San Diego County, California · Nursing home
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
3 of 5 overall from CMS
1391 Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92021
At a glance
- Overall rating 3 of 5 Below the state average of 3.2
- Nurse time per resident, per day 4.02 hours Below the state average of 4.52
- Nursing staff who left in a year 40.4% Above the state average of 36.7%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 56 1 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $9,110 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 93.9% of 96 beds, on an average day
Arrows only show whether a figure is above or below the state average. They are not a judgment of the home.
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center is a 96-bed nursing home in El Cajon, California (San Diego County). CMS rates it 3 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 4.02 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the California average of 4.52. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $9,110 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 96
- Residents per day (average)
- 90.1
- Certified since
- 1967 (59 yrs)
For profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of Pacs Group (275 homes)
Bed use is this site's calculation: average residents per day divided by certified beds. It is an average, so it does not show today's openings.
Terms used on this page
- CMS
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that publishes the ratings, staffing figures, inspection results and penalties shown here.
- Certified beds
- The number of federally certified beds CMS lists for the home.
- Deficiency or citation
- A federal requirement that inspectors found the home did not meet. Each one gets a letter from A to L for how serious it was and how many residents were affected. What the letters mean
- Actual harm
- Letters G, H and I: actual harm to a resident that is not immediate jeopardy.
- Immediate jeopardy
- Letters J, K and L: the problem caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to a resident.
- Inspection cycle
- A standard inspection plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to it. This page shows the three most recent cycles.
- Special Focus Facility (SFF)
- A home CMS has placed under closer oversight because of its inspection record. More about the program
Questions to ask Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $9,110 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- CMS counts 22 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Dec 12, 2024 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the California average is 15.6. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 40.4%, above the California average of 36.7%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 3 of 5 California average 3.2
- Health inspections 2 of 5 California average 2.8
- Staffing 2 of 5 California average 3.3
- Quality measures 5 of 5 California average 4.1
The vertical line marks the California average. Ratings run from 1 to 5. How to read CMS star ratings
Nurse staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, as the home reported to CMS.
What these roles do
Nurse aides give most hands-on daily care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals. Licensed practical nurses give medications and routine nursing care. Registered nurses assess residents and direct their care.
- All nursing staff 4.02 h California average 4.52
- Nurse aides 2.47 h California average 2.65
- Licensed practical nurses 1.08 h California average 1.20
- Registered nurses 0.47 h California average 0.67
- All staff, weekends 3.72 h California average 4.09
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 12 hours. The vertical line marks the California average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover40.4%
- California average36.7%
- Registered nurse turnover66.7%
- California average38.1%
- Administrators who left0
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the California and national averages. marks the measures CMS uses in its quality star rating; for those, the rating gives more points for a lower rate.
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This home | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 2.1% | 10.2% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 1.9% | 4.0% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.0% | 1.2% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 22.9% | 7.3% | 12.8% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 0.7% | 1.6% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 98.6% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 3.7% | 9.8% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 14.2% | 13.7% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% | 98.2% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 1.3% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 22.5% | 10.2% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 3.6% | 12.0% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 1.81 | 2.25 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 0.86 | 1.57 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | California | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 94.4% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 0.7% | 1.5% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% | 93.2% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 18.3% | 23.0% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 10.0% | 11.2% | 12.0% |
Measure periods: April 2025 to March 2026 for most measures; July 2024 to June 2025 for the flu vaccine measures; January to December 2025 for the hospital and emergency department measures, which CMS risk-adjusts. See the measures on Medicare.gov
Inspection history
Inspectors cited 56 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 1 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 21 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Feb 12, 2026: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2024 | 22 | 8 |
| Jul 15, 2021 | 20 | 6 |
| Jul 11, 2019 | 14 | 7 |
California homes averaged 15.6 health deficiencies in the latest cycle; the national average is 9.2. Each cycle's health count covers the standard inspection on that date plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to that cycle.
Health citations, three most recent inspection cycles (56)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 7, 2026)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)
Show 25 more
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 13, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 10, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 23, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 23, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Honor 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.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Implement 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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 25, 2024)
Showing the 30 most recent of 56.
What severity letters A to L mean
Each sentence above is the requirement that was not met, in CMS's wording. For the inspection results as Medicare publishes them, open this home's page on Medicare.gov and look under "Health inspections".
Penalties, past three years
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 12, 2026 | Fine | $9,110 |
California homes averaged 0.8 fines and $23,986 in fine amounts; the national averages are 0.9 and $30,972.
Cost
Not in the public data. CMS does not publish what a nursing home charges.
Ask the home for its daily private-pay rate and whether a bed is open for your coverage. See what Medicare covers and how Medicaid pays for a nursing home.
Compared within California
- Size611 of 1161 by certified beds
- California average residents per day87.9
- ChainPacs Group
- Chain average overall rating2.9 of 5
- Resident or family councilResident
- Homes in El Cajon12
- Homes in San Diego County83
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center?
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center has an overall rating of 3 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 2, staffing is 2 and quality measures is 5.
How many beds does Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center have?
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center has 96 certified beds. It averages 90.1 residents per day, about 93.9% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center?
The home reports 4.02 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.47 hours from registered nurses. The California average is 4.52 hours and 0.67 hours from registered nurses.
Has Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $9,110 in the past three years.
Does Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center accept Medicare or Medicaid?
CMS lists its participation as "Medicare and Medicaid". Ask the home whether a bed is open for your coverage.
Guides for families looking at this home
- Understanding the recordWhat to ask on a nursing home tourQuestions that turn a home's public record into a useful conversation when you tour, plus what to look for yourself.
- Understanding the recordInspection severity letters A to LHow inspectors grade each deficiency by harm and by how many residents were affected.
- Understanding the recordHow to read CMS star ratingsWhat the overall, health inspection, staffing and quality measure ratings cover, and what they leave out.
Nearest nursing homes
- 2 of 5 Granite Hills Healthcare & Wellness Centre, LLC 99beds 91.3%in use 4.06nurse hours a day
- 1 of 5 Country Hills Post Acute 305beds 96.0%in use 3.91nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Villa Las Palmas Healthcare Center 151beds 94.7%in use 3.73nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in San Diego County
Who to call in California
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in California.
- Long-term care ombudsman Statewide Ombudsman Hotline 1-800-231-4024 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home Licensing and Certification district offices The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
California staffing, bed-hold and Medicaid rules · Residents' rights in every state
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 055064. See this home's official record on Medicare.gov
See something shown incorrectly? Tell us. This site shows each record as CMS publishes it and cannot change the underlying record.