicaid?
- It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicare and Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.
- Who owns Boundary Waters Care Center?
- CMS lists 26 owners and managers, and links the home to Health Dimensions Group. Legal business name: BOUNDARY WATERS CARE CENTER.
Sources
- Ratings, staffing and fines: CMS Provider Information, released September 30, 2026, data as of September 1, 2026.
- Citations: CMS Health Deficiencies and Fire Safety Deficiencies.
- Owners: CMS Ownership. Penalties: CMS Penalties.
- Staffing by quarter: CMS Payroll Based Journal Daily Nurse Staffing, April 2025 to March 2026, summed by NursingHomeClear.
- Inspector summaries: CMS Full Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567 text), data as of September 1, 2026. Each quote is the part of the statement before the detailed findings.
- Inspection reports with the inspectors' full notes are on this home's Medicare.gov page.
- Something wrong on this page? Ask for a correction. We fix errors in our copy of the data; findings themselves can only be changed by CMS and the state.
- NursingHomeClear is independent and not affiliated with CMS, Medicare or any state agency. This page reports federal records; it does not rate, recommend or endorse any home, and it is not medical or legal advice.