BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME

30 COUNTY DRIVE, LACONIA, NH 03246 (603) 527-5410
Government - County 94 Beds Independent Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
90/100
#2 of 73 in NH
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Last Inspection: September 2024

Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.

Overview

Belknap County Nursing Home in Laconia, New Hampshire has earned a Trust Grade of A, indicating it is an excellent facility that is highly recommended. It ranks #2 out of 73 nursing homes in the state, placing it in the top tier of facilities, and is the best option among four local homes in Belknap County. The facility is improving as it has reduced its number of issues from three in 2022 to two in 2024. Staffing is a strong point, with a 4-star rating and a turnover rate of 40%, which is lower than the state average of 50%. However, the nursing home has less RN coverage than 91% of other facilities in the state, which is a concern, and it has faced issues such as storing expired medical supplies and medications, which could pose risks to residents. Overall, while the home has some weaknesses, its strengths significantly outweigh them.

Trust Score
A
90/100
In New Hampshire
#2/73
Top 2%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Getting Better
3 → 2 violations
Staff Stability
○ Average
40% turnover. Near New Hampshire's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most New Hampshire facilities.
Skilled Nurses
○ Average
Each resident gets 39 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for New Hampshire. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 5 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★☆
4.0
Staff Levels
★★☆☆☆
2.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
↔
Stable
2022: 3 issues
2024: 2 issues

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 (40%)

    8 points below New Hampshire average of 48%

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.

The Bad

Staff Turnover: 40%

Near New Hampshire avg (46%)

Typical for the industry

The Ugly 5 deficiencies on record

Sept 2024 2 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Room Equipment (Tag F0908)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on interview, observation, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to follow manufacturer's instructions for care and cleaning of the Hydrocollator. Findings include: Revie...

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Based on interview, observation, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to follow manufacturer's instructions for care and cleaning of the Hydrocollator. Findings include: Review on 9/19/24 of the manufacturer's instructions for the Hydrocollator, undated revealed: .Care and cleaning: .Water is constantly lost during operation due to evaporation. Therefore, it is essential that water be added daily. The tank should also be drained and cleaned systematically, at a minimum interval of every two weeks . Observation on 9/19/24 at approximately 9:00 a.m. in the rehab department revealed that there was a hydrocollator. Interview on 9/19/24 at approximately 9:00 a.m. with Staff A (Director of Nursing) revealed that residents who were in the restorative program would utilize the heat pads from the hydrocollator and that Staff B (Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)) oversees the program. Review on 4/13/23 of the facility form Hydrocollator Maintenance - Cleaning Log for July, August, and September 2024 revealed the following: July 2024: One cleaning on 7/23/24; August 2024: No cleaning was done; September 2024: One cleaning on 9/18/24. Review on 9/19/24 of the facility's report for hydrocollator use for September 2024 revealed that the heat pads from the hydrocollator were used on 8 residents on 9 out of 18 days. Interview on 9/19/24 at approximately 10:20 a.m. with Staff B confirmed the above findings. Review on 9/19/24 of the facility policy titled, Application of Hot Packs, dated 6/25/24 revealed: .Maintenance .Hydrocollators are cleaned bimonthly and prn [as needed], according to the manufacturer specifications in the manual .
MINOR (B)

Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact

Deficiency F0582 (Tag F0582)

Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents

Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the resident and/or resident representative was provided the Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiar...

