Assisted Living
Birchwood Arbors
750 Ne 1st Street, Forest Lake, MN 55025 · Map
Licensed for 50 residents · BIRCHWOOD ARBORS
Birchwood Arbors is a state-licensed assisted living community in Forest Lake, Minnesota. It is licensed for 50 residents. Lilisity publishes no score or ranking for this community; the details below come from the state licensing record.
Prices
This community does not publish its prices.
Area costs
Care and services
From the community’s website
What Birchwood Arbors says about itself, quoted from its own site. We have not checked these claims against licensing records. Ask about each one on a tour.
- Offers hospice care on site or works with hospice providers.
Our Doulas work hand-in-hand with clinical hospice teams, acting as advocates and guides.
(page, checked Oct 15, 2026)
Lilisity’s independent report
What the public record shows
Gathered by Lilisity from state and federal sources. Communities can’t edit this part of the page.
License
Active, 50 residents
Assisted Living Facility 422794, current license dated Nov 1, 2025. Licensee BIRCHWOOD ARBORS.
Nearest emergency room
2.6 miles
Fairview Lakes Health Services, rated 3 of 5 stars by CMS.
Side by side with nearby communities
The 4 nearest communities that offer assisted living, by straight-line distance. Prices are starting prices each community publishes; we never show estimates.
| Community | Distance | Licensed capacity | Published starting price | License | Inspection citations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birchwood Arbors this community | 50 | Not published | Active | 1 substantiated | |
| Amira Choice Forest Lake | 0.5 mi | 122 | Not published | Active | 0 substantiated |
| Windy Acres Long Term Care | 1.5 mi | 17 | Not published | Active | 1 substantiated |
| Meadows on Fairview Al | 2.5 mi | 75 | Not published | Active | 0 substantiated |
| Evygabs Healthcare Systems | 2.9 mi | 5 | Not published | Active | 0 substantiated |
State inspection record1 substantiated
- Last evaluation
- February 6, 2025
- Evaluations on record
- 2
- Investigations substantiated
- 1 kept 7 years
- Inconclusive
- 0 kept 4 years
- Unsubstantiated
- 0 kept 3 years
Most recent evaluation (February 6, 2025, state report OD2J11)
MDH: “On February 3, 2025, through February 6, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Health conducted a survey at the above provider, and the following correction orders are issued.”
Survey completed February 6, 2025: 8 correction orders
- Tag 660: 144G.42 Subd. 9 Tuberculosis prevention and control Level 2, widespread scope, scope/level letter F · correction period: Twenty-one (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to maintain a tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control program based on the most current guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation, interview, and record review, the licensee failed to maintain a tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control program based on the most current guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The licensee failed to ensure screening for active TB (either by a two-step tuberculin skin test (TST) or a single interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test was completed and documented for one of two employees (unlicensed personnel (ULP)-D). [...]”
Rule cited: “(a) The facility must establish and maintain a comprehensive tuberculosis infection control program according to the most current tuberculosis infection control guidelines issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division [...]”
- Tag 780: 144G.45 Subd. 2 (a) (1) Fire protection and physical environment Level 2, widespread scope, scope/level letter F · correction period: Seven (7) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed provide interconnected smoke alarms in required locations.
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation and interview, the licensee failed provide interconnected smoke alarms in required locations. This deficient condition had the ability to affect all staff and residents. [...]”
Rule cited: “for dwellings or sleeping units, as defined in the State Fire Code: (i) provide smoke alarms in each room used for sleeping purposes; (ii) provide smoke alarms outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms; (iii) provide smoke [...]”
- Tag 800: 144G.45 Subd. 2 (a) (4) Fire protection and physical environment Level 2, widespread scope, scope/level letter F · correction period: Seven (7) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to maintain the physical environment in a continuous state of good repair and operation with regard to the health, safety, comfort, and well-being of the residents.
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation and interview, the licensee failed to maintain the physical environment in a continuous state of good repair and operation with regard to the health, safety, comfort, and well-being of the residents. This deficient condition had the potential to affect all staff, residents, and visitors. [...]”
Rule cited: “(4) keep the physical environment, including walls, floors, ceiling, all furnishings, grounds, systems, and equipment in a continuous state of good repair and operation with regard to the health, safety, comfort, and well-being of the residents in accordance [...]”
- Tag 1060: 144G.52 Subd. 9 Emergency relocation Level 2, isolated scope, scope/level letter D · correction period: Twenty-one (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to provide the resident or their representative a written notice after an emergency relocation for one of one resident (R5).
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on interview and record review, the licensee failed to provide the resident or their representative a written notice after an emergency relocation for one of one resident (R5). [...]”
