facebook tracking Palms Care Center, Chowchilla CA: CMS Ratings & Inspections
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Palms Care Center

All states › California › Chowchilla › Palms Care Center

1010 Ventura Avenue Chowchilla, CA 93610 · Madera County

(559) 665-4826

All 2 nursing homes in Chowchilla, CA (2 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 65 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 055047 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Palms Care 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 Palms Care Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 3 out of 5 stars overall, about the same as the California average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 40 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 1 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

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 4.18 hours per resident per day at Palms Care Center, about the same as the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.26 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.78 hours, 9% below its all-week average. 37.8% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%).

Nursing care per resident per day 4.18 hours
Below the California median of 4.27 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.26 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.78 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 37.8% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 16.7% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds65
Residents per day 61 About 93% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJanuary 1967
Part of a chainAjc Healthcare
Legal business namePALMS CARE CENTER LLC

Paying for care at Palms Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Palms Care 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 April 4, 2025 and found 8 deficiencies, plus 1 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 40 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 40 citations at Palms Care Center across 6 inspection dates, 3 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on November 10, 2021. The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (8) and quality of life and care (7). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "try 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" (tag F0700, level K, November 10, 2021). 1 citation was under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

July 27, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

GProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 18, 2026)

April 4, 2025 · 8 citations

FPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 8, 2025)

EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 8, 2025)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 8, 2025)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 8, 2025)

DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 8, 2025)

DEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 8, 2025)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 8, 2025)

DMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0919 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 8, 2025)

July 30, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 4, 2024)

April 19, 2024 · 10 citations

FEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

DAllow resident to participate in the development and implementation of his or her person-centered plan of care.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0553 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 12, 2024)

November 29, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 11, 2023)

November 10, 2021 · 19 citations, includes immediate jeopardy

KTry 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.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0700 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

FProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

FHave a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0813 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

FAdminister the facility in a manner that enables it to use its resources effectively and efficiently.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0835 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

FDesignate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0882 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

FMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

EEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

DEnsure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0693 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

DProvide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0802 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

DGive their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0943 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 4, 2022)

Questions to ask on a tour of Palms Care Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on November 10, 2021 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on November 10, 2021. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. 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?
  4. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  5. 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

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5
August 2026 4/5 4/5 3/5 3/5
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Location

Hospitals near Palms Care Center

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Chowchilla Memorial Healthcare District Chowchilla · 0.0 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 29 beds · Medicaid
Madera Care Center Madera · 15.7 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 64 beds · Medicaid
Merced Behavioral Center Merced · 16.1 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 5/5 96 beds · Medicaid
Madera Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Madera · 16.5 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 176 beds · Medicaid
Anberry Post Acute Merced · 16.9 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 120 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Palms Care Center ›   All nursing homes in Chowchilla ›

Compare Palms Care Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles

Other Ajc Healthcare nursing homes in California

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 16 Ajc Healthcare nursing homes ›

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.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/california/chowchilla/palms-care-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.