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Medicare shows an abuse citation on record. Review the linked inspection sources and ask the facility about corrective action before deciding.
based on 293 Google reviews
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These current public-data fields deserve follow-up with the facility and the official Medicare record. They are not a clinical risk score or a substitute for an in-person assessment.
No Medicare penalties on record
Medicare shows an abuse citation on record. Read the linked source details, ask the administrator what corrective action was taken, and independently verify the facility’s current status before deciding.
Desert Terrace Healthcare Center receives highly polarized feedback, with some families praising the therapy team and clean environment, while many others report severe neglect and communication failures. Common complaints include staff failing to answer phones, significant delays in medication administration, and poor hygiene conditions. Families should be aware that experiences here appear inconsistent and highly dependent on individual staff interactions.
Quality Themes
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Concerns
Rating Trends
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Distribution · 207 analyzed
This facility rarely responds to reviews.
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“The physical therapy team was the best they created a fun environment to work out in. They made sure to work with me specifically based on my abilities to improve my motor skills.”
“I am currently a patient here at Desert Terrace and just wanted to say 'I would absolutely recommend Desert Terrace for your loved one'. I would say about 90% of the staff here are very professional/Compassionate.”
Both RN and total nursing hours are below the EveryPlace reference benchmarks. Ask the facility how it staffs each shift for current resident needs.
Reference benchmarks (0.75 RN and 4.1 total nursing hours per resident/day) are comparison targets, not current federal minimum requirements.
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
9
measures
4
measures
4
measures
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents whose walking got worse
Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Detailed Medicare record · up to 3-year lookback
Families have filed multiple complaints triggering serious abuse and neglect investigations, including recent uncorrected deficiencies from January 2026 involving resident protection and financial management. The facility shows recurring problems with resident safety, medication management, and quality of care across multiple surveys from 2021-2025. While most older violations were corrected, the pattern of complaint-driven investigations and ongoing safety concerns warrant careful consideration before choosing this facility.
Administration Deficiencies
Employ staff that are licensed, certified, or registered in accordance with state laws.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
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.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Source: AZ State Licensing Agency
This complaint survey was conducted on March 6, 2026 with the investigation of complaints: 00161002 and 00161246. No deficiencies were cited.
An onsite complaint survey was conducted on February 20, 2026, for the investigation of intake #00159376 and 00159526. There were no deficiencies cited.
Based on observation, the facility failed to maintain several doors in the building. Failing to maintain doors in the facility could allow heat and/or smoke to transfer, which could cause harm to the patients and/or staff in the affected areas.
Based on a record review and interviews, the facility failed to provide all required fire drills per NFPA 101. Failing to conduct fire drills in accordance with the life safety code, one per shift per quarter under varied conditions, to familiarize staff with conditions under an actual fire, can result in harm to all residents and/or staff during an actual fire or emergency situation.
The onsite complaint survey was conducted on December 11, 2025, and investigated complaints #00152828, 00151887, and 00152760There were no deficiencies noted.
The onsite complaint survey was conducted on October 22, 2025, for complaints # 00146911, 00148203, 00146910, and 00148195. The following deficiencies were cited.
Based on clinical record review, staff interviews, and review of facility documentation and policies, the facility failed to protect the rights of one resident (#1) to be free from abuse by another resident (#2). The deficient practice could result in further abuse of residents when appropriate actions are not taken.
Based on clinical record review, staff interviews, and review of facility documentation and policies, the facility failed to protect the rights of one resident (#1) to be free from abuse by another resident (#2).Â
The State Compliance Survey was conducted on September 23, 2025 through September 26, 2025, in conjunction with complaint(s): 2246263, 2246256, 2246249, 2246252, 2246260, 2245816, 2246207, 2246204, 2246205, 2246168, 2246184, 2246255, 2246185, 2246248, 2246231, 2246240, 2246172, 2246227, 2246215, 2246154, 2246201, 2246203, 2246197, 2246189, 2246009, 2245822, 2246187, 2246179, 2246178, 2245930, 2246175, 2246152, 2246138, 2246150, 2246146, 2246148, 2246134, 2246140, 2246141, 2246137, 2246133, 2246125, 2246123, 2246120, 2246111, 2246087, 2246116, 2246118. The following deficiencies were cited:
Based on observations, staff interviews, review of the clinical record and the facility policy and procedures, the facility failed to ensure nail care was provided for two residents (#18 and #28) out of 89. The deficient practice could result in resident grooming and hygiene needs not being met.
Based on observations, staff interviews, review of the clinical record and the facility policy and procedures, the facility failed to ensure nail care was provided for two residents (#18 and #28) out of 89.Â
The state complaint survey was conducted on September 3, 2025 of the following complaint numbers: 2246113 (AZ00187655), 2246109 (AZ00187022), and 00141173. There were no deficiencies cited.
A complaint investigation was conducted on July 8, 2025 through July 8, 2025 of intake# 00134616, 00127092, 00130029, AZ00221345. There were no deficiencies cited.
Desert Terrace Healthcare Center
for profit
The Ensign Group
346 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 3.2/5 · Rank 144 of 328
Owners
Port, Barry
Individual is an Owner, Partner or Trustee of Any Adp of the Snf
Key personnel
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Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
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Google Reviews
293 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
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