BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Birch Hill Health Services has a Trust Grade of B, indicating it is a good choice among nursing homes, but not the top tier. It ranks #137 out of 321 facilities in Wisconsin, placing it in the top half, and #2 out of 3 in Shawano County, meaning only one nearby option is better. The facility is currently improving, with reported issues decreasing from 7 in 2024 to just 2 in 2025. Staffing is a strength here, with a turnover rate of 34%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 47%, suggesting that staff are experienced and familiar with residents. However, there are some concerns, such as a lack of RN coverage compared to 86% of Wisconsin facilities and specific incidents like failure to maintain proper infection control protocols during a COVID-19 outbreak, as well as not revising care plans for residents who started hospice care. Additionally, a medication storage refrigerator was not kept at appropriate temperatures, which could jeopardize the effectiveness of medications. Overall, while there are notable strengths in staffing and a good trust grade, families should be aware of these weaknesses and ongoing concerns.
- Trust Score
- B
- In Wisconsin
- #137/321
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 34% turnover. Near Wisconsin's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Wisconsin facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ○ Average
- Each resident gets 31 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — about average for Wisconsin. RNs are the most trained staff who monitor for health changes.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 12 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (34%)
14 points below Wisconsin average of 48%
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Near Wisconsin average (3.0)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
12pts below Wisconsin avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 12 deficiencies on record
May 2025
2 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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on staff interview and record review, the facility did not report an allegation of abuse to the State Agency (SA) in a timely manner or the local police department for 1 resident (R) (R1) of 5 s...
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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
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on staff interview and record review, the facility did not thoroughly investigate an allegation of abuse and prevent further potential abuse for 1 resident (R) (R1) of 5 sampled residents.
Certi...
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Sept 2024
7 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, staff interview, and record review, the facility did not ensure 1 resident (R) (R25) of 14 sampled residents was assessed as able to safely and accurately self-administer medicat...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff and resident interview, and record review, the facility did not ensure bowel movements were monitored in accordan...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview, and record review, the facility did not ensure 1 resident (R) (R194) of 2 residents revie...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview and record review, the facility did not ensure 1 resident (R) (R5) of 7 sampled residents was monitored...
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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 observation, staff and resident interview, and record review, the facility did not establish and maintain an infection ...
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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
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interview, the facility did not revise care plans in accordance with current care needs for 4 r...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, staff interview, and record review, the facility did not ensure 1 of 2 refrigerators in the medication sto...
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Aug 2023
2 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0645
(Tag F0645)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview and record review, the facility did not ensure 2 Residents (R) (R1 and R19) of 15 sampled residents sus...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and staff and resident interview, the facility did not maintain an infection prevention and...
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Sept 2022
1 deficiency
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 observation, interview and record review, the facility did not ensure implementation of infection control policy design...
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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 Wisconsin facilities.
- • 34% turnover. Below Wisconsin's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 12 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Birch Hill Health Services's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Wisconsin, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Birch Hill Health Services Staffed?
CMS rates BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 34%, compared to the Wisconsin average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Birch Hill Health Services?
State health inspectors documented 12 deficiencies at BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES during 2022 to 2025. These included: 12 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Birch Hill Health Services?
BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES 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 NORTH SHORE HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 50 certified beds and approximately 43 residents (about 86% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in SHAWANO, Wisconsin.
How Does Birch Hill Health Services Compare to Other Wisconsin Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Wisconsin, BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES's overall rating (3 stars) matches the state average, staff turnover (34%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Birch Hill Health Services?
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 Birch Hill Health Services Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES 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 3-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Wisconsin. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Birch Hill Health Services Stick Around?
BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES has a staff turnover rate of 34%, which is about average for Wisconsin 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 Birch Hill Health Services Ever Fined?
BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES 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 Birch Hill Health Services on Any Federal Watch List?
BIRCH HILL HEALTH SERVICES 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.