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Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

All states › California › El Cajon › Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

1391 Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92021 · San Diego County

(619) 444-1107

All 12 nursing homes in El Cajon, CA (12 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 96 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 055064 · 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 Cottonwood Canyon 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 Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare 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 57 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $9,255 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 5 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 out of 5.

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 4.05 hours per resident per day at Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.41 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.69 hours, 9% below its all-week average. 43.8% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%).

Nursing care per resident per day 4.05 hours
Below the California median of 4.27 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.41 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.69 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 43.8% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 62.5% 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 beds96
Residents per day 88 About 92% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJanuary 1967
Part of a chainPacs Group
Legal business nameKOA HOLDINGS LLC

Paying for care at Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Cottonwood Canyon 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 December 12, 2024 and found 13 deficiencies, plus 10 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 57 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 57 citations at Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center across 15 inspection dates, 22 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on February 12, 2026. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (16) 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, February 12, 2026). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

August 26, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 2026)

April 15, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure 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 (May 7, 2026)

February 12, 2026 · 6 citations, 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 (Mar 13, 2026)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)

DProvide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0678 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)

August 11, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0627 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 10, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 10, 2025)

April 24, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

EPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0660 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 23, 2025)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 23, 2025)

December 23, 2024 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

December 12, 2024 · 15 citations

EHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

EProcure 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 (Jan 10, 2025)

ESafeguard 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 (Jan 10, 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 (Jan 10, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

DNot transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0622 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

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 (Jan 10, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0685 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

DElectronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0851 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)

September 26, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)

August 13, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 10, 2024)

May 30, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)

February 29, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2024)

December 6, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 13, 2023)

November 15, 2023 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

July 15, 2021 · 12 citations

FProvide 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 (Aug 13, 2021)

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 (Aug 13, 2021)

FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0925 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 13, 2021)

EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 13, 2021)

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 13, 2021)

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 (Aug 13, 2021)

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 13, 2021)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 13, 2021)

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 13, 2021)

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 (Aug 13, 2021)

DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0806 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 13, 2021)

DHave 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 (Aug 13, 2021)

July 11, 2019 · 8 citations

EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 10, 2019)

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 (Aug 10, 2019)

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 (Aug 10, 2019)

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 (Aug 10, 2019)

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 (Aug 10, 2019)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 10, 2019)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 10, 2019)

DArrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0849 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 10, 2019)

Questions to ask on a tour of Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on February 12, 2026 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 December 12, 2024. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. CMS rates staffing 2 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
  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

1 penalty in the last three years, including $9,255 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Feb 12, 2026 Fine $9,255

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 3/5 2/5 2/5 5/5
August 2026 3/5 2/5 2/5 5/5
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Location

Hospitals near Cottonwood Canyon 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.

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

Nearby nursing homes

Granite Hills Healthcare & Wellness Centre El Cajon · 0.0 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 99 beds · Medicaid
Country Hills Post Acute El Cajon · 0.8 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 305 beds · Medicaid
Villa Las Palmas Healthcare Center El Cajon · 1.4 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 151 beds · Medicaid
Victoria Post Acute Care El Cajon · 1.4 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 120 beds · Medicaid
Bradley Court El Cajon · 1.7 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 5/5 56 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center ›   All nursing homes in El Cajon ›

Compare Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Other PACS Group nursing homes in California

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 277 PACS Group 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/el-cajon/cottonwood-canyon-healthcare-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.