MERRIMAN HOUSE

3073 WHITE MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY, NORTH CONWAY, NH 03860 (603) 356-0699
Non profit - Corporation 45 Beds Independent Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
90/100
#10 of 73 in NH
Last Inspection: April 2025

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

Overview

Merriman House in North Conway, New Hampshire, has received a Trust Grade of A, indicating it is an excellent choice for families seeking care for their loved ones. It ranks #10 out of 73 facilities in the state, placing it in the top half, and is the best option out of three in Carroll County. However, the facility's trend is concerning as it has increased from 2 issues in 2024 to 4 in 2025, suggesting some deterioration in care quality. Staffing is a notable strength, with a perfect score of 5/5 and a turnover rate of 42%, which is better than the state average, indicating that staff are stable and familiar with residents. On the downside, there are some troubling findings, including a failure to inform residents about the risks and benefits of psychotropic medications, and the facility had 10 issues identified in total, with 8 being of concern, pointing to potential risks in care delivery.

Trust Score
A
90/100
In New Hampshire
#10/73
Top 13%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Getting Worse
2 → 4 violations
Staff Stability
○ Average
42% 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
✓ Good
Each resident gets 94 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of New Hampshire nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
Violations
○ Average
10 deficiencies on record. Average for a facility this size. Mostly minor or procedural issues.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★★
5.0
Staff Levels
★★☆☆☆
2.0
Care Quality
★★★★☆
4.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2024: 2 issues
2025: 4 issues

The Good

  • 5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record
  • Staff turnover below average (42%)

    6 points below New Hampshire average of 48%

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, fire safety.

The Bad

Staff Turnover: 42%

Near New Hampshire avg (46%)

Typical for the industry

The Ugly 10 deficiencies on record

Apr 2025 4 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

No description available.

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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 interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that physician's orders were followed...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that physician's orders were followed for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for choices in a final sample of 12 residents. (Resident identifier is #4.) Findings include: [NAME], [NAME] A., and [NAME]. Fundamentals of Nursing. 10th edition St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, 2021. Page 614 .It is essential to verify the accuracy of every medication you give to your patients with the patient's order. If the medication order is incomplete, incorrect, or inappropriate, or if there is a discrepancy between the original order and the information on the MAR [Medication Administration Record]. consult with the health care provider. Do not give a medication until you are certain that you can follow the seven rights of medication administration . Page 672 .seven rights of medication administration include right medication, right dose, right patient, right route, right time, right documentation and right indication . Review on 4/8/25 of Resident #4's nursing note dated 4/3/25 revealed Per [provider name omitted], beginning GDR [Gradual Dose Reduction] of Lyrica. See MAR for GDR schedule. As [pronoun omitted] now is on 200 mg [milligrams] TID [three times a day], the taper will reduce [pronoun omitted] by 100 mg per day, to be completed in 25 days. Review on 4/8/25 of Resident #4's nursing note dated 4/7/25 revealed Upon attempting to give the noon dose of Lyrica (100 mg ordered), nurse realized we did not have any 100 mg capsules in-house. Further investigation revealed [Resident #4's name omitted] has been continually receiving [pronoun omitted] previous dose of 200 mg TID instead of starting the GDR [100 mg dose] as scheduled on 4/4/25 . Review on 4/9/25 of Resident #4's April 2025's MAR revealed an order for Lyrica (Pregabalin) Oral Capsule 100 mg by mouth one time a day for 5 days with a start date of 4/4/25 and scheduled for noon time. Further review revealed that the MAR indicated that the Lyrica 100 mg was administered from 4/4/25 through 4/6/25. Review on 4/8/25 of Resident #4's narcotic administration record revealed that Lyrica 200 mg was administered on 4/4/25 at 12:40 p.m., 4/5/25 at 1:00 p.m., and 4/6/25 at 11:08 a.m. There was no documentation of Lyrica 100 mg being administered on 4/4/25 through 4/6/25. Interview on 4/9/25 at approximately 12:00 p.m. with Staff C (Registered Nurse) confirmed that Resident #4 received the wrong dose of Lyrica, which was scheduled for noon, from 4/4/25 through 4/6/25.
CONCERN (E)

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

Deficiency F0552 (Tag F0552)

Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents

No description available.

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CONCERN (E)

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

Deficiency F0552 (Tag F0552)

Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents

Based on record review, policy review, and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to document that the resident and/or the resident's representative was fully informed of the risk and b...

