Caroline Dao
Jan 2026
My Uncle stays here after experiencing a stroke. It’s a nice facility. Fresh paint. Clean. The staff is kind and attentive.
Sapphire at Fernhill
5737 Ne 37th Avenue
2.8(28 ratings)· Portland average: 4.1
Quick Facts
- Total units
- 63
- Medicare rating
- 2 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Corporation
- Certified beds
- 63
- Inspections
- View history (74 citations)
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews of Sapphire at Fernhill are mixed, with several families praising attentive nursing staff, a clean environment, and responsive office and social work support, while others report serious lapses in medical care and poor food quality. One detailed account describes a resident developing severe sepsis and losing a leg after what the family says was inadequate monitoring and delayed treatment. The community has a 2.8 out of 5 Google rating from 28 reviews.
The Good
- Staff described as kind and attentive
- Facility noted as clean with fresh paint
- Nursing staff show stability and familiarity with residents
- Responsive social services and office staff, per reviewer
The Bad
- One report of severe neglect leading to sepsis and leg amputation
- One reviewer described food as awful and portions inadequate
- One report of a damaged dining room roof left unrepaired
- Facility described by one reviewer as feeling more medical than homey
- No published pricing information available
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Sapphire at Fernhill is a senior living community in Portland, Oregon offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Families rate it 2.8 out of 5 across 28 reviews.
About Sapphire at Fernhill
Sapphire at Fernhill is a skilled nursing / long term care community in Portland, Oregon. The community is licensed for up to 63 residents.
Families rate Sapphire at Fernhill 2.7 out of 5 based on 27 Google reviews.
Contact the community directly to ask about availability, pricing, and tours, or browse the photos and reviews here to see if it could be the right fit for your family.
Types of Care at Sapphire at Fernhill
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Sapphire at Fernhill
2.8overall · 28 ratings combined
2.8★ on Google (28)
Jim Axling
Jan 2026
I have a friend (now completely dependent after a lifetime of relative independence - bedridden, blind, moderate/advanced dementia) who has resided at Fernhill for close to three years now. Office/social-services staff have regularly reached out to me when needed for various things over that time (I have healthcare POA for my friend). Nursing staff are friendly and approachable when I visit (couple times a month). There seems to be a fair amount of stability in who works here, which I interpret as a positive thing organizationally. I can see that my friend is well-tended-to. The inside appearance leans more toward a medical setting, rather than what I usually think of as "homey" or residential (though resident rooms do have personal effects in them). This type/level of care is what my friend needs now, and I'm grateful for the caring people here who can and do provide that care.
Troy Parke
Sep 2025
My father has been in 3 facilities in the last 3 years. This is by far the best run one I have experienced. Juli Powers is the best! She's on top of everything. She actually returns your emails and calls. If you have experienced social workers at other facilities, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about
JUANITA BUCKLES
Aug 2024
I was sent here after a hospital stay. The staff are nice and they seem to care about the patients. However, there is nothing to do. The dining room roof fell in before I got here, and isn't fixed yet. I am in a tiny room with someone who has been here for over a decade. She likes to sing and clap during the night. The food is simply awful. Breakfast this morning was half a bagel, and an English muffin with a piece of sausage for the filling---COLD sausage. The juice is watered down almost to the point of invisibility. I have quit eating.The sooner I get out of here, the better. Oh, and I'm having a hard time finding electrical outlets that work, in order to charge things.
Sue Willesen
Feb 2024
Terrible facility, don’t allow your loved one to be sent there!! Our disabled son was under Sapphire Fernhill's care after being discharged from St. Vincent's hospital. He had toes removed on his left foot from complications of diabetes and infection. He was to be on strict no weight bearing on the left foot for 4-6 weeks, a strict diabetic diet, and sterile dressing changes. He was discharged to the skilled nursing facility to prevent further infections and complications due to his inability to follow directions. Unfortunately he almost died under their care! An agency nurse working a shift in the facility found him unresponsive, with a rash up his left leg to his thigh, and a BP of 80 and palpable. 911 was called and he was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center where he was treated for severe sepsis, acute kidney failure and his left leg had to be amputated below the knee due to severe infection down to the bone! Our family was never contacted by Sapphire Fernhill, and only found out what had happened when I called the facility to check on him after we were unable to reach our son on his cell phone. We also discovered that the facility failed to get him to his surgeon's post-op follow up appointment which then had to be rescheduled to a later date. Then when he finally saw the surgeon a wound vac was ordered to be applied to his left foot wound. The order was not carried out in a timely manner, the wound vac was not applied for another week. His physician ordered a diabetic diet, yet the facility allowed him to order candy and other junk food which was delivered to his room. We are very sad at our son’s terrible outcome. He must now deal with the physical and emotional issues of losing a leg. We feel this could have been prevented if he had been on antibiotics and the wound infection reported to his surgeon in a timely manor.
Government Inspection History
7 inspection visits in the last three years, 74 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Aug 8, 2025Health ComplaintHealth Standard13 citations
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 9, 2025
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 9, 2025
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2025
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, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 9, 2025
Jun 17, 2025Health 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 9, 2025
Apr 28, 2025Health Complaint3 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 May 14, 2025
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 14, 2025
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 14, 2025
Dec 5, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
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 Jan 6, 2025
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 Jan 6, 2025
Mar 22, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard29 citations
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 8, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 8, 2024
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 8, 2024
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 8, 2024
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 8, 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.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 8, 2024
Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 8, 2024
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 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 May 8, 2024
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 8, 2024
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 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, isolatedCorrected May 8, 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, isolatedCorrected May 8, 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 May 8, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 8, 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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 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 May 8, 2024
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 8, 2024
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 8, 2024
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 8, 2024
Dec 20, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard21 citations
Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Feb 7, 2023
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
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, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 7, 2023
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 7, 2023
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 7, 2023
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Feb 7, 2023
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2023
Oct 1, 2019Fire Safety Standard5 citations
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity L of L: immediate jeopardy, widespreadCorrected Nov 15, 2019
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 20, 2019
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 15, 2019
Have a complete alarm system manually initiated and initiated by fire sprinkler system connection.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 15, 2019
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 15, 2019
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 Sapphire at Fernhill offer?
Sapphire at Fernhill offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Sapphire at Fernhill located?
Sapphire at Fernhill is located at 5737 Ne 37th Avenue in Portland, Oregon.
What do families say about Sapphire at Fernhill?
Reviews of Sapphire at Fernhill are mixed, with several families praising attentive nursing staff, a clean environment, and responsive office and social work support, while others report serious lapses in medical care and poor food quality. One detailed account describes a resident developing severe sepsis and losing a leg after what the family says was inadequate monitoring and delayed treatment. The community has a 2.8 out of 5 Google rating from 28 reviews.
How did Sapphire at Fernhill do on recent health and safety inspections?
Sapphire at Fernhill had 7 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 74 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 Sapphire at Fernhill?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Sapphire at Fernhill and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Sapphire at Fernhill? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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