HARBOR HILL CENTER
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Harbor Hill Center in Belfast, Maine has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below average performance with several concerns. It ranks #67 out of 77 nursing homes in Maine, placing it in the bottom half of facilities state-wide, but it is the only option in Waldo County. While the facility is showing improvement, with issues decreasing from 8 in 2024 to 5 in 2025, there are still significant weaknesses. Staffing is a strength, with a 4 out of 5 rating and a turnover rate of 38%, which is better than the state average. However, inspector findings revealed that clinical records were incomplete for several residents and care plans did not adequately address critical medical needs, raising concerns about the quality of care provided.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Maine
- #67/77
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 38% turnover. Near Maine's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Maine facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 88 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Maine nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 29 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (38%)
10 points below Maine average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.
The Bad
Below Maine average (3.0)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
Near Maine avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 29 deficiencies on record
Jul 2025
5 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that a call bell was accessible for 1 of 3 residents reviewed during a complaint investigation (Resident [R]1). Review of policy Cal...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to update/implement a care plan in the area of communication for 1 of 1 resident reviewed for falls (Resident [R]1).Review of policy Person-C...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to ensure the resident environment remained as free of accident hazard...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations and interviews and record review the facility failed to follow professional standards of practice to provide a sanitary environment to help prevent the development and transmissi...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that clinical records were complete and contained accurate information for 3 of 4 sampled residents reviewed during a complaint in...
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Dec 2024
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0558
(Tag F0558)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure accommodations were made for a resident, to include the faci...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and a review of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), the facility failed to ensure that the resident's environment was free of accident hazards relating to the storage of chemica...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0865
(Tag F0865)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, review of the plan of correction, and interview, the facility's quality assurance committee failed to ensure that the plan of correction for identified deficiencies from the Rec...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0868
(Tag F0868)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on review of the facility's Quality Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee meeting attendance sheets and interview, the facility failed to provide evidence that a quarterly meeting was held fo...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Harbor House
-The kitchenette and dining areas had floor seams which were split and unsealed, containing dirt and debris. The...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interview, the facility failed to develop a Comprehensive Care Plan that addressed the physical need...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to maintain respiratory equipment in a sanitary manner to help prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and Beneficiary form review, the facility failed to ensure that a Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNFABN) was provided to 1 of 3 residents whose Medicare Part A...
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Oct 2023
9 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Requirements
(Tag F0622)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews, and record reviews the facility failed to meet the requirements for a facility-initiated discharge for 1 of...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to respond to the consultant pharmacist's recommendations in a timel...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interview and review of facility Safety Data Sheets, the facility failed to adequately provide housekeepi...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
4. On 10/18/23, the facility Falls Management policy and procedure was reviewed. Under Section 5-#5.3-any patient who sustains an injury to the head from a fall and/or has an unwitnessed fall will be ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0730
(Tag F0730)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on performance evaluations and interviews, the facility failed to complete annual performance evaluations at least every 12 months for 3 of 5 sampled Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA1, CNA2, an...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
2. On 10/16/23 from 10:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., an initial kitchen tour was conducted with the Food Service Director in which the following findings were observed:
> The food slicer had dried food pa...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to maintain garbage storage areas in a sanitary condition to prevent the harborage and feeding of pests for 1 trash dumpster and the surroundi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0882
(Tag F0882)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview, the facility failed to ensure that the facility Infection Preventionist (IP) had completed specialized training prior to starting the IP position.
Finding:
On 10/18/23 at 1:00 p.m....
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on review of the facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) and interview, the facility failed to ensure that the IPCP was reviewed annually.
Finding:
On 10/18/23 at 1:00 p.m., t...
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Feb 2022
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0561
(Tag F0561)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that a resident's choice in bathing was being followed for 2 of 3 sampled residents (Resident #2 and #18).
Findings:
1. On 2/13/22...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that the State mental health authority for Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) was notified after a resident was new...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and interviews the facility failed to follow a written telephone order for lab work for 1 of 3 residents reviewed (# 18).
Finding:
Resident #18 had a written telephone order, d...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations and interview, the facility failed to ensure expired medications were removed from the supply available for use in 1 of 2 medication supply rooms (Medication Supply Room on Harbo...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0655
(Tag F0655)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to provide a written copy of the baseline care plan to the resident and/or the resident's Representative for 4 of 12 care plans reviewed (Re...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 5. On review of Resident #15's clinical record, the surveyor noted a Minimum Data Set (MDS) 4.0 Quarterly assessment dated [DATE...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record reviews and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that clinical records were complete and contained accurate information for 4 of 12 care plan meetings reviewed (Resident
#36, #42...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Maine facilities.
- • 38% turnover. Below Maine's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 29 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • Grade D (40/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Harbor Hill Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns HARBOR HILL CENTER an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Maine, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is Harbor Hill Center Staffed?
CMS rates HARBOR HILL CENTER's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 38%, compared to the Maine average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Harbor Hill Center?
State health inspectors documented 29 deficiencies at HARBOR HILL CENTER during 2022 to 2025. These included: 27 with potential for harm and 2 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Harbor Hill Center?
HARBOR HILL CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by GENESIS HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 40 certified beds and approximately 38 residents (about 95% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in BELFAST, Maine.
How Does Harbor Hill Center Compare to Other Maine Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Maine, HARBOR HILL CENTER's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (38%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Harbor Hill Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Harbor Hill Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, HARBOR HILL CENTER has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Maine. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Harbor Hill Center Stick Around?
HARBOR HILL CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 38%, which is about average for Maine nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Harbor Hill Center Ever Fined?
HARBOR HILL CENTER has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Harbor Hill Center on Any Federal Watch List?
HARBOR HILL CENTER is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.