facebook tracking University Care Center, San Diego CA: CMS Ratings
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University Care Center

All states › California › San Diego › University Care Center

5602 University Ave San Diego, CA 92105 · San Diego County

(619) 583-1993

All 21 nursing homes in San Diego, CA (17 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 87 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 055328 · 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 University Care 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 University Care Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall, above the California average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 40 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials 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 4.15 hours per resident per day at University Care Center, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.43 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.76 hours, 10% below its all-week average. 36% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%).

Nursing care per resident per day 4.15 hours
Below the California median of 4.27 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.43 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.76 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 36% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 11.1% 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 beds87
Residents per day 81 About 93% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJanuary 1967
Part of a chainPacs Group
Legal business nameBIRCH HOLDINGS LLC

Paying for care at University Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid

University Care 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 May 7, 2025 and found 7 deficiencies. In total, inspectors issued 40 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 40 citations at University Care Center across 11 inspection dates, 12 of them from complaint investigations. None were at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy levels; 37 were "potential for more than minimal harm" (D–F) and 3 were minimal (A–C). The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (11) and quality of life and care (7). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards" (tag F0812, level E, May 7, 2025).

August 4, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 29, 2025)

May 7, 2025 · 7 citations

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 (Jun 4, 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 (Jun 4, 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 (Jun 4, 2025)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2025)

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 (Jun 4, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0693 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2025)

BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.

Potential for minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0912 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2025)

January 28, 2025 · 2 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 (Feb 22, 2025)

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 (Feb 22, 2025)

November 13, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 (Dec 13, 2024)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 13, 2024)

July 1, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 26, 2024)

June 19, 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 (Jul 12, 2024)

March 19, 2024 · 1 citation · 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 (Apr 18, 2024)

December 4, 2023 · 2 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 (Dec 19, 2023)

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 (Dec 19, 2023)

October 25, 2023 · 2 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 (Nov 24, 2023)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 24, 2023)

February 17, 2023 · 18 citations

EDevelop 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 (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

DEnsure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0661 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

DDesignate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0841 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

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 (Mar 16, 2023)

BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.

Potential for minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0912 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 16, 2023)

August 23, 2019 · 3 citations

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 12, 2019)

DProcure 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 12, 2019)

BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.

Potential for minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0912 · Waiver has been granted (Sep 12, 2019)

Questions to ask on a tour of University Care Center

  1. What do families most often ask you about before moving in?
  2. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  3. 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

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

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

Hospitals near University Care 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

Jacob Healthcare Center San Diego · 0.2 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 128 beds · Medicaid
Arroyo Vista Nursing Center San Diego · 1.4 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 3/5 53 beds · Medicaid
Brighton Place San Diego San Diego · 2.0 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 99 beds · Medicaid
La Mesa Healthcare Center La Mesa · 2.3 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 94 beds · Medicaid
Bella Vista Health Center Lemon Grove · 3.0 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 99 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near University Care Center ›   All nursing homes in San Diego ›

Compare University Care Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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/san-diego/university-care-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.