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Buena Vista Care Center

All states › California › Santa Barbara › Buena Vista Care Center

160 South Patterson Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93111 · Santa Barbara County

(805) 964-4871

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

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 150 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 555394 · 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista Care Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the California average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 32 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $32,263 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 4 out of 5; for long-term residents, 4 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 3.89 hours per resident per day at Buena Vista Care Center, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.55 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.47 hours, 11% below its all-week average. 48.8% 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. 2 administrators left in the past year.

Nursing care per resident per day 3.89 hours
Below the California median of 4.27 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.55 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.47 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 48.8% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 66.7% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 2 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds150
Residents per day 121 About 81% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceNovember 1989
Part of a chainCovenant Care
Legal business nameCOVENANT CARE CALIFORNIA, LLC

Paying for care at Buena Vista Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Buena Vista 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 April 10, 2026 and found 4 deficiencies, plus 4 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 32 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 32 citations at Buena Vista Care Center across 15 inspection dates, 14 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on October 3, 2025 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (10) and resident rights (7). 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 J, October 3, 2025).

April 10, 2026 · 4 citations

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 (May 4, 2026)

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 (May 4, 2026)

DEnsure 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 (May 4, 2026)

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 (May 4, 2026)

January 14, 2026 · 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 23, 2026)

October 20, 2025 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Actual harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2025)

October 3, 2025 · 2 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

JEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2025)

EKeep all essential equipment working safely.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0908 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2025)

August 20, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 (Sep 1, 2025)

May 2, 2025 · 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2025)

March 20, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 15, 2025)

March 7, 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 (Apr 14, 2025)

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 (Apr 14, 2025)

January 17, 2025 · 5 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 (Feb 17, 2025)

DAllow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0554 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 17, 2025)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 17, 2025)

DPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0645 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 17, 2025)

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 (Feb 17, 2025)

August 8, 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 3, 2024)

April 23, 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 (May 3, 2024)

April 3, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProperly hold, secure, and manage each resident's personal money which is deposited with the nursing home.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0568 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 15, 2024)

January 12, 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 (Jan 22, 2024)

December 26, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 8, 2024)

March 3, 2022 · 9 citations

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 (May 3, 2022)

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 (May 3, 2022)

EMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0925 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 3, 2022)

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 (May 3, 2022)

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 (May 3, 2022)

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 (May 3, 2022)

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 (May 3, 2022)

DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0806 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 3, 2022)

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 (May 3, 2022)

Questions to ask on a tour of Buena Vista Care Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on October 3, 2025 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. Nursing staff turnover was 48.8% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
  3. Several administrators left in the past year. What has changed for residents since then?
  4. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  5. 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 $32,263 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Oct 3, 2025 Fine $32,263

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
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 Buena Vista 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

Channel Islands Post Acute Santa Barbara · 3.4 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 156 beds · Medicaid
Valle Verde Health Facility Santa Barbara · 3.5 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 80 beds · Medicaid
Samarkand Skilled Nursing Facility Santa Barbara · 4.6 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 4/5 63 beds · Medicaid
Mission Park Healthcare Center Santa Barbara · 4.6 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 4/5 138 beds · Medicaid
The Californian Santa Barbara · 5.1 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 3/5 68 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Buena Vista Care Center ›   All nursing homes in Santa Barbara ›

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Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026.

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/santa-barbara/buena-vista-care-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.