Rule cited: “(a) A facility may remove a resident from the facility in an emergency if necessary due to a resident's urgent medical needs or an imminent risk the resident poses to the health or safety of another facility resident or facility staff member. [...]”
- Tag 1440: 144G.62 Subd. 4 Supervision of staff providing delegated nurs Level 2, isolated scope, scope/level letter D · correction period: Twenty-one (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to ensure a registered nurse (RN) conducted direct supervision of staff performing a delegated task within 30 days of providing services for one of one employee (unlicensed personnel (ULP)-D).
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation, interview and record review, the licensee failed to ensure a registered nurse (RN) conducted direct supervision of staff performing a delegated task within 30 days of providing services for one of one employee (unlicensed personnel (ULP)-D). [...]”
Rule cited: “(a) Staff who perform delegated nursing or therapy tasks must be supervised by an appropriate licensed health professional or a registered nurse according to the assisted living facility's policy where the services are being provided to verify that the work [...]”
Show all 8
- Tag 1620: 144G.70 Subd. 2 (c-e) Initial reviews, assessments, and monitoring Level 2, isolated scope, scope/level letter D · correction period: Twenty-one (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to ensure a registered nurse (RN) conducted ongoing resident monitoring and reassessment 14 calendar days from the initiation of services for one of three residents (R4).
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation, interview, and record review, the licensee failed to ensure a registered nurse (RN) conducted ongoing resident monitoring and reassessment 14 calendar days from the initiation of services for one of three residents (R4). [...]”
Rule cited: “(c) Resident reassessment and monitoring must be conducted no more than 14 calendar days after initiation of services. [...]”
- Tag 1640: 144G.70 Subd. 4 (a-e) Service plan, implementation and revisions to Level 2, isolated scope, scope/level letter D · correction period: Twenty-one (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to finalize a current written service plan within 14 calendar days for one of three residents (R2).
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on interview and record review, the licensee failed to finalize a current written service plan within 14 calendar days for one of three residents (R2). This practice resulted in a level two violation (a violation that did not harm a resident's health or safety but had the potential to have harmed a resident's health or safety) and was issued at an isolated scope (when one or a limited number of residents are affected or one or a limited number of staff are involved, or the situation has [...]”
Rule cited: “(a) No later than 14 calendar days after the date that services are first provided, an assisted living facility shall finalize a current written service plan. [...]”
- Tag 1870: 144G.71 Subd. 18 Medications provided by resident or family me Level 2, isolated scope, scope/level letter D · correction period: Seven (7) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to ensure assessments for safe self-administration of medications were completed for one of three residents (R3).
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on interview and record review, the licensee failed to ensure assessments for safe self-administration of medications were completed for one of three residents (R3). [...]”
Rule cited: “When the assisted living facility is aware of any medications or dietary supplements that are being used by the resident and are not included in the assessment for medication management services, the staff must advise the registered nurse and document that in [...]”
From MDH’s letter: the letter says the facility is in substantial compliance; no immediate fines.
Earlier evaluations (1)
- August 3, 2022: report FNDB11 · 6 correction orders
Details
Survey completed August 3, 2022: 6 correction orders
- Tag 430: 144G.40 Subd. 2 Uniform checklist disclosure of services Level 1, pattern scope, scope/level letter B · correction period: Twenty-One (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to provide a copy of the Uniform Disclosure of Assisted Living Services and Amenities (UDALSA) with the required content for two of three residents (R2 and R3) with records reviewed.
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation, interview and record review, the licensee failed to provide a copy of the Uniform Disclosure of Assisted Living Services and Amenities (UDALSA) with the required content for two of three residents (R2 and R3) with records reviewed. [...]”
Rule cited: “(a) All assisted living facilities must provide to prospective residents: (1) a disclosure of the categories of assisted living licenses available and the category of license held by the facility; (2) a written checklist listing all services permitted under [...]”
- Tag 480: 144G.41 Subd 1 (13) (i) (B) Minimum requirements Level 2, widespread scope, scope/level letter F · correction period: Twenty-one (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to comply with Minnesota Food Code, chapter 4626.
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation, interview, and record review, the licensee failed to comply with Minnesota Food Code, chapter 4626. This had the potential to affect all 35 residents residing at the facility. [...]”
Rule cited: “(13) offer to provide or make available at least the following services to residents: (i) at least three nutritious meals daily with snacks available seven days per week, according to the recommended dietary allowances in the United States Department of [...]”
- Tag 810: 144G.45 Subd. 2 (b)-(f) Fire protection and physical environment Level 2, widespread scope, scope/level letter F · correction period: Fourteen (14) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to provide the required employee training on the facility fire safety and evacuation plan.
