All states › California › Santa Cruz › Santa Cruz Post Acute
1115 Capitola Road Santa Cruz, CA 95062 · Santa Cruz County
All 3 nursing homes in Santa Cruz, CA (3 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 056065 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 3.86 hours per resident per day at Santa Cruz Post Acute, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.41 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.59 hours, 7% below its all-week average. 51.6% 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 Santa Cruz Post Acute: Medicare and Medicaid
Santa Cruz 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 March 3, 2025 and found 20 deficiencies, plus 8 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 83 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 83 citations at Santa Cruz Post Acute across 24 inspection dates, 37 of them from complaint investigations. 4 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on November 14, 2025. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (24) and resident assessment and care planning (16). 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 G, November 14, 2025).
May 11, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
March 11, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
February 26, 2026 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
November 26, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
November 14, 2025 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
November 6, 2025 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
July 8, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
March 3, 2025 · 20 citations
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
EProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
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.
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
EEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
EEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
EEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
EImplement 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.
EEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
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.
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
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.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
DEnsure the facility is licensed under applicable State and local law and operates and provides services in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes, and with accepted professional standards.
December 26, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
December 9, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
October 23, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure that nurse aides who have worked more than 4 months, are trained and competent; and nurse aides who have worked less than 4 months are enrolled in appropriate training.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
August 6, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
August 2, 2024 · 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.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
July 31, 2024 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DTry 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.
July 5, 2024 · 1 citation · 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.
June 25, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
June 19, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
FEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
June 18, 2024 · 2 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
March 7, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
January 12, 2024 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DPrepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
November 30, 2023 · 6 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DEnsure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
October 13, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
May 12, 2023 · 17 citations
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
EEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
EEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
EDispose of garbage and refuse properly.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DEnsure a qualified health professional conducts resident assessments.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
DProvide appropriate foot care.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DProvide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
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.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
January 24, 2020 · 9 citations
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 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 medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
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.
DProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Questions to ask on a tour of Santa Cruz Post Acute
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on November 14, 2025 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS rates staffing 2 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
- Nursing staff turnover was 51.6% 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
3 penalties in the last three years, including $161,912 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 6, 2025 | Fine | $84,363 |
| Mar 3, 2025 | Fine | $26,719 |
| Mar 7, 2024 | Fine | $50,830 |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 2/5 | 1/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| August 2026 | 2/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Santa Cruz 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.
- 0.5 mi
-
0.9 mi
Dominican Hospital Santa CruzEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 3h 3m for patients treated and sent home
- 1.0 mi
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 Santa Cruz Post Acute › All nursing homes in Santa Cruz ›
Compare Santa Cruz Post Acute with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Pacific Coast Manor · Capitola · 5 stars · 1.7 mi
- Driftwood Healthcare Center - Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz · 3 stars · 1.0 mi
Other PACS Group nursing homes in California
- Paradise Valley Health Care · National City · 5 stars
- McClure Post Acute · Oakland · 5 stars
- Pine Creek Care Center · Roseville · 5 stars
- Bel Vista Healthcare Center · Long Beach · 5 stars
- Trellis Chino · Chino · 5 stars
- San Francisco Post Acute · San Francisco · 5 stars
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.