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Based on record review, policy review, and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to document that the resident and/or the resident's representative was fully informed of the risk and benefits of psychotropic medications for 5 of 5 residents reviewed for unnecessary medications in a final sample of 12 residents. (Resident identifiers are #23, #13, #28, #29, and #27.) Findings include: Resident #23 Review on 4/9/25 of Resident #23's current physician's orders revealed the following orders: Citalopram Hydrobromide Tablet 10 mg. (milligrams), Give 1 tablet by mouth one time a day related to depression, unspecified, order dated 4/11/23, Lorazepam Tablet 0.5 mg. Give 0.5 mg. by mouth every 4 hours as needed for anxiety/EOL (end of life), for 12 months, dated 3/28/25. Review 4/9/25 of Resident #23's medical record revealed no documentation that the resident and/or the resident's representative had been informed of the risks and benefits of the above medications. Resident #13 Review on 4/9/25 of Resident #13's current physician's orders revealed the following orders: Lexapro 5mg PO (by mouth) QD (Daily) (Anxiety), dated 4/19/24. Lorazepam Tablet 0.5 mg. Give 1 tablet by mouth every 4 hours as needed for anxiety for 12 months, and give 1 tablet by mouth three times a day related to anxiety disorder, dated 12/12/24. Review 4/9/25 of Resident #13's medical record revealed no documentation that the resident and/or the resident's representative had been informed of the risks and benefits of the above medications. Resident #29 Review on 4/9/25 of Resident #29's current physician's orders revealed the following orders: Mirtazapine Tablet 15 mg (milligrams), Give 1 tablet by mouth at bedtime related to insomnia, unspecified, order dated 4/2/2025. Sertraline HCl Oral Tablet (Sertraline HCl) Give 25 mg by mouth one time a day related to generalized anxiety disorder, order dated 4/2/25. Sertraline HCl Oral Tablet (Sertraline HCl) Give 50 mg by mouth one time a day related to generalized anxiety disorder, order dated 4/2/25. Review 4/9/25 of Resident #29's medical record revealed no documentation that the resident and/or the resident's representative had been informed of the risks and benefits of the above medications. Resident #28 Review on 4/9/25 of Resident #28's current physician's orders revealed the following orders: Sertraline HCl Oral Capsule 200 mg (Sertraline HCl) GIve 1 capsule orally one time a day related to major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified, order dated 12/5/24. Review 4/9/25 of Resident #28's medical record revealed no documentation that the resident and/or the resident's representative had been informed of the risks and benefits of the above medications. Resident #27 Review on 4/9/25 of Resident #27's current physician's orders revealed the following order: Citalopram Hydrobromide Oral Tablet (Citalopram Hydrobromide) Give 20 mg by mouth one time a day related to depression, unspecified, order dated 1/16/25. Review 4/9/25 of Resident #27's medical record revealed no documentation that the resident and/or the resident's representative had been informed of the risks and benefits of the above medications. Interview on 4/9/25 at approximately 2:00 p.m. with Staff D (Registered Nurse) confirmed there was no documentation that the above residents and/or the resident's representatives were fully informed of the risk and benefits of psychotropic medications prior to starting treatment.
Apr 2024 2 deficiencies
MINOR (C)

Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact

Staffing Information (Tag F0732)

Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents

No description available.

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MINOR (C)

Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact

Staffing Information (Tag F0732)

Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents

Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain and post daily nursing staff data with information that included the facility name, resident census, and the ...

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Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to maintain and post daily nursing staff data with information that included the facility name, resident census, and the total number and the actual hours worked for licensed and unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for resident care per shift. Findings include: Observation on 4/8/24 at approximately 9:00 a.m. at the facility revealed no daily nursing staff postings with facility name, resident census, and the total number and the actual hours worked for licensed and unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for resident care per shift. Observation on 4/9/24 at approximately 9:00 a.m. at the facility revealed no daily nursing staff postings with facility name, resident census, and the total number and the actual hours worked for licensed and unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for resident care per shift. Interview on 4/9/24 at approximately 9:30 a.m. with Staff C (Director of Nursing) confirmed the above observations. Interview on 4/9/24 at approximately 3:00 p.m. with Staff D (Administrator) revealed that he/she was unable to provide records of posted daily nursing staff data with the total number and the actual hours worked for licensed and unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for resident care per shift.
Mar 2023 4 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 F0658 (Tag F0658)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

No description available.

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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

No description available.

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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

Deficiency F0658 (Tag F0658)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to follow professional standards by moving a re...