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on record and interview, the licensee failed to provide the required employee training on the facility fire safety and evacuation plan. This had the potential to affect all staff, residents, and visitors. [...]”
Rule cited: “(b) Each assisted living facility shall develop and maintain fire safety and evacuation plans. [...]”
- Tag 1620: 144G.70 Subd. 2 (c-e) Initial reviews, assessments, and monitoring Level 2, isolated scope, scope/level letter D · correction period: Twenty-one (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to ensure the registered nurse (RN) completed a reassessment not to exceed 90 days for one of three residents (R3) as required with records reviewed.
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation, interview and record review, the licensee failed to ensure the registered nurse (RN) completed a reassessment not to exceed 90 days for one of three residents (R3) as required with records reviewed. [...]”
Rule cited: “(c) Resident reassessment and monitoring must be conducted no more than 14 calendar days after initiation of services. [...]”
- Tag 1910: 144G.71 Subd. 22 Disposition of medications Level 2, isolated scope, scope/level letter D · correction period: Seven (7) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed upon discharge, to document in the resident's record the disposition of the
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on interview and record review, the licensee failed upon discharge, to document in the resident's record the disposition of the medication including the medication's prescription number, as applicable, and to whom the medications were given for one of one discharged resident (R1). [...]”
Rule cited: “(a) Any current medications being managed by the assisted living facility must be provided to the resident when the resident's service plan ends or medication management services are no longer part of the service plan. [...]”
- Tag 2240: 144G.90 Subdivision 1 Assisted living bill of rights; notification Level 1, widespread scope, scope/level letter C · correction period: Twenty-One (21) days
Details
Summary: MDH found the licensee failed to ensure the current Minnesota Bill of Rights for Assisted Living Residents and the written complaint notice was provided and a written acknowledgement was received for two of two residents (R2 and R3) with records reviewed.
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observation, interview and record review, the licensee failed to ensure the current Minnesota Bill of Rights for Assisted Living Residents and the written complaint notice was provided and a written acknowledgement was received for two of two residents (R2 and R3) with records reviewed. This had the potential to affect all residents. [...]”
Rule cited: “(a) An assisted living facility must provide the resident a written notice of the rights under section 144G.91 before the initiation of services to that resident. [...]”
From MDH’s letter: no immediate fines.
- Tag 430: 144G.40 Subd. 2 Uniform checklist disclosure of services Level 1, pattern scope, scope/level letter B · correction period: Twenty-One (21) days
Substantiated investigations (state reports)
- November 23, 2022 · report HL302321944M · MDH finding: Substantiated, facility responsibility
Details
Allegation, as written: “The facility neglected a resident when they failed to assess the residents' recurring complaints of left foot and toe pain for several weeks. The resident developed a wound between the toes on his left foot that became infected, and the resident was transferred to the hospital.”
“The Minnesota Department of Health determined neglect was substantiated.”
“The facility was responsible for the maltreatment.”
Summary: MDH looked into an allegation and found: neglect substantiated (facility responsibility).
MDH’s conclusion, as written: “The Minnesota Department of Health determined neglect was substantiated. The facility was responsible for the maltreatment. The resident complained of left foot pain for several weeks, however, the facility failed to ensure the residents skin was assessed. The resident's left toe became purple and swollen, and the following day the resident complained of severe foot pain. The resident had signs of infection and a deep, dime size wound between his toes. The resident was transferred to the hospital. An equal opportunity employer.”
Action taken by facility: “Once the wound was identified the facility ensured the resident received follow up care and wound care. The facility identified the resident was not thoroughly assessed when he had complained of foot pain. Education was provided to licensed and unlicensed staff on skin care, skin monitoring/inspection, reporting changes, ulcerations, and documentation. [...]”
Action taken by MDH: “The facility was found to be in noncompliance.”
Survey completed October 31, 2022: 1 correction order
- Tag 2360: 144G.91 Subd. 8 Freedom from maltreatment
Details
Summary: MDH found the facility failed to ensure one of one residents (R1) reviewed was free from maltreatment.
MDH’s finding, as written: “Based on observations, interviews, and document review, the facility failed to ensure one of one residents (R1) reviewed was free from maltreatment. R1 was neglected. Findings include: On October 31, 2022, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a determination that neglect occurred, and the facility was responsible for the maltreatment in connection with incidents which occurred at the facility. The MDH concluded there was a preponderance of evidence that maltreatment occurred.”
Rule cited: “Residents have the right to be free from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; neglect; financial exploitation; and all forms of maltreatment covered under the Vulnerable Adults Act.”
