facebook tracking Mescalero Care Center, Mescalero NM: CMS Ratings
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Mescalero Care Center

All states › New Mexico › Mescalero › Mescalero Care Center

454 Lipan Avenue Mescalero, NM 88340 · Otero County

(575) 464-4802

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 40 certified beds Non profit

CMS certification number 325116 · 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 Mescalero 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 Mescalero Care Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the New Mexico average of 2.9. Inspectors issued 63 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time.

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 4.85 hours per resident per day at Mescalero Care Center, above the New Mexico median of 3.44 (US median: 3.72). About 0.72 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 4.26 hours, 12% below its all-week average.

Nursing care per resident per day 4.85 hours
Above the New Mexico median of 3.44 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.72 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 4.26 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover — Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover — Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left — Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds40
Residents per day 35 About 87% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipNon profit - Other
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceDecember 2003
Legal business nameMESCALERO CARE CENTER

Paying for care at Mescalero Care Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Mescalero 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 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 May 19, 2025 and found 29 deficiencies, plus 5 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 63 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 63 citations at Mescalero Care Center across 6 inspection dates, 6 of them from complaint investigations. None were at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy levels; 63 were "potential for more than minimal harm" (D–F) and 0 were minimal (A–C). The most common areas cited were resident assessment and care planning (19) and nursing and physician services (9). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician" (tag F0801, level F, May 19, 2025). 4 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

June 10, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

EProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 1, 2026)

December 5, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection

EProperly 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 (Jan 15, 2026)

EProtect 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 (Jan 15, 2026)

EEnsure 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 (Jan 15, 2026)

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 (Jan 15, 2026)

May 19, 2025 · 29 citations

FEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

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 (Jul 18, 2025)

EImmediately 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EEnsure 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 (Jul 18, 2025)

EDevelop 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 (Jul 18, 2025)

EEnsure 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 (Jul 18, 2025)

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 (Jul 18, 2025)

EEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0712 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EEnsure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0756 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0791 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

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 (Jul 18, 2025)

EDevelop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0941 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EEnsure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0942 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EConduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0944 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EInclude as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0945 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

EEnsure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0947 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

DEnsure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0552 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

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 (Jul 18, 2025)

DAssess the resident when there is a significant change in condition

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0637 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

DAssure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0638 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

DEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

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 (Jul 18, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

DGive their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0943 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

DProvide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0949 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 18, 2025)

February 27, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (Dec 17, 2024)

May 22, 2024 · 14 citations

FHave a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 5, 2024)

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 (Aug 5, 2024)

FSet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 5, 2024)

FProvide 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 (Aug 5, 2024)

EDevelop 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 (Aug 5, 2024)

EProvide 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 5, 2024)

EEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0712 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 5, 2024)

EProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0791 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 5, 2024)

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 (Aug 5, 2024)

EProvide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0949 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 5, 2024)

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 (Aug 5, 2024)

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 (Aug 5, 2024)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 5, 2024)

DMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0919 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 5, 2024)

June 15, 2023 · 14 citations

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

FHave a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

FObserve each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0730 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

FElectronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0851 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

FEnsure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0947 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

EAssess 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 (Aug 31, 2023)

EEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

EProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

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 (Aug 31, 2023)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

EProcure 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 (Aug 31, 2023)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 31, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Mescalero Care Center

  1. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on December 5, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  2. CMS rates staffing 1 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
  3. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  4. 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

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

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

Hospitals near Mescalero 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.

  • 13.9 mi
    Lincoln County Medical Center Ruidoso
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 26m for patients treated and sent home
  • 18.7 mi
    CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico Alamogordo
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 22m 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

Betty Dare Wellness & Rehabilitation Alamogordo · 18.9 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 2/5 90 beds · Medicaid
Casa Arena Healthcare Alamogordo · 20.9 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 1/5 117 beds · Medicaid
Sunset Villa Healthcare Roswell · 72.6 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 52 beds · Medicaid
Casa Maria Healthcare Roswell · 73.8 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 2/5 118 beds · Medicaid
Spring River Rehabilitation and Care Center Roswell · 75.3 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 1/5 120 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Mescalero Care Center ›   All nursing homes in Mescalero ›

Compare Mescalero Care Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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