All states › Washington › Seattle › Ballard Center
820 Northwest 95th Street Seattle, WA 98117 · King County
All 19 nursing homes in Seattle, WA (19 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 505042 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Ballard Center a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record
There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Ballard Center as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Washington average of 3.3.
Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.
Staffing
Nursing staff spend about 3.47 hours per resident per day at Ballard Center, below the Washington median of 4.15 (US median: 3.72). About 0.98 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.16 hours, 9% below its all-week average. 45.5% of nursing staff left within a year (Washington median 43%).
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Ballard Center: Medicare and Medicaid
Ballard Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Washington's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.
In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.
Health inspections
The most recent standard inspection was on April 16, 2026 and found 19 deficiencies, plus 13 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 77 citations in the last three years.
Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.
What the inspections found
Over the last three years, inspectors issued 77 citations at Ballard Center across 14 inspection dates, 24 of them from complaint investigations. None were at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy levels; 76 were "potential for more than minimal harm" (D–F) and 1 was minimal (A–C). The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (25) and quality of life and care (18). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician" (tag F0801, level F, September 13, 2023). 6 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
July 23, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
June 29, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
April 16, 2026 · 24 citations · includes complaint inspection
EAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
EAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
EAssure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
ETry different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
EPost nurse staffing information every day.
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
EEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
EEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DAllow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
DEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
DNotify the appropriate authorities when residents with MD or ID services has a significant change in condition.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
March 25, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
ERespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
December 31, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
November 14, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
EProvide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.
May 8, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
April 21, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
March 28, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
January 8, 2025 · 19 citations · includes complaint inspection
EDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
EObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
EEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
EEnsure 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.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DHonor 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.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide 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.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
CConduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
January 6, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
EKeep all essential equipment working safely.
February 28, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.
October 23, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
September 13, 2023 · 17 citations
FEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
EHonor 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.
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
DHonor 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.
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DNotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
DAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
DEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Questions to ask on a tour of Ballard Center
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on March 25, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- CMS rates short-stay quality 2 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?
Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.
Fines and payment denials
CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August 2026 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Add this rating badge to your websiteFree. Shows Ballard Center's Medicare star rating and updates itself.
Size and colour
Preview
Paste it where the badge should appear: in WordPress, a Custom HTML block or a footer widget; on other sites, any spot that accepts HTML. The badge updates itself when CMS publishes new ratings.
Location
Hospitals near Ballard Center
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
- 3.5 mi
-
4.5 mi
University of Washington Medical Ctr SeattleEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 4h 26m for patients treated and sent home
- 4.8 mi
Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Nearby nursing homes
More nursing homes near Ballard Center › All nursing homes in Seattle ›
Compare Ballard Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Queen Anne Healthcare · Seattle · 5 stars · 3.8 mi
- Shoreline Health and Rehabilitation · Seattle · 5 stars · 4.1 mi
- Fircrest Nursing Facility · Seattle · 5 stars · 5.8 mi
- Pine Ridge Post Acute · Edmonds · 5 stars · 7.8 mi
Other Genesis Healthcare nursing homes in Washington
- Everett Center · Everett · 4 stars
- Montesano Health-Rehab Center · Montesano · 4 stars
- Columbia Crest Center · Moses Lake · 2 stars
- Lake Ridge Center · Moses Lake · 2 stars
- Orchard Park Health Care & Rehab Center · Tacoma · 1 stars
- Linden Grove Health Care Center · Puyallup · 1 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 183 Genesis Healthcare nursing homes ›
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.