All states › California › Bakersfield › Valley Healthcare Center
1205 8th Street Bakersfield, CA 93304 · Kern County
All 10 nursing homes in Bakersfield, CA (10 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 555229 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Valley Healthcare Center a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record
There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Valley Healthcare Center as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the California average of 3.2.
Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.
Staffing
Nursing staff spend about 3.87 hours per resident per day at Valley Healthcare Center, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.40 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.48 hours, 10% below its all-week average. 24.4% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%). That is lower than most homes in California, a sign of a steadier team. 2 administrators left in the past year.
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Valley Healthcare Center: Medicare and Medicaid
Valley Healthcare Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet California's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.
In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.
Health inspections
The most recent standard inspection was on January 29, 2026 and found 16 deficiencies, plus 6 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 76 citations in the last three years.
Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: 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.
What the inspections found
Over the last three years, inspectors issued 76 citations at Valley Healthcare Center across 19 inspection dates, 29 of them from complaint investigations. 4 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on July 23, 2026. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (15) and resident assessment and care planning (13). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents" (tag F0689, level G, July 23, 2026). 4 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
July 23, 2026 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
January 29, 2026 · 19 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
FMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
FMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
EEnsure that nurse aides who have worked more than 4 months, are trained and competent; and nurse aides who have worked less than 4 months are enrolled in appropriate training.
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
EKeep all essential equipment working safely.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
DEnsure 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.
DEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
September 11, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
July 2, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
July 1, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
June 3, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
March 27, 2025 · 9 citations
FHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
FMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
EEnsure 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.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
EProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
DImplement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
January 21, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
October 15, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
May 28, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.
May 15, 2024 · 2 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEstablish a governing body that is legally responsible for establishing and implementing policies for managing and operating the facility and appoints a properly licensed administrator responsible for managing the facility.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
May 6, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
April 23, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EKeep all essential equipment working safely.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
March 28, 2024 · 27 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide appropriate foot care.
FAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
FEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
FDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
FEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
FProvide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
EAssure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
EEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DPrepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DTry different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
DHave a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
DEnsure 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.
DEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
DEnsure therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician and may be delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, to the extent allowed by State law.
BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
February 16, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
December 5, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
October 26, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
October 12, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
October 3, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Questions to ask on a tour of Valley Healthcare Center
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on July 23, 2026 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on January 29, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- Several administrators left in the past year. What has changed for residents since then?
- CMS rates short-stay quality 1 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?
Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.
Fines and payment denials
3 penalties in the last three years, including $105,065 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 23, 2026 | Fine | $13,870 |
| Jan 29, 2026 | Fine | $31,535 |
| Mar 28, 2024 | Fine | $59,660 |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Valley Healthcare Center
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
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0.7 mi
Mercy Hospital BakersfieldEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 3h 13m for patients treated and sent home
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1.3 mi
Adventist Health Bakersfield BakersfieldEmergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5Median ER visit 4h 28m for patients treated and sent home
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2.0 mi
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital BakersfieldEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 4h 0m for patients treated and sent home
Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Nearby nursing homes
More nursing homes near Valley Healthcare Center › All nursing homes in Bakersfield ›
Compare Valley Healthcare Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Rosewood Health Facility · Bakersfield · 4 stars · 2.7 mi
- San Joaquin Nursing Center and Rehabilitation Center · Bakersfield · 3 stars · 2.0 mi
- The Orchards Post-Acute · Bakersfield · 2 stars · 1.5 mi
- Height Street Skilled Care · Bakersfield · 2 stars · 3.5 mi
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.