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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to follow professional standards by moving a resident who had fallen for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for closed records in a final sample of 14 residents (Resident identifier #142). Findings Include: Review on 3/17/23 at 12:45 p.m. of Resident #142's progress note, dated 2/25/23 at 07:11 a.m. and signed by Staff A (Registered Nurse), revealed that [pronoun omitted] was alerted at 06:10 a.m. by a LNA [Licensed Nursing Assistant] that resident had fallen and was on the floor in [pronoun omitted] room. [Pronoun omitted] is found sitting with back to wall across from the bathroom door. Legs were outstretched and left leg externally rotated. [Pronoun omitted] screams out in pain when writer attempted to touch the leg. Vital signs . Staff A directed two LNAs to assist with Hoyer [a mechanical lift] and get Resident #142 off the floor and into bed. Notifications to family and MD [Medical Doctor] with orders to send to ED [Emergency Department]. Interview on 3/17/23 at 1:30 p.m. with Staff C (LNA) revealed that he/she as instructed by Staff C transferred Resident #142 with the Hoyer lift into bed. Interview on 3/17/23 with Staff D (LNA) revealed that he/she was called to the resident's room and directed by Staff A to assist Staff C with transferring Resident #142 off the floor and into bed. Standard Journal of Nursing; AJN, November 2007 Vol. 107, No. 11. Retrieved from https://www.nursingcenter.com/pdfjournal?AID=751198&an=00000446-200711000-00030&Journal_ID=54030&Issue_ID=751137 on 10/30/20: When a Fall Occurs Step one: assessment. When a patient falls, don't assume that no injury has occurred-this can be a devastating mistake. Before moving the patient .Observe the leg rotation, and look for hip pain, shortening of the extremity, and pelvic or spinal pain. From Merck Manual Consumer Version, Hip Fractures by [NAME], MD, University of San Francisco - Fresno last modified [DATE]. Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/fractures/hip-fractures?query=hip%20fracture on 10/30/20: Hip fractures usually occur in older people and often result from minor falls, particularly in people with osteoporosis .Hip fractures are usually very painful and usually cause pain in the groin .However, if the broken pieces have been jammed together and the fracture is small, people can sometimes walk and may have only mild pain, and the leg appears normal .Sometimes when the hip is broken, pain seems to come from the knee instead of the hip. It feels that way because the knee and the hip share part of the same nerve pathways. Such pain is called referred pain.
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 medications were secured in the medication cart for 1 out of 2 medication carts observed. F...

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Based on observation, interview, and policy review it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that medications were secured in the medication cart for 1 out of 2 medication carts observed. Findings include: Observation on 3/15/23 at 10:15 a.m. of the [NAME] Hall medication cart, which contained resident medications, revealed that the cart was unlocked and accessible to staff, visitors, and residents. Interview on 3/15/23 at 10:18 a.m. with Staff I (Registered Nurse) confirmed that the medication cart was not locked. Further interview revealed that Staff I was in the kitchenette getting some supplies and did not lock the cart prior to walking away. Reviewed on 3/15/23 of the facility policy dated 12/01/07 and a revision date of 07/21/22 revealed .Procedure .3.3 Facility should ensure that all medications and biological's, including treatment items, are securely stored in a locked cabinet/cart or locked medication room that is inaccessible by residents and visitors
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.
  • • 42% turnover. Below New Hampshire's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
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 Merriman House's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns MERRIMAN HOUSE 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 Merriman House Staffed?

CMS rates MERRIMAN HOUSE's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 42%, compared to the New Hampshire average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care. RN turnover specifically is 69%, which is notably high. RNs provide skilled clinical oversight, so turnover in this role can affect medical care quality.

What Have Inspectors Found at Merriman House?

State health inspectors documented 10 deficiencies at MERRIMAN HOUSE during 2023 to 2025. These included: 8 with potential for harm and 2 minor or isolated issues.

Who Owns and Operates Merriman House?

MERRIMAN HOUSE is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 45 certified beds and approximately 29 residents (about 64% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in NORTH CONWAY, New Hampshire.

How Does Merriman House Compare to Other New Hampshire Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in New Hampshire, MERRIMAN HOUSE's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.0, staff turnover (42%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Merriman House?

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 Merriman House Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, MERRIMAN HOUSE 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 Merriman House Stick Around?

MERRIMAN HOUSE has a staff turnover rate of 42%, 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 Merriman House Ever Fined?

MERRIMAN HOUSE 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 Merriman House on Any Federal Watch List?

MERRIMAN HOUSE 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.