BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Briarwood at Timber Ridge has received an excellent Trust Grade of A, indicating it is highly recommended and performs well in multiple areas. Ranking #5 out of 190 nursing homes in Washington places it in the top tier, while being #1 out of 46 in King County suggests it is the best option locally. The facility's trend is stable, with 5 issues identified in both 2023 and 2024, indicating consistency in performance, although there are areas for improvement. Staffing is a strong point, with a 5/5 rating and a low turnover rate of 22%, which is significantly better than the state average, ensuring continuity of care for residents. However, there were some concerns noted in inspections, including a failure to use current sanitization test strips in the kitchen and lapses in food safety procedures that could leave residents at risk for contamination. Additionally, there were issues with proper notification for residents regarding transfers or discharges, which could impact their care preferences. Overall, while Briarwood has many strengths, potential residents should be aware of these noted concerns.
- Trust Score
- A
- In Washington
- #5/190
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Holding Steady
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 22% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 26 points below Washington's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Washington facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 61 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of Washington nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 17 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
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Low Staff Turnover (22%) · Staff stability means consistent care
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Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (22%)
26 points below Washington average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 17 deficiencies on record
Oct 2024
5 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
<Resident 33>
According to the 09/12/2024 5-Day MDS, Resident 33 had mild cognitive impairment. This MDS showed Resident 33 had diagnoses of a urinary tract infection, lung disease, and elevate...
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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
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure: physician's orders were followed for 1 (Resident 34); medications were administered within ordered parameters for 1 (Resident 38); ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a system by which residents received required written notice...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure 5 of 12 sample residents (Residents 33, 5, 26, 29, & 34) reviewed for care and services received the necessary care and...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** <Resident #26>
Review of the 07/22/2024 Quarterly MDS showed Resident 26 had a diagnosis including dementia and had severe...
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Jul 2023
5 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
<Resident 35>
According to a 04/24/2023 admission MDS Resident 35 had multiple medically complex diagnoses including a respiratory infection and lung disease.
Review of Resident 35's July 2023 ...
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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
<Resident 29>
Review of a 03/29/2023 Quarterly MDS showed Resident 29 had a diagnosis of unspecified swelling and did not reject care. Review of Resident 29's 07/05/2023 PO summary showed the re...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a system by which the Office of the State Long-Term Care Omb...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to establish an infection prevention and control program that included developing an antibiotic stewardship program to promote appropriate use...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observations and interview, the facility failed to ensure the Chlorine bleach test strips and QUAT test strips (Quaternary test used to verify the concentration level of sanitizers) were curr...
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Mar 2022
7 deficiencies
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 record review the facility failed to initiate and investigate an injury for 1 (Resident 14) of 15 residents reviewed. The facility failed to identify the cause of ...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure medical supplies, wound care supplies and COVID-...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to prepare foods in a manner that maintained proper consistency, flavor, and/or nutritive value of the food. This failure placed 2 (Residents 24...
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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
Resident 30
According to the 03/10/2022 Quarterly MDS, Resident 30 had multiple medically complex diagnoses including a fracture and a surgical wound infection. This MDS assessed Resident 30 with mode...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure a medication error rate of less than five percent (%). Failure to properly administer 2 of 25 medications during the me...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to establish and maintain an infection prevention and cont...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure food was stored, prepared, and served in accordance with food service safety standards. Facility failure to maintain a clear division ...
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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
- • Grade A (90/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Washington.
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Washington facilities.
- • 22% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 26 points below Washington's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 17 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Briarwood At Timber Ridge's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Washington, 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 Briarwood At Timber Ridge Staffed?
CMS rates BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 22%, compared to the Washington average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Briarwood At Timber Ridge?
State health inspectors documented 17 deficiencies at BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE during 2022 to 2024. These included: 17 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Briarwood At Timber Ridge?
BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE 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 LIFE CARE SERVICES, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 45 certified beds and approximately 42 residents (about 93% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in ISSAQUAH, Washington.
How Does Briarwood At Timber Ridge Compare to Other Washington Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Washington, BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (22%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Briarwood At Timber Ridge?
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 Briarwood At Timber Ridge Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE 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 Washington. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Briarwood At Timber Ridge Stick Around?
Staff at BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 22%, the facility is 23 percentage points below the Washington average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly.
Was Briarwood At Timber Ridge Ever Fined?
BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE 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 Briarwood At Timber Ridge on Any Federal Watch List?
BRIARWOOD AT TIMBER RIDGE 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.