- Tag 2360: 144G.91 Subd. 8 Freedom from maltreatment
What the levels and scopes mean (MDH’s words)
Level 1: “a violation that has no potential to cause more than a minimal impact on the resident and does not affect health or safety”
Level 2: “a violation that did not harm a resident's health or safety but had the potential to have harmed a resident's health or safety, but was not likely to cause serious injury, impairment, or death”
Isolated scope: “when one or a limited number of residents are affected or one or a limited number of staff are involved, or the situation has occurred only occasionally”
Pattern scope: “when more than a limited number of residents are affected, more than a limited number of staff are involved, or the situation has occurred repeatedly; but is not found to be pervasive”
Widespread scope: “when problems are pervasive or represent a systemic failure that has affected or has the potential to affect a large portion or all of the residents”
Summaries are ours and are marked “Summary”; quoted text is MDH’s own, shortened where marked [...]. Read the full reports at the links above or search every report on MDH’s site.
What these terms mean
MDH: “An evaluation is a process regulated by the division to ensure licensees comply with the laws, rules, and certifications for the type of care and services authorized under their license/certification.”
“An investigation may occur when the division is notified that care and services are not being provided by licensees as required by law. This may include allegations of abuse, neglect, or financial misuse.”
For maltreatment, Minnesota law defines substantiated as “a preponderance of the evidence shows that an act that meets the definition of maltreatment occurred” and inconclusive as “less than a preponderance of evidence to show that maltreatment did or did not occur” (Minn. Stat. 626.5572).
Correction orders, as MDH explains on each state form: “Tag numbers have been assigned to Minnesota State Statutes for Assisted Living Facilities.” “The letter in the left column is used for tracking purposes and reflects the scope and level issued pursuant to 144G.31 subd. 1, 2, and 3.” MDH adds that there is no requirement to submit a plan of correction for violations of Minnesota state statutes.
MDH keeps investigation results for seven years when allegations are substantiated, four years when inconclusive, and three years when unsubstantiated, so the counts cover different periods. This community is licensed for 50 residents; larger communities are evaluated and reported on more often, so read counts with size in mind. Source: Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division, data as of September 28, 2026. Always visit in person and ask the community about anything listed here.
License and ownershipActive license, licensee BIRCHWOOD ARBORS
- License type
- Assisted Living Facility
- License number
- 422794
- License status
- Active
- Current license dated
- 2025-11-01
- Licensed capacity
- 50
- Licensee
- BIRCHWOOD ARBORS
- County
- Washington County
- Executive Director
- Mike Karel
Source: Minnesota state licensing records (agency listing), retrieved 2026-09-09. Licensing status is a matter of public record; it is not a quality rating.
Executive Director name from public records we reviewed, as of Oct 12, 2026.
Paying with Medicaid and other programsHow Medicaid pays for care in Minnesota, and other programs
How Medicaid pays for care in Minnesota
- Elderly Waiver (EW), customized living services. Minnesota's Elderly Waiver, part of Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid), can pay for "customized living" services, and a provider of those services must hold an assisted living license (or meet certain exceptions). You must qualify for Medical Assistance and need a nursing-home level of care. (state page)
Ask the community whether it accepts Medicaid.
Location and nearby careNearest hospital 2.6 mi, nursing home 0.1 mi, pharmacy 0.4 mi
- Nearest hospital with an emergency room
- Fairview Lakes Health Services, Wyoming. 2.6 miles away, straight line. CMS overall hospital rating: 3 of 5 stars.
- Nearest Medicare nursing home
- Birchwood Health Care Center, Forest Lake. 0.1 miles away, straight line.
- Nearest home health agency office
- Advanced Medical Home Care, LLC, White Bear Lake. 16.3 miles away, straight line. Agencies travel to clients, so ask which ones serve this address.
- Nearest pharmacy
- Rolseth Drugs. 0.4 miles away, straight line. From OpenStreetMap, which does not list every pharmacy, so one may be closer.
- Area
- USDA classes ZIP code 55025 as metropolitan (metropolitan high commuting).
- Dialysis within 15 miles
- Davita Wyoming Dialysis, Wyoming, 2.4 miles away, straight line (CMS rating 4 of 5 stars)
Fmc - Blaine Dialysis, Blaine, 13.7 miles away, straight line (CMS rating 4 of 5 stars)
Davita Central Avenue Dialysis, Blaine, 14.6 miles away, straight line (CMS rating 3 of 5 stars) - Hospice
- 23 Medicare hospices tell CMS they serve ZIP code 55025.
