nursing home in Gig Harbor, WA
Heron's Key
4340 Borgen Blvd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 · (253) 313-0800
★★★★★5
Much above average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★5
- Staffing★★★★★5
- Quality measures★★★★★5
- CMS high performer
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Heron's Key at a glance
Heron's Key is a 30-bed non-profit nursing home in Gig Harbor, Washington (Pierce County).
CMS gives it 5 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, better than the Washington average of 3.3.
Residents receive about 5.7 hours of nursing care per day (1.7 of them from registered nurses), better than the state average of 4.4 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (February 13, 2026) found 3 health citations. The Washington average is 15.8.
It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.
Nursing staff turnover is 29.6% per year (state average 45.1%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 30
- Certified for
- Medicare
- Medicare-certified since
- January 31, 2018
- Continuing care retirement community
- Yes
- Resident/family council
- Both
- County
- Pierce County
- CMS Certification Number
- 505531
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Better |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Better |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 5.75 hrs | 4.36 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Better |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.70 hrs | 0.94 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.35 hrs | 2.66 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 5.36 hrs | 3.80 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Better |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 29.6% | 45.1% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 44.4% | 45.4% | 42.9% | Average |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 3 | 16 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 4 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 28 | 116.6 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $0 | $52,633 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 30 | 97 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 16 | 76 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 53.7% | 79.4% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 0% | 2.6% | 3.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 0% | 4.3% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 9.4% | 15.1% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 1.7% | 1.6% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0% | 1% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 15.4% | 14.2% | 13.9% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 5.4% | 5.5% | 5.2% | Average |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 1.8% | 17.7% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 5% | 12.4% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 29.7% | 22.5% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 96% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Washington avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 2.1% | 1.3% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 95.6% | 88.3% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 18 health deficiencies and 18 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 13, 2026 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 10, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 10, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Fire safety | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 10, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Fire safety | Provide emergency officials' contact information. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0031 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 10, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Fire safety | Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0018 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 10, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Fire safety | Address subsistence needs for staff and patients. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0015 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected March 10, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Fire safety | Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0781 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 10, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 26, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 26, 2026 |
| February 13, 2026 Standard | Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0790 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 26, 2026 |
| November 15, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0921 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 16, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Fire safety | Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0293 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 16, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 16, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 16, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Give residents a notice of rights, rules, services and charges. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0572 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0625 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public. Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0559 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| November 15, 2024 Standard | Post nurse staffing information every day. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected December 27, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Fire safety | Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP). Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0004 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Fire safety | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0374 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0521 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected February 12, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Standard | Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Standard | Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
| January 8, 2024 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 1, 2024 |
Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with potential for minimal harm; D–F potential for more than minimal harm; G–I actual harm; J–L immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety. How to read inspection citations.
Fines and payment denials
CMS reports no federal fines or payment denials in the past three years.
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| HERONS KEY Organization | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 100% | 01/10/2013 |
| KILCUP, LEROY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/16/2016 |
| KING, GARY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/10/2013 |
| SCHNEIDER, DAPHNE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/10/2013 |
| VANHORN, DANNA Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/10/2013 |
| ANTONUCCI, JAMES Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2016 |
| CHAMBARD, ALLAN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/13/2015 |
| WALLIN, KAY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/13/2015 |
| EMERALD COMMUNITIES Organization | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2015 |
| ANTONUCCI, JAMES Individual | w-2 managing employee | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2016 |
| ASHLEY, JOHNATHAN Individual | w-2 managing employee | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/17/2016 |
Other nursing homes near Heron's Key
Gig Harbor Health and Rehabilitation
3309 45th Street Court Northwest, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 · 4.2 mi
For-profit · 120 beds · Part of Hill Valley Healthcare
- Abuse citation
★★★★★2Below averageCottesmore of Life Care
2909 14th Avenue Northwest, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 · 5.4 mi
For-profit · 108 beds · Part of Life Care Centers of America
★★★★★5Much above average- ★★★★★3Average
Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound
630 South Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98465 · 7.9 mi
For-profit · 60 beds · Part of Avamere
★★★★★4Above averagePark Rose Care Center
3919 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405 · 9.3 mi
For-profit · 139 beds · Part of Regency Pacific Management
★★★★★2Below averageAgility Health and Rehabilitation
5520 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98467 · 10.9 mi
For-profit · 120 beds · Part of Vertical Health Services
★★★★★3Average
Frequently asked questions
What is Heron's Key's rating?
Heron's Key has 5 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Washington nursing homes is 3.3 stars.
How many inspection citations did Heron's Key receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 3 citations, compared with a Washington average of 15.8. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Heron's Key accept Medicare and Medicaid?
CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.
Who owns Heron's Key?
It is non profit - corporation. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Heron's Key and how do I contact it?
Heron's Key is at 4340 Borgen Blvd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332. Phone: (253) 313-0800.
About this data
Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.