facebook tracking Palomar Heights Post Acute, Escondido CA: CMS Ratings
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Palomar Heights Post Acute

All states › California › Escondido › Palomar Heights Post Acute

1260 E Ohio Avenue Escondido, CA 92027 · San Diego County

(760) 746-1100

All 7 nursing homes in Escondido, CA (6 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 98 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 555764 · 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 Palomar Heights Post Acute 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 Palomar Heights Post Acute as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall, above the California average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 55 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 2 penalties, including $8,176 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 3.97 hours per resident per day at Palomar Heights Post Acute, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.56 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.59 hours, 10% below its all-week average. 44.9% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.97 hours
Below the California median of 4.27 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.56 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.59 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 44.9% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 25% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 1 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds98
Residents per day 89 About 91% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceDecember 2000
Part of a chainPacs Group
Legal business namePALOMAR HEIGHTS HEALTHCARE, LLC

Paying for care at Palomar Heights Post Acute: Medicare and Medicaid

Palomar Heights Post Acute 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 August 21, 2026 and found 12 deficiencies, plus 5 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 55 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 55 citations at Palomar Heights Post Acute across 13 inspection dates, 13 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on June 21, 2024. The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (13) and quality of life and care (10). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals" (tag F0684, level G, June 21, 2024). 3 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

August 21, 2026 · 12 citations

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 (Sep 21, 2026)

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 (Sep 21, 2026)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 2026)

DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 2026)

DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 2026)

DEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0676 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 2026)

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 (Sep 21, 2026)

DProvide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0810 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 2026)

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 (Sep 21, 2026)

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 21, 2026)

May 21, 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 (Jun 19, 2026)

April 16, 2026 · 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 (May 16, 2026)

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 (May 16, 2026)

February 17, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 17, 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 17, 2026)

May 30, 2025 · 20 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 (Jul 3, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

ESet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 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 (Jul 3, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

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 (Jul 3, 2025)

DAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0637 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

DEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 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 (Jul 3, 2025)

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 (Jul 3, 2025)

DProvide 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 (Jul 3, 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 (Jul 3, 2025)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 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 (Jul 3, 2025)

DObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)

DProvide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0800 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 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 (Jul 3, 2025)

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 (Jul 3, 2025)

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 (Jul 3, 2025)

October 16, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 16, 2024)

October 9, 2024 · 2 citations · 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 (Nov 9, 2024)

DKeep all essential equipment working safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0908 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 9, 2024)

June 21, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · 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 (Jul 19, 2024)

March 15, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 29, 2024)

February 15, 2024 · 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 (Mar 15, 2024)

December 27, 2023 · 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 (Jan 16, 2024)

November 27, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 27, 2023)

March 17, 2022 · 10 citations

EAssure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0638 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2022)

EEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2022)

EEmploy 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 17, 2022)

EProvide 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 (Apr 17, 2022)

EEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2022)

EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0805 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2022)

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2022)

DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2022)

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 (Apr 17, 2022)

DKeep all essential equipment working safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0908 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2022)

Questions to ask on a tour of Palomar Heights Post Acute

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on June 21, 2024 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 March 15, 2024. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  4. 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

2 penalties in the last three years, including $8,176 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Jun 21, 2024 Fine $8,176
Jun 21, 2024 Payment Denial 9 days of payments denied

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 4/5 3/5 3/5 5/5
August 2026 3/5 2/5 3/5 5/5
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Location

Hospitals near Palomar Heights Post Acute

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

Palomar Vista Healthcare Center Escondido · 0.6 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 74 beds · Medicaid
Escondido Post Acute Escondido · 1.2 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 180 beds · Medicaid
Redwood Terrace Health Center Escondido · 1.9 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 5/5 59 beds · Medicaid
Valley Vista Post Acute Escondido · 2.0 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 59 beds · Medicaid
Ocean View Post Acute Escondido · 2.4 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 3/5 120 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Palomar Heights Post Acute ›   All nursing homes in Escondido ›

Compare Palomar Heights Post Acute 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/escondido/palomar-heights-post-acute/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.