BARRON CENTER
Over 2 years since last inspection. Current conditions may differ from available data.
The Barron Center in Portland, Maine, has a Trust Grade of B, indicating it is a good choice among nursing homes. It ranks #2 out of 77 facilities in the state, placing it in the top half for quality care, and is the best option out of 17 in Cumberland County. The facility shows an improving trend, with issues decreasing from 7 in 2022 to just 2 in 2025. However, staffing is a significant concern, rated at only 1 out of 5 stars, with a turnover rate of 98%, much higher than the state average. On the positive side, the center has good RN coverage, exceeding 94% of Maine facilities, which is crucial for identifying potential issues. While the facility has strengths, it has faced some specific concerns. For example, a survey found expired medications in the supply, which raises questions about medication management. Additionally, there was a failure to meet nutritional needs for a resident requiring tube feeding, resulting in weight loss. Lastly, infection control practices were not adequately maintained, with a urinary drainage bag observed dragging on the floor, posing an infection risk. Overall, while there are positives, families should weigh these concerns carefully when considering Barron Center.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Maine
- #2/77
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 98% turnover. Very high, 50 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $8,278 in fines. Lower than most Maine facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 8 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Maine. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 18 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
51pts above Maine avg (47%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
50 points above Maine average of 48%
The Ugly 18 deficiencies on record
Aug 2025
1 deficiency
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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on the facility's policy, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to investigate an allegation of potential mis...
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Jan 2025
1 deficiency
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
Based on Interviews and Record Review the facility failed to provide care, based on the comprehensive assessment and the resident's comprehensive person-centered care plan as outlined in the facility ...
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Jul 2022
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interviews and record review and facility policy, the facility failed to ensure an injury of unknown origin was thoroug...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medical Records
(Tag F0842)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record reviews and interviews, and Facility Reported Incident review, the facility failed to ensure that clinical recor...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, interviews, and facility policy, the facility failed to maintain an Infection Control Program designed to...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews, the facility failed to ensure expired medications, vaccinations, and point of care testing supplies were removed from the supply available for us...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to issue a written transfer/discharge notice, which included information regarding appeal rights, and the name and address of the Office of t...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that the Minimum Data Sets, version 3.0 (MDS) were ...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to post the current daily nurse staffing information that includes the facility name, day of the month, a breakdown of the number of registered ...
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Jan 2020
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews and record review the facility failed to ensure that a resident requiring dialysis received services consistent with the professional standards of practice and the comprehensive pe...
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Dec 2018
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
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 interviews and record review, the facility failed to develop a care plan to meet the safety needs of 1 of 1 residents reviewed for smoking (Resident #45).
Finding:
On 12/3/18 at 12:29 p.m.,...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0661
(Tag F0661)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interviews and clinical record review, the facility failed to develop a discharge summary which included a recapitulation of the resident's stay, a final summary of the resident's status, and...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure two containers of applesauce were dated when opened and not in...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interviews and record review, the facility failed to provide recommended nutritional services to 1 of 1 residents (#103) reviewed with a gastrostomy tube (tube feeding) for 15 da...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations and interviews, the facility failed to maintain an infection control program designed to help prevent the development and transmission of infection related to pressure ulcer trea...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0625
(Tag F0625)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to issue bed hold notices to the resident's representative for 2 of 5...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0582
(Tag F0582)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on interviews and clinical record review, the facility failed to ensure liability notices, which included appeal rights, were provided to 3 of 3 residents whose Medicare services were discontinu...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on electronic medical records review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure that a Minimum Data Set, version 3.0 (M...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "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.
- • 18 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
- • 98% turnover. Very high, 50 points above average. Constant new faces learning your loved one's needs.
About This Facility
What is Barron Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BARRON CENTER an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Maine, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.
How is Barron Center Staffed?
CMS rates BARRON CENTER's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 98%, which is 51 percentage points above the Maine average of 47%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs. RN turnover specifically is 94%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.
What Have Inspectors Found at Barron Center?
State health inspectors documented 18 deficiencies at BARRON CENTER during 2018 to 2025. These included: 12 with potential for harm and 6 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Barron Center?
BARRON CENTER is owned by a government entity. Government-operated facilities are typically run by state, county, or municipal agencies. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 219 certified beds and approximately 108 residents (about 49% occupancy), it is a large facility located in PORTLAND, Maine.
How Does Barron Center Compare to Other Maine Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Maine, BARRON CENTER's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (98%) is significantly higher than the state average of 47%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Barron Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's high staff turnover rate and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Barron Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BARRON 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 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 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 Barron Center Stick Around?
Staff turnover at BARRON CENTER is high. At 98%, the facility is 51 percentage points above the Maine average of 47%. Registered Nurse turnover is particularly concerning at 94%. RNs handle complex medical decisions and coordinate care — frequent RN changes can directly impact care quality. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Barron Center Ever Fined?
BARRON CENTER has been fined $8,278 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Maine average of $33,162. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Barron Center on Any Federal Watch List?
BARRON 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.