All states › California › Lancaster › Desert Canyon Post Acute
1642 West Avenue J Lancaster, CA 93534 · Los Angeles County
All 4 nursing homes in Lancaster, CA (4 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 055307 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Desert Canyon 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 Desert Canyon Post Acute 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 4.07 hours per resident per day at Desert Canyon Post Acute, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.51 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.77 hours, 7% below its all-week average. 25.3% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%). That is lower than most homes in California, a sign of a steadier team.
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Desert Canyon Post Acute: Medicare and Medicaid
Desert Canyon 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 February 26, 2026 and found 26 deficiencies, plus 13 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 108 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 108 citations at Desert Canyon Post Acute across 25 inspection dates, 40 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on August 1, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (25) and resident rights (21). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody" (tag F0600, level G, August 1, 2024). 9 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
June 30, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
May 18, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DLet each resident or the resident's legal representative access or purchase copies of all the resident's records.
February 26, 2026 · 26 citations
EHonor 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.
EEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
EProvide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
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.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
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.
DProvide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
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 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.
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
December 3, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
December 1, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
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.
DHave a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.
November 25, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
November 18, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
November 13, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.
April 25, 2025 · 4 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.
EEstablish a governing body that is legally responsible for establishing and implementing policies for managing and operating the facility and appoints a properly licensed administrator responsible for managing the facility.
DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.
DMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
March 24, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
February 21, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
January 17, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
January 15, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
November 22, 2024 · 15 citations
EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
ETry 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.
EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
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.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
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.
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 drinks consistent with resident needs and preferences and sufficient to maintain resident hydration.
DEnsure therapeutic diets are prescribed by the attending physician and may be delegated to a registered or licensed dietitian, to the extent allowed by State law.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
BEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
September 16, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
August 23, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
August 1, 2024 · 3 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
July 3, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
June 20, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
May 13, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
April 10, 2024 · 1 citation · 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.
February 13, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
February 7, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
January 17, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProvide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
November 16, 2023 · 27 citations
FDispose of garbage and refuse properly.
EReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
EEnsure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.
EEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
EEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
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.
EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with 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.
DAllow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
DNotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
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.
DConduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
BPost nurse staffing information every day.
BEnsure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
Questions to ask on a tour of Desert Canyon Post Acute
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on August 1, 2024 under the rule on freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on February 26, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- 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 20, 2024 | Payment Denial | 35 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 2/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| August 2026 | 2/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Desert Canyon 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.
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0.1 mi
Antelope Valley Hospital Med Center LancasterEmergency room ★☆☆☆☆ Medicare overall 1 of 5Median ER visit 4h 24m for patients treated and sent home
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1.0 mi
Palmdale Regional Medical Center LancasterEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 2h 22m 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
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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.