Suite Living Hospice, LLC, office in White Bear Lake, 17.1 miles away, straight line
Ecumen Hospice, office in Shoreview, 18.3 miles away, straight line (CMS family survey rating 4 of 5 stars)
Lakeview Hospice, office in Oak Park Heights, 18.6 miles away, straight line (CMS family survey rating 5 of 5 stars) - Nearest geriatric medicine practice
- Allina Health System, Coon Rapids. 17.6 miles away, straight line. 1 geriatric medicine doctor listed there.
Distances are straight lines from the community, not driving distance. Hospitals, home health, dialysis, hospice and doctors come from CMS provider data (CMS, hospital list updated Jul 22, 2026). Star ratings are CMS’s own.
Emergency and natural hazard riskFEMA overall risk relatively moderate; outside FEMA's high-risk flood areas
Public hazard maps for this location. Ask the community about its emergency plan, its generator and where residents would go in an evacuation.
- Flood zone
- Outside the high and moderate risk flood areas on FEMA's flood map (Zone X, minimal flood hazard, or not studied). (FEMA flood map)
- FEMA National Risk Index
- Overall: relatively moderate. By hazard: inland flooding relatively moderate, wildfire relatively low, tornado relatively high, heat wave relatively moderate, earthquake very low. These are FEMA’s ratings for the census tract, compared with tracts nationwide. (FEMA, December 2025)
A flood zone describes the map at this point, not the building's elevation. In an emergency, follow the local emergency management agency.
Questions to ask on a tour10 questions picked for this community from its record
Picked for this community from its record. Ask them in person and write down the answers.
- The current license dates from 2025. Has the owner or operator changed recently?
- What does the base rate include, and when did rates last go up?
- How many caregivers are on duty during the day and at night?
- What happens if care needs increase? When would someone need to move?
- What fees are charged at move-in?
- How do you tell families about falls, illness or changes?
- How long have the executive director and the head of care been here?
- Who gives medications, and what training do they have?
- For what reasons can a resident be asked to leave?
- Is the apartment held during a hospital stay, and at what cost?
What we checked12 public sources we searched, with dates
Every public source we searched for this community. “Nothing on record” means we found no record that matched it. A record can be missed when a name or address differs.
| Source | Data as of | What we found |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division inspection records | Sep 28, 2026 | See above |
| U.S. Department of Labor wage and hour cases | Oct 15, 2026 | Nothing on record |
| OSHA workplace safety inspections since 2016 | Oct 15, 2026 | Nothing on record |
| FEMA flood map | See above | |
| USDA wildfire risk | Apr 15, 2026 | Not shown: FEMA rates wildfire risk here relatively low |
| FEMA National Risk Index | See above | |
| CMS hospitals, home health, dialysis, hospice and doctors; OpenStreetMap pharmacies | See above | |
| HUD Multifamily Properties - Assisted | Jul 6, 2026 | Nothing on record |
| State Veterans Homes (NASVH directory) | Sep 20, 2026 | Nothing on record |
| CMS Hospice - General Information | Aug 19, 2026 | Nothing on record |
| CMS Home Health Care Agencies | May 27, 2026 | Nothing on record |
| The community’s own website | See above |
Common questionsAnswers to 4 questions families ask
What type of care does Birchwood Arbors provide?
Birchwood Arbors is licensed by the state of Minnesota for assisted living in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Its licensed capacity is 50 residents.
Does Lilisity rate Birchwood Arbors?
No. We publish state licensing details for Birchwood Arbors but no score, rating, or ranking. Only communities on the Top Communities list or with a Senior Living Alliance Excellence Award, both based on phone-verified resident and family interviews, are ranked.
How much does Birchwood Arbors cost?
Assisted Living in Minnesota typically starts at $2,200 to $4,800 a month. Based on 74 communities that publish prices. These are area figures, not this community's price. Birchwood Arbors does not publish its prices.
How do I contact Birchwood Arbors?
Use Birchwood Arbors's website, birchwoodseniorliving.com, or visit at 750 Ne 1st Street, Forest Lake, MN 55025.
How Lilisity works. The only scores or rankings Lilisity publishes are the Top Communities list and the Excellence Awards, both built from phone-verified resident and family interviews. Communities can pay Lilisity a flat monthly fee to manage their own listing: photos, prices, contact details, and receiving the inquiries families choose to send them. The fee is the same no matter how many families contact them or move in. Senior Living Alliance, which runs Lilisity, offers the same listing to its member communities as part of their membership; members pay SLA for its resident and family interview program. No community pays Lilisity per inquiry, per referral or per move-in. Payment never changes a testimonial, a rating, or the order of search results. The "Nearby Senior Living Alliance communities" box shows member communities only. How we verify testimonials · How we are paid