All states › California › El Monte › The Gardens of El Monte
5044 Buffington Rd El Monte, CA 91732 · Los Angeles County
All 11 nursing homes in El Monte, CA (11 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 555903 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is The Gardens of El Monte 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 The Gardens of El Monte as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 2 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 4.91 hours per resident per day at The Gardens of El Monte, above the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.36 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 4.14 hours, 16% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 50.8% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%). High turnover can mean residents see unfamiliar caregivers; ask how long the nurses on the unit have worked there.
About this nursing home
Paying for care at The Gardens of El Monte: Medicare and Medicaid
The Gardens of El Monte 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 10, 2026 and found 9 deficiencies, plus 17 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 61 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 61 citations at The Gardens of El Monte across 17 inspection dates, 25 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on June 17, 2024. The most common areas cited were resident rights (16) and quality of life and care (13). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health" (tag F0692, level G, June 17, 2024). 5 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
August 6, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
July 15, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
June 24, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
June 4, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
ETimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
April 10, 2026 · 10 citations · includes complaint inspection
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
DHonor 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.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DPost nurse staffing information every day.
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.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
April 2, 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.
December 12, 2025 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection
EHonor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.
EEnsure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
EProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
December 1, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
November 14, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
DProvide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.
November 6, 2025 · 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.
March 16, 2025 · 12 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.
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
EProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
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.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
December 23, 2024 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
August 5, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
June 17, 2024 · 2 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
April 16, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DPrepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home.
April 8, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
March 15, 2024 · 15 citations
EReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
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.
ETimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
EHave 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.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
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.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DPost nurse staffing information every day.
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.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
Questions to ask on a tour of The Gardens of El Monte
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on June 17, 2024 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 July 15, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- Weekend staffing is 16% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
- Nursing staff turnover was 50.8% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
- 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.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2024 | Payment Denial | 1 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| August 2026 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near The Gardens of El Monte
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
- 2.3 mi
- 3.4 mi
-
3.4 mi
USC Arcadia Hospital ArcadiaEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 4h 18m 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 The Gardens of El Monte › All nursing homes in El Monte ›
Compare The Gardens of El Monte with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Fidelity Health Care · El Monte · 5 stars · 0.6 mi
- Coast Care Convalescent Center · Baldwin Park · 5 stars · 2.9 mi
- Victoria Care Center · Baldwin Park · 5 stars · 3.6 mi
- Beacon Healthcare Center · West Covina · 5 stars · 4.0 mi
Other The Mandelbaum Family nursing homes in California
- La Palma Nursing Center · Anaheim · 5 stars
- Community Extended Care Hospital of Montclair · Montclair · 5 stars
- Coastal View Healthcare Center · Ventura · 5 stars
- Ventura Post Acute · Ventura · 5 stars
- Long Beach Post Acute · Long Beach · 5 stars
- Chapman Care Center · Garden Grove · 4 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 18 The Mandelbaum Family 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.