Desert Terrace Healthcare Center
Strong Medicare quality ratings; families often praise experienced and encouraging physical therapy team. Still worth an in-person visit.
based on 293 Google reviews
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What this means for your family
While the therapy department is frequently praised, the facility has a recurring pattern of communication failures and medication management issues. If you choose this facility, ensure you have a direct line to a supervisor and visit frequently to monitor your loved one's care, as response times for call lights and phone inquiries are significant concerns.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
293 reviews on Google“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
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Experienced and encouraging physical therapy team
- Clean and well-maintained facility (according to positive reviewers)
- Helpful and professional admissions staff
- Welcoming, home-like environment
Concerns
- Chronic failure to answer phones and communicate with families (mentioned by 15 reviewers)
- Significant delays or missed administration of essential medications (mentioned by 10 reviewers)
- Understaffing leading to long wait times for call lights and basic hygiene (mentioned by 12 reviewers)
- Unsanitary conditions including odors, roaches, and dirty rooms (mentioned by 8 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 205 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility rarely responds to reviews.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1We've heard great things about your physical therapy team; could you tell us more about how they work with residents to maintain their mobility?
- 2How does the nursing team ensure that medications are administered accurately and on a strict schedule?
- 3What is the best way for our family to stay in regular contact with the nursing staff and receive updates on our loved one's care?
- 4Could you walk us through your daily cleaning and housekeeping schedule to ensure the rooms and common areas stay fresh and tidy?
- 5What are some of the favorite daily activities or social events that residents participate in here?
- 6In the event of a medical emergency during the night, what is the protocol for getting immediate physician or specialist attention?
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.”
“My mother was transferred from University Medical Center by ambulance. Staff threw her in a chair. Ripped out one of her staples. Said she wasn't allowed any of her meds heart pills etc till after the holidays.”
“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.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Both RN and total nursing hours are below national benchmarks. This can mean less clinical attention per resident, so ask about their staffing plan.
Quality Measures
Quality Measures
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
8
measures
4
measures
5
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 on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents needing more daily help over time
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
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
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.
Jan 22, 2026Complaint4
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.
Dec 3, 2025Complaint1
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.
Sep 26, 2025Routine1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Jan 24, 2025Complaint1
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.
Oct 10, 2024Complaint1
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.
Jul 3, 2024Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Nov 21, 2025
$1,300
State Inspection History
State Inspections
Source: AZ State Licensing Agency
Mar 6, 2026ComplaintCleanReport
This complaint survey was conducted on March 6, 2026 with the investigation of complaints: 00161002 and 00161246. No deficiencies were cited.
Feb 20, 2026ComplaintCleanReport
An onsite complaint survey was conducted on February 20, 2026, for the investigation of intake #00159376 and 00159526. There were no deficiencies cited.
Dec 23, 2025Other
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.
Dec 11, 2025ComplaintCleanReport
The onsite complaint survey was conducted on December 11, 2025, and investigated complaints #00152828, 00151887, and 00152760There were no deficiencies noted.
Oct 22, 2025Complaint
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
Sep 23, 2025Complaint
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
Sep 3, 2025ComplaintCleanReport
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.
Jul 8, 2025ComplaintCleanReport
A complaint investigation was conducted on July 8, 2025 through July 8, 2025 of intake# 00134616, 00127092, 00130029, AZ00221345. There were no deficiencies cited.
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Desert Terrace Healthcare Center
for profit
Chain Affiliation
The Ensign Group
338 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 3.2/5 · Rank 144 of 328
Ownership & Management
Owners
Port, Barry
Individual is an Owner, Partner or Trustee of Any Adp of the Snf
Key personnel
Contact
Get in Touch
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References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
293 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit desertterrace.net
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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