All states › California › Santa Monica › Fireside Health Care Center
947 3rd Street Santa Monica, CA 90403 · Los Angeles County
All 12 nursing homes in Santa Monica, CA (10 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 555039 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Fireside Health 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 Fireside Health Care Center as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall, above 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 4.34 hours per resident per day at Fireside Health Care Center, about the same as the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.36 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.95 hours, 9% below its all-week average. 37.9% of nursing staff left within a year (California median 36%).
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Fireside Health Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid
Fireside Health 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 January 23, 2026 and found 11 deficiencies, plus 2 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 56 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 56 citations at Fireside Health Care Center across 18 inspection dates, 20 of them from complaint investigations. None were at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy levels; 54 were "potential for more than minimal harm" (D–F) and 2 were minimal (A–C). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (13) and resident rights (9). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "designate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility" (tag F0841, level F, September 12, 2024). 4 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
August 11, 2026 · 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.
January 23, 2026 · 11 citations
EAssure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
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 and implement an infection prevention and control program.
December 10, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
March 19, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
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 voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
March 1, 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 24, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
January 23, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
December 1, 2024 · 12 citations
EPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
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.
EMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
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 and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DDevelop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program for all new and existing staff members.
BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
November 25, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
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.
October 9, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
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.
September 12, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
FDesignate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.
September 2, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
August 16, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
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.
August 15, 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 7, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
May 6, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
December 15, 2023 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
DEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
November 9, 2023 · 13 citations
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EHave a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DHonor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.
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.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
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.
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.
BProvide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
Questions to ask on a tour of Fireside Health Care Center
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on December 10, 2025. 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
2 penalties in the last three years, including $97,670 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 7, 2024 | Fine | $97,670 |
| Aug 7, 2024 | Payment Denial | 6 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| August 2026 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Fireside Health 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.
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0.9 mi
Santa Monica - UCLA Med Ctr & Orthopaedic Hospital Santa MonicaEmergency room ★★★★★ Medicare overall 5 of 5Median ER visit 3h 44m for patients treated and sent home
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1.3 mi
Saint John's Health Center Santa MonicaEmergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5Median ER visit 3h 5m for patients treated and sent home
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3.4 mi
VA Greater los Angeles Healthcare System Los AngelesEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 2h 1m 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
More nursing homes near Fireside Health Care Center › All nursing homes in Santa Monica ›
Compare Fireside Health Care Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Pacific Post Acute · Santa Monica · 5 stars · 1.2 mi
- Marycrest Manor · Culver City · 5 stars · 7.0 mi
- West Pico Terrace Healthcare & Wellness Centre · Los Angeles · 5 stars · 7.7 mi
- West Hollywood Healthcare & Wellness Centre · Los Angeles · 5 stars · 9.2 mi
Other Nahs nursing homes in California
- Linda Mar Care Center · Pacifica · 5 stars
- Beacon Healthcare Center · West Covina · 5 stars
- Apple Valley Post-Acute Rehab · Sebastopol · 5 stars
- Valencia Gardens Health Care Center · Riverside · 5 stars
- Villa Health Care Center · Riverside · 5 stars
- Terrace View Care Center · Fullerton · 4 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 12 Nahs 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.