San Diego County, California · Nursing home
Palomar Heights Post Acute
3 of 5 overall from CMS
1260 E Ohio Avenue, Escondido, CA 92027
At a glance
- Overall rating 3 of 5 Below the state average of 3.2
- Nurse time per resident, per day 4.00 hours Below the state average of 4.52
- Nursing staff who left in a year 42.3% Above the state average of 36.7%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 54 1 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $8,176 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 84.3% of 98 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.
Palomar Heights Post Acute is a 98-bed nursing home in Escondido, California (San Diego County). CMS rates it 3 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 4.00 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the California average of 4.52. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $8,176 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 98
- Residents per day (average)
- 82.6
- Certified since
- 2000 (26 yrs)
For profit - Limited Liability company 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 Palomar Heights Post Acute
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $8,176 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- CMS counts 25 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on May 30, 2025 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 42.3%, 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 3 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 4.00 h California average 4.52
- Nurse aides 2.36 h California average 2.65
- Licensed practical nurses 1.00 h California average 1.20
- Registered nurses 0.64 h California average 0.67
- All staff, weekends 3.51 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 turnover42.3%
- California average36.7%
- Registered nurse turnover11.1%
- California average38.1%
- Administrators who left1
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 | 3.0% | 10.2% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 3.7% | 4.0% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.2% | 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 | 9.9% | 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 | 1.8% | 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 | 2.3% | 9.8% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 10.9% | 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 | 1.6% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 6.9% | 10.2% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 2.6% | 12.0% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | 2.21 | 2.25 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | 0.26 | 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 | 0.3% | 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 | 31.7% | 23.0% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 7.9% | 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 54 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 1 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 14 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Jun 21, 2024: Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2025 | 25 | 5 |
| Mar 17, 2022 | 13 | 5 |
| Nov 7, 2019 | 16 | 2 |
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 (54)
-
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 (Jun 19, 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 (May 16, 2026)
-
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 (May 16, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure 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.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 17, 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 17, 2026)
Show 25 more
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Ensure 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.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 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 (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
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 (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor 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.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 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 (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
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.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 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 (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.
Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 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.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Complaint investigation · Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 16, 2024)
-
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 (Nov 9, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Complaint investigation · Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 9, 2024)
-
GActual 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 (Jul 19, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 29, 2024)
Showing the 30 most recent of 54.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 2024 | Fine | $8,176 |
| Jun 21, 2024 | Payment Denial | 9 days |
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
- Size598 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 Escondido7
- Homes in San Diego County83
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Palomar Heights Post Acute?
Palomar Heights Post Acute has an overall rating of 3 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 2, staffing is 3 and quality measures is 5.
How many beds does Palomar Heights Post Acute have?
Palomar Heights Post Acute has 98 certified beds. It averages 82.6 residents per day, about 84.3% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Palomar Heights Post Acute?
The home reports 4.00 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.64 hours from registered nurses. The California average is 4.52 hours and 0.67 hours from registered nurses.
Has Palomar Heights Post Acute been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $8,176 in the past three years. It also lists 1 payment denial.
Does Palomar Heights Post Acute 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 Palomar Vista Healthcare Center 74beds 95.1%in use 4.52nurse hours a day
- 5 of 5 Escondido Post Acute 180beds 96.3%in use 3.78nurse hours a day
- 5 of 5 Redwood Terrace Health Center 59beds 96.1%in use 4.45nurse 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 555764. 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.