facebook tracking Sandia Ridge Center, Albuquerque NM: CMS Ratings
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Sandia Ridge Center

All states › New Mexico › Albuquerque › Sandia Ridge Center

2216 Lester Drive NE Albuquerque, NM 87112 · Bernalillo County

(505) 296-4808

All 18 nursing homes in Albuquerque, NM (18 take Medicaid)

SFF candidate Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 136 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 325032 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Special Focus Facility candidate CMS lists this nursing home as a candidate for its Special Focus Facility program, which means it qualifies to be selected for the program based on its inspection record. Shown as of October 2026. About the program (CMS).

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 Sandia Ridge 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 Sandia Ridge Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the New Mexico average of 2.9. Inspectors issued 58 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $114,001 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 1 out of 5; for long-term residents, 3 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on. CMS lists it as a Special Focus Facility candidate.

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.

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Compare with the 3 closest homes

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 3.42 hours per resident per day at Sandia Ridge Center, about the same as the New Mexico median of 3.44 (US median: 3.72). About 0.66 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 2.98 hours, 13% below its all-week average. 54.7% of nursing staff left within a year (New Mexico median 54.5%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.42 hours
About the New Mexico median Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.66 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 2.98 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 54.7% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 63.2% 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 beds136
Residents per day 127 About 93% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceDecember 1981
Part of a chainGenesis Healthcare
Legal business nameST. JOHN HEALTHCARE AND REHABILITATION CENTER, LLC

Paying for care at Sandia Ridge Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Sandia Ridge 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 New Mexico'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 13, 2023 and found 8 deficiencies, plus 12 from complaint inspections in the same period. CMS notes that this home's most recent inspection was more than two years ago. In total, inspectors issued 58 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 58 citations at Sandia Ridge Center across 14 inspection dates, 25 of them from complaint investigations. 4 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on January 13, 2023. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (18) and resident assessment and care planning (9). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident" (tag F0580, level L, January 13, 2023). 6 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

June 2, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 30, 2026)

April 29, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

EReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 14, 2026)

March 20, 2026 · 7 citations · includes complaint inspection

FEnsure 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 1, 2026)

FSafeguard 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 1, 2026)

DProvide doctor's orders for the resident's immediate care at the time the resident was admitted.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0635 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 1, 2026)

DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 1, 2026)

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 (May 1, 2026)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 1, 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 1, 2026)

March 10, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

EHonor 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 20, 2026)

EProvide 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 (Apr 20, 2026)

February 20, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

FEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 6, 2026)

July 1, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 12, 2025)

March 27, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 28, 2025)

January 31, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 27, 2025)

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 27, 2025)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 27, 2025)

July 23, 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 27, 2024)

CProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 27, 2024)

May 7, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 21, 2024)

November 29, 2023 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 22, 2023)

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 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (Nov 29, 2023)

January 13, 2023 · 8 citations, includes immediate jeopardy

LImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Immediate jeopardy · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 13, 2023)

LRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Immediate jeopardy · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 13, 2023)

LProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 13, 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 (Feb 13, 2023)

DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 13, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 13, 2023)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 13, 2023)

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 13, 2023)

November 23, 2021 · 15 citations, includes actual harm

GProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Actual harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 2022)

GProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Actual harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 19, 2022)

EHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 2022)

ECreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 2022)

EEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0676 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 2022)

EProvide 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 30, 2022)

EProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 2022)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 2022)

EProvide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0745 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 2022)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 2022)

DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 30, 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 (Mar 30, 2022)

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 30, 2022)

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 (Mar 30, 2022)

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 30, 2022)

October 28, 2020 · 10 citations, includes immediate jeopardy

KEnsure 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 23, 2020)

EHonor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0561 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 23, 2020)

EHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 23, 2020)

EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 23, 2020)

EProvide 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 (Nov 23, 2020)

EEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 23, 2020)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 23, 2020)

EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 23, 2020)

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 (Nov 23, 2020)

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 (Nov 23, 2020)

Questions to ask on a tour of Sandia Ridge Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on January 13, 2023 under the rule on resident rights. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on March 27, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. 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?
  4. The last standard inspection was more than two years ago. Can I see any recent complaint inspection results?
  5. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  6. 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 $114,001 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
May 28, 2025 Fine $114,001

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 2/5
August 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 2/5
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Location

Hospitals near Sandia Ridge 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

Uptown Rehabilitation Center Albuquerque · 1.1 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 134 beds · Medicaid
Princeton Health & Rehabilitation Albuquerque · 2.0 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 369 beds · Medicaid
Canyon Transitional Rehabilitation Center Albuquerque · 2.0 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 74 beds · Medicaid
La Vida Llena Albuquerque · 2.4 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 58 beds · Medicaid
Manzano Del Sol by Purehealth Albuquerque · 2.7 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 4/5 117 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Sandia Ridge Center ›   All nursing homes in Albuquerque ›

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Other Genesis Healthcare nursing homes in New Mexico

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 183 Genesis Healthcare 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/new-mexico/albuquerque/sandia-ridge-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.