All states › California › El Cajon › Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
1391 Madison Avenue El Cajon, CA 92021 · San Diego County
All 12 nursing homes in El Cajon, CA (12 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 055064 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
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.
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%).
About this nursing home
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.
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.
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.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.
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.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
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.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
April 24, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
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.
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
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.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
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.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
DEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
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.
DElectronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
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.
August 13, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
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.
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.
December 6, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
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.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
July 15, 2021 · 12 citations
FProvide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
FMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
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.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
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 each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
DHave a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.
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.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
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.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
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.
Questions to ask on a tour of Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
- 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?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on December 12, 2024. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- CMS rates staffing 2 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
- 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
1 penalty in the last three years, including $9,255 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 12, 2026 | Fine | $9,255 |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
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4.7 mi
Grossmont Hospital La MesaEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 3h 16m for patients treated and sent home
- 6.9 mi
- 9.6 mi
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 Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center › All nursing homes in El Cajon ›
Compare Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Bradley Court · El Cajon · 5 stars · 1.7 mi
- Parkside Health and Wellness Center · El Cajon · 5 stars · 2.4 mi
- Stanford Court Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center · Santee · 5 stars · 3.8 mi
- Lakeside Special Care Center · Lakeside · 5 stars · 3.8 mi
Other PACS Group nursing homes in California
- Paradise Valley Health Care · National City · 5 stars
- McClure Post Acute · Oakland · 5 stars
- Pine Creek Care Center · Roseville · 5 stars
- Bel Vista Healthcare Center · Long Beach · 5 stars
- Trellis Chino · Chino · 5 stars
- San Francisco Post Acute · San Francisco · 5 stars
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.