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Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the resident and/or resident representative was provided the Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNF ABN) form CMS-10055 (Centers form Medicare and Medicaid) for 3 out of 3 residents reviewed for beneficiary notices.(Resident Identifiers are #39, #41, and #57). Findings include: Resident #39 Review on 9/18/24 of the Beneficiary Notice - Residents discharged Within the Last Six Months form, completed by the facility, revealed that Resident #39's last covered day of Medicare Part A Services was on 8/7/24 and he/she remained in the facility. Review on 9/18/24 of Resident #39's beneficiary forms revealed that Resident #39 was not provided the SNF ABN form CMS-10055. Resident #41 Review on 9/18/24 of the Beneficiary Notice - Residents discharged Within the Last Six Months form, completed by the facility, revealed that Resident #41's last covered day of Medicare Part A Services was on 6/19/24 and he/she remained in the facility. Review on 9/18/24 of Resident #41's beneficiary forms revealed that Resident #41 was not provided the SNF ABN form CMS-10055. Resident #57 Review on 9/18/24 of the Beneficiary Notice - Residents discharged Within the Last Six Months form, completed by the facility, revealed that Resident #57's last covered day of Medicare Part A Services was on 4/1/24 and discharged home. Review on 9/18/24 of Resident #57's census tab in the electronic record revealed that Resident #57's payer changed from Medicare Part A to Private Pay on 4/2/24. Resident #57 discharged home on 4/12/24. Review on 9/18/24 of Resident #57's beneficiary forms revealed that Resident #57 was not provided the SNF ABN form CMS-10055. Interview on 9/18/24 at 12:00 p.m. with Staff C (Director of Social Services) revealed that Resident #39, #41, and #57 were provided the wrong form, form CMS-R-131 not the form CMS-10055. Review on 9/19/24 of the facility's policy titled, Discharge Care Plan Facility Policy, revised on 6/9/23, revealed: .Social Services or designee will provide Advanced Beneficiary Notice [ABN] information as required .
Aug 2022 3 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0658 (Tag F0658)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and policy review it was determined that the facility failed to insure the storage of expired n...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and policy review it was determined that the facility failed to insure the storage of expired needles, culture swabs, dressings, and syringes according to professional standards for 2 out of 2 medication rooms and 2 out of 2 treatment carts reviewed for storage of medical supplies. Findings include: Observation on [DATE] at 8:45 a.m. of the East Wing medication room with Staff B (RN Unit Manager) revealed the following: -Ten blue cap culture swabs containing liquid medium with manufacturer's expiration date of [DATE] -Nine red cap culture swabs containing liquid medium with manufacturer's expiration date of [DATE] -Four individual needles with a manufacturer's expiration date of 1/2020. Observation on [DATE] at 8:50 a.m. of the East Wing's Treatment Cart revealed two (2) 28 gauge TB (Tuberculin) syringes with a manufacturer's expiration date of [DATE] Interview on [DATE] at 8:50 a.m. with Staff B confirmed that the culture swabs and needles should not have been in the medication room or on the treatment cart if they were expired. Observation on [DATE] at 10:00 a.m. of the [NAME] Wing Medication Room twenty-Five (25) TB syringes with 1 ml (milliliter) with manufacturer's expiration date of [DATE]. Thirty (30) 10 ml luer lock syringes without needles with a manufacturer's expiration date of [DATE] Interview on [DATE] at 10:10 a.m. with Staff D confirmed the above findings and that they should have been discarded. Observation on [DATE] at 10:10 a.m. of the [NAME] Wing Treatment cart revealed eighteen (18) Simplicity Foam Dressings with a manufacturer's expiration of [DATE] Interview on [DATE] at 10:10 a.m. with Staff D confirmed the above findings and stated that they should not have been in the treatment cart if they were expired. Review on [DATE] of the facility's policy Storage and Expiration Dating of Medications, Biologicals revised on [DATE] revealed, . This Policy . sets for the procedures relating to the storage and expiration dates of medications, biologicals, syringes and needles . Procedure . 4. Facility should ensure that medications and biologicals that: (1) have an expired date on the label; (2) have been retained longer than recommended by manufacturer or supplier guidelines; or (3) have been contaminated or deteriorated, are store separate from other medications until destroyed or returned to the pharmacy or supplier . 17. Facility personnel should inspect nursing station storage areas for proper storage compliance on a regularly scheduled basis. 18. Facility should request that Pharmacy perform a routine nursing unit inspection for each nursing station in Facility to assist Facility in complying with its obligations . Review on [DATE] of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention retrieved from https://www.CDC.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/prepare-vaccines.html revealed .5. Always check the expiration dates on the vaccine and diluent, if needed. Some syringes and needles have expiration dates, so check those too. Never use expired vaccine, diluent or equipment . Review on [DATE] of the Manufacturer's BD ([NAME]) BBL CultureSwab Plus-220116 Vitality Medical with a revision date of 01/2010, revealed .Frequently Asked Questions . How Long is a culture swab good for? Healthcare professionals should always check the expiration date on the box or swab itself before use . Expired culture swabs should not be used .
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 observation, interview, and policy review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that expired medications, were not kept longer than the manufacturer's or supplier guidelines, ...

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Based on observation, interview, and policy review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that expired medications, were not kept longer than the manufacturer's or supplier guidelines, for 1 out of 2 medication rooms and 1 out of 2 treatment carts observed for medication storage. Findings include: Observation on 8/23/22 at 9:00 a.m. of the Ease Wing Treatment cart with Staff B (Registered Nurse) revealed two (2) open bottles of Vashe Wound Solution 4 oz (ounces) one with a manufacturer's expiration date of 3/2022 and one with a manufacturer's expiration date on 1/2022. Further observation revealed an unopened bottle of Mineral Oil Lubricant Laxative with manufacturer's expiration date of 8/2021. Interview on 8/23/22 at 9:00 a.m. with Staff B (Registered Nurse) confirmed the Vashe Wound Solution was in current use and that the expired Mineral Oil should not have been in the treatment cart. Observation on 8/23/22 at 10:00 a.m. of the [NAME] Wing Medication Room with Staff D (Unit Manager) revealed that in the refrigerator were eighty-four (84) single dose syringes of Influenza Vaccine with a manufacturer's expiration date of 6/2022. Interview on 8/23/22 at 10:10 a.m. with Staff D confirmed the above findings. Review on 8/25/22 of the facility's policy Disposal/Destruction of Expired or Discontinued Medications revised on 1/1/22 revealed, .Procedure .4. Facility should place all discontinued or out-dated medications in a designated, secure location which is solely for discontinued medications or marked to identify the medications are discontinued and subject to destruction . Review on 8/25/22 of the facility's policy Storage and Expiration Dating of Medications, Biologicals revised on 7/21/22 revealed, . This Policy . sets for the procedures relating to the storage and expiration dates of medications, biologicals, syringes and needles . Procedure . 4. Facility should ensure that medications and biologicals that: (1) have an expired date on the label; (2) have been retained longer than recommended by manufacture or supplier guidelines; or (3) have been contaminated or deteriorated, are store separate from other medications until destroyed or returned to the pharmacy or supplier . 17. Facility personnel should inspect nursing station storage areas for proper storage compliance on a regularly scheduled basis. 18. Facility should request that Pharmacy perform a routine nursing unit inspection for each nursing station in Facility to assist Facility in complying with its obligations . Review on 8/26/22 of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention retrieved from https://www.CDC.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/prepare-vaccines.html revealed .5. Always check the expiration dates on the vaccine and diluent, if needed. Some syringes and needles have expiration dates, so check those too. Never use expired vaccine, diluent or equipment .
MINOR (B)

Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact

Assessment Accuracy (Tag F0641)

Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents

Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the MDS (Minimum Data Set) was accurate for 3 residents in a final sample of 16 Residents (Resident Iden...

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Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that the MDS (Minimum Data Set) was accurate for 3 residents in a final sample of 16 Residents (Resident Identifiers are #3, #11, and #29). Findings include: Resident #3 Review on 8/25/22 of Resident #3's Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 5/11/2022 revealed in Item N0410A Medication Received: Days: Antipsychotics was coded as 7, which indicated that the resident received an antipsychotic medications in the past seven days (of the ARD). Review of 8/25/22 of Resident #3's May 2022 MAR (Medication Administration Record) revealed that there was no antipsychotic medication documented as being administered and no physician order for an antipsychotic medication. Interview on 8/25/22 at 11:58 a.m. with the with Staff A (MDS Coordinator) confirmed that Resident #3 did not have an order for an antipsychotic and that the 5/11/22 Item N0410A Antipsychotic was marked in error and should have been marked 0. Resident #11 Review on 8/25/22 of Resident #11's Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an ARD of 5/25/2022 revealed in Item N0410E Medication Received: Days: Anticoagulant was coded as 7, which indicated that the resident received anticoagulant medications in the past seven days (of the ARD). Review of 8/25/22 of Resident #11's May 2022 MAR (Medication Administration Record) revealed that there was no anticoagulant medication documented as being administered and no physician's order for an anticoagulant medication. Interview on 8/25/22 at 11:56 a.m. with the with Staff A (MDS Coordinator) confirmed that Resident #11 did not have an order for an anticoagulant and that the 5/25/22 Item N0410A Anticoagulant was marked in error and should have been marked 0.Resident #29 Review on 8/24/22 of Resident #29's Quarterly MDS with an ARD of 6/29/22 revealed in Section N0410C Medication Received: Days: Antidepressant was coded as 7 which indicated that the resident received antidepressant medications in the past seven days (of the ARD) Review on 8/24/22 of Resident #29's June 2022 MAR revealed there were no physician's orders for an antidepressant and no documentation that an antidepressant was administered. Interview on 8/25/22 at 11:53 a.m. with Staff A confirmed that that Section N0410C Medications Received: Days: Antidepressant of Resident #29's most recent Quarterly MDS was marked in error and should have been coded as 0.
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Life-Threatening (Immediate Jeopardy)
J - Isolated K - Pattern L - Widespread
Actual Harm
G - Isolated H - Pattern I - Widespread
Potential for Harm
D - Isolated E - Pattern F - Widespread
No Harm (Minor)
A - Isolated B - Pattern C - Widespread

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

Strengths
  • • Grade A (90/100). Above average facility, better than most options in New Hampshire.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most New Hampshire facilities.
  • • Only 5 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
Concerns
  • • No significant concerns identified. This facility shows no red flags across CMS ratings, staff turnover, or federal penalties.
Bottom line: Generally positive indicators. Standard due diligence and a personal visit recommended.

About This Facility

What is Belknap County's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within New Hampshire, 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 Belknap County Staffed?

CMS rates BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 40%, compared to the New Hampshire average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.

What Have Inspectors Found at Belknap County?

State health inspectors documented 5 deficiencies at BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME during 2022 to 2024. These included: 3 with potential for harm and 2 minor or isolated issues.

Who Owns and Operates Belknap County?

BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME 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 94 certified beds and approximately 62 residents (about 66% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in LACONIA, New Hampshire.

How Does Belknap County Compare to Other New Hampshire Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Hampshire, BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (40%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Belknap County?

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 Belknap County Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME 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 New Hampshire. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.

Do Nurses at Belknap County Stick Around?

BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME has a staff turnover rate of 40%, which is about average for New Hampshire 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 Belknap County Ever Fined?

BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME 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 Belknap County on Any Federal Watch List?

BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME 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.

BELKNAP COUNTY NURSING HOME

30 COUNTY DRIVE, LACONIA, NH 03246 | (603) 527-5410

A
Trust Grade (90/100)
5.0
CMS Rating
5
Deficiencies

Strengths

  • 4-star staffing

Concerns

  • Review findings

Ask about: Rn Coverage

nursinghomedata.org | Data: CMS November 2025