All states › California › Sonora › Golden Sonora Care Center
19929 Greenley Road Sonora, CA 95370 · Tuolumne County
All 2 nursing homes in Sonora, CA (2 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 555736 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Golden Sonora 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 Golden Sonora Care Center as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 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 4.08 hours per resident per day at Golden Sonora Care Center, below the California median of 4.27 (US median: 3.72). About 0.30 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.87 hours, 5% below its all-week average. 51.9% 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 Golden Sonora Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid
Golden Sonora 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 August 7, 2025 and found 21 deficiencies, plus 8 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 90 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 90 citations at Golden Sonora Care Center across 26 inspection dates, 29 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on February 26, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (28) and resident rights (18). 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, February 26, 2024).
July 9, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
May 20, 2026 · 1 citation · 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.
April 2, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide timely, quality laboratory services/tests to meet the needs of residents.
March 12, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
December 9, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
September 2, 2025 · 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.
August 7, 2025 · 23 citations · includes complaint inspection
EKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
EPASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
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.
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
EMake sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
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.
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 voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
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.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
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 medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
DDispose of garbage and refuse properly.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
July 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.
June 11, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate foot care.
February 19, 2025 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
January 29, 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.
October 2, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
July 23, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DPermit a resident to return to the nursing home after hospitalization or therapeutic leave that exceeds bed-hold policy.
July 18, 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.
June 20, 2024 · 15 citations
EHonor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.
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.
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.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
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 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 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.
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.
May 17, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
April 11, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
March 27, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
March 5, 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 26, 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.
January 9, 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.
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.
December 6, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
October 20, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
October 17, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
October 11, 2023 · 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.
June 22, 2023 · 25 citations, includes actual harm
GProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
FProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
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 residents are free from significant medication errors.
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted 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.
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DProperly hold, secure, and manage each resident's personal money which is deposited with the nursing home.
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.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide activities to meet all resident's needs.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DProvide appropriate foot care.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide for the safe, appropriate administration of IV fluids for a resident when needed.
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
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.
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
Questions to ask on a tour of Golden Sonora Care Center
- Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on February 26, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- Nursing staff turnover was 51.9% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
- CMS rates short-stay quality 1 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
- 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 $56,843 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 26, 2024 | Fine | $56,843 |
| Feb 26, 2024 | Payment Denial | 21 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Golden Sonora 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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0.2 mi
Sonora Regional Medical Center SonoraEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 2h 51m for patients treated and sent home
- 21.8 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 Golden Sonora Care Center › All nursing homes in Sonora ›
Compare Golden Sonora Care Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Adventist Health Sonora - D/P SNF · Sonora · 5 stars · 1.1 mi
Other Golden SNF Operations nursing homes in California
- Golden Heights Healthcare · Daly City · 5 stars
- Golden Merced Care Center · Merced · 3 stars
- Golden Modesto Care Center · Modesto · 2 stars
- Golden San Andreas Care Center · San Andreas · 2 stars
- Golden Pavilion Healthcare · Daly City · 1 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 6 Golden SNF Operations 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.