MyLivingChoice

Birchwood Health Care Center

604 1st Street Ne

2.9(29 ratings)· Forest Lake average: 3.5

Birchwood Health Care Center, photo 11 / 6

Quick Facts

Total units
100
Medicare rating
2 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Non profit, Corporation
Certified beds
100
Care continuum
Assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehab on one campus
Location
About 30 minutes from Saint Paul, Washington County
Rehab focus
Transitional care after surgery, illness, or hospitalization

What Families Think

The Good

  • Full continuum of care on one campus (assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab)
  • 24/7 staff support with skilled nursing care
  • Transitional rehab programs to recover after surgery or illness
  • Engaging lifestyle programming with social outings and activities

The Bad

  • Google rating of 2.8 from 28 reviews suggests notable dissatisfaction
  • No published pricing available for the community

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Birchwood Health Care Center is a senior living community in Forest Lake, Minnesota offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 2.9 out of 5 across 29 reviews.

About Birchwood Health Care Center

Birchwood Senior Living in Forest Lake, Minnesota offers a full continuum of senior care including assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation all on one campus.

The community provides skilled nursing care for seniors with complex medical needs in a safe, professional environment, as well as transitional care programs to help individuals recover after surgery, illness, or hospitalization before returning home. Professional, compassionate staff are available 24/7 to support residents with dignity and respect.

Birchwood Senior Living offers engaging lifestyle programming with wellness activities, social outings, and enrichment opportunities. Residents can plan a schedule that suits their interests, with a wide range of memorable activities and planned events available throughout the community.

Located in Forest Lake near Highway 61 and Highway 8, the community is conveniently positioned approximately 30 minutes from Saint Paul, with easy access for families across Washington County. The area offers nearby shopping, parks, and medical services, helping residents stay connected and engaged with the broader community.

The community emphasizes resident independence and control, ensuring that residents maintain their freedom in how they spend their time while having staff support readily available when needed.

Types of Care at Birchwood Health Care Center

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Emergency Call System
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)
  • Security

Activities

  • Birthday / Holiday Parties
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Grocery Shopping and Errands
  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Help Me Choose

Reviews of Birchwood Health Care Center

2.9overall · 29 ratings combined

2.9★ on Google (29)

Erin Donlon

Aug 2026

via Google

My mother was here for about 6 months and I am grateful that she was able to spend that time there. She had a great variety of food and days when she didn’t feel up to walking that far staff would always make sure to bring her food and check she was enjoying it. The therapy team was the perfect balance of gentle and firm, making sure she did what she needed to get better and supporting her hard days. Every part of the staff worked with us on questions and billing, making sure appointments and bills made sense and what we could do to lessen what burden we can. Anytime mom was feeling little down the staff would call and tell the family about the sadness and what they were doing to try and make her better. It wasn’t just her body they took care of, her heart too.

Shawn Williams

May 2026

via Google

My mom has had 5 strokes she needs a communication device to speak .the night before I was bringing mom home the device came up missing the value is 4500 dollars it's a special i pad after talking to the director of birchwood they are going to do nothing about it he's a liar he kept telling me he would return my phone calls never did you would think just morally they would investigate and make it right for our seniors!!!

Allen Anderson

Nov 2025

via Google

I just came here about 3 months ago. So far my experience has been very good, except for a couple issues that I think are being taken care of. The staff are very nice but sometimes communications are hard due to not understanding English. Two things. Kudos to Brianna rn, Sam cna, Bill lpn and Yollanda cna, and Megan Administrator, all who have gone outside of the protocols to give me the help that I need. Megan is the only Administrator that actually get's out and singles with the residents. I do like all the staff and have greatest respect for. Kudos to all. I would rate this place from 0 to 10 being the best a (9) nine. Al Anderson #152.

ChristianMetal

Jul 2025

via Google

As a nurse of 7+ years including a year of pool nursing and 2 yr travel nursing all of MN I'm suprised at people in the reviews, this facility is pretty awesome and the CNAs genuinely care about the residents. You can tell they became healthcare workers for the right reasons. It's pretty organized, this is a good facility, trust me. The only issue i had was not being able to find more stock meds, but I think I forgot where they showed me. Very clean, nice facility.

Plainsman 576

Oct 2024

via Google

10/13/24 2pm: It was nice. The staff are friendly and busy. Nice landscaping and clean inside. 3 at this point until I determine what kind of therapy care my mother receives. Would have liked a copy of the monthly activities board. Sounded like no one asked before. Thought it would be by the photo copies of the daily menu options. Located in a quiet neighborhood. Outside swing adapted for wheelchairs.

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Government Inspection History

10 inspection visits in the last three years, 43 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

May 6, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 11, 2026

Dec 19, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 23, 2026

Nov 13, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity J of L: immediate jeopardy, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 9, 2025

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 9, 2026

Apr 10, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard11 citations
  • Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 27, 2025

  • Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 27, 2025

Feb 9, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard18 citations
  • Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Ensure proper storage of liquid oxygen.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2024

  • Post nurse staffing information every day.

    Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 11, 2024

Jan 10, 2024Health Complaint6 citations
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 3, 2024

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 3, 2024

  • Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 3, 2024

  • Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 3, 2024

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 3, 2024

  • Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 3, 2024

Jan 4, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 3, 2024

Dec 6, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 27, 2023

Sep 1, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 27, 2023

Aug 4, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard1 citation
  • Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 25, 2022

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Birchwood Health Care Center offer?

Birchwood Health Care Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Birchwood Health Care Center located?

Birchwood Health Care Center is located at 604 1st Street Ne in Forest Lake, Minnesota.

How did Birchwood Health Care Center do on recent health and safety inspections?

Birchwood Health Care Center had 10 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 43 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Birchwood Health Care Center?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Birchwood Health Care Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

Work at Birchwood Health Care Center? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.

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