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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Lakewood Healthcare Center

On Medicare Special Focus status, a serious quality warning. Visit in person and ask tough questions before deciding.

12023 Lakewood Blvd., Downey, CA 90242290 bedsLicensed & Active
1/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
3.3/5

based on 45 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Lakewood Healthcare Center Nursing Home in Downey, CA — Street View
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8/ 10
critical Risk

Quality Concerns Identified

Medicare inspection and quality data reveal areas that families should carefully evaluate before choosing this facility.

  • Special Focus Facility (under heightened CMS scrutiny)
  • Abuse citation on record
  • Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (53 vs median 13.0)

Bottom 25% in CA · Critically understaffed (RN) · Low staff turnover (stable workforce) · Worst in PACIFIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS chain · $41,526 in fines · Special Focus Facility (CMS) · Abuse citation

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

This facility shows a significant upward trend in quality, with recent reviews highlighting excellent rehabilitation care and a clean, remodeled environment. However, you should proactively verify their current telephone responsiveness and ask for specific details regarding recent hygiene protocols to ensure the historical issues with cleanliness have been fully resolved.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

45 reviews on Google
Families seeking rehabilitation or skilled nursing may find the recent care and social services to be excellent, with many recent reviewers praising the attentive nursing staff and clean environment. However, historical reviews contain serious allegations regarding hygiene, patient safety, and poor communication, so close monitoring of current facility standards is advised.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
FoodN/AStaff7.0Clean5.0Activities6.0MedsN/AMemoryN/AComms3.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Attentive and friendly nursing staff
  • Clean and recently remodeled lobby
  • Effective rehabilitation and social services
  • Professional front desk personnel

Concerns

  • Difficulty reaching staff via telephone (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
  • Issues with facility cleanliness and odor (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
  • Unprofessional behavior or lack of empathy from some staff (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'14(1)'16(6)'18(2)'20(1)'22(2)'24(4)'26(6)

Distribution · 48 analyzed

5
23
4
4
3
2
2
1
1
18

How They Respond to Reviews

0%response rate

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1I noticed the lobby has been recently remodeled; could you tell me more about the recent updates made to the resident living areas?
  • 2The nursing staff has received some wonderful compliments for being so attentive; how do you ensure that level of care is consistent across all shifts?
  • 3What is your protocol for communicating important medical updates or changes in condition to family members, especially if we can't reach the desk by phone?
  • 4With the recent inspections, what specific steps has the facility taken to address the recent state violations and improve overall cleanliness?
  • 5How does the team manage odors and deep-cleaning schedules to ensure the resident rooms stay fresh and comfortable?
  • 6Could you describe what a typical day of social activities and rehabilitation looks like for a resident here?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The nurses and CNAs like Natalie and Wilma are so attentive and patient with my Dad. Thank you, Everybody!!

Long-term resident's family · 2025★★★★★

They take care of you that's about all I can say I've been here for 7 months battling COPD and when I have an episode and start yelling they come down and make sure that I'm okay

Rehab patient · 2022★★★★★

The facility lobby has been remodeled. Looks nice. I was able to sit in lobby with my sister. She seemed to be doing better.

Family member · 2026★★★★★
Source: 45 Google reviews

Quality Measures

Quality Measures

Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 15 measures

Medicare Rating
1/ 5
Better Than Avg

12

measures

Worse Than Avg

2

measures

Mixed Results

1

measures

Long-Stay Residents
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility68.2%
Worse than Avg
Here
68.2%
US
12.1%
CA
7.0%
Los angeles
8.7%

Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.

🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility4.0%
Better than Avg
Here
4.0%
US
19.4%
CA
10.7%
Los angeles
9.7%
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility23.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
23.6%
US
19.5%
CA
13.7%
Los angeles
10.8%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility3.3%
Better than Avg
Here
3.3%
US
15.3%
CA
10.5%
Los angeles
9.5%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
93.4%
CA
98.6%
Los angeles
99.1%
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
95.5%
CA
98.2%
Los angeles
97.8%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
79.8%
CA
93.2%
Los angeles
92.5%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
81.8%
CA
94.2%
Los angeles
94.5%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

45deficiencies
5penalties
Well above state avg (15.4)
58 complaint-triggered
$41,526 in fines

Families have filed numerous complaint reports triggering over 60 deficiencies, with recurring issues in accident prevention and safety, care planning, and protection from abuse and neglect. Most recent deficiencies from 2026 remain uncorrected, including problems with pain management and family notification requirements. While many past issues have been addressed, the persistent pattern of safety violations and unresolved recent complaints raises significant concerns.

Apr 28, 2026Complaint
1
0557Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.

Jan 28, 2026Complaint
3
0580Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

0697Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Jan 9, 2026Complaint
1
0604Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

Dec 31, 2025Complaint
1
0689Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Dec 18, 2025Routine
33
0688Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide 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.

0689Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

0583Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

0684Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

0726Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

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.

0755Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

0802Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.

0804Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

0805Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.

0812Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0912Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.

0342Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have a complete alarm system manually initiated and initiated by fire sprinkler system connection.

0353Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0363Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0753Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

0558Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

0561Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

0584Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

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.

0600Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

0692Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

0759Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

0760Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

0849Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

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.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0914Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Provide bedrooms that don't allow residents to see each other when privacy is needed.

0919Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

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

0941Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

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

0211Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.

0291Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.

0511Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Services Deficiencies

Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

0911Minimal · PatternCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Ensure resident rooms hold no more than 4 residents; for new construction after November 28, 2016, rooms hold no more than 2 residents.

Aug 28, 2025Complaint
1
0842Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Dec 18, 2025

$87,071

Payment Denial

Dec 18, 2025

35-day denial

Fine

Jun 13, 2025

$14,901

Payment Denial

Jun 13, 2025

13-day denial

Fine

Aug 2, 2024

$26,625

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Lakewood Healthcare Center

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Pacific Healthcare Holdings

Chain Size

15 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 2.3/5 · Rank 12 of 15 (Worst)

Ownership & Management

Owners

Rechnitz Lakewood Gp

Owner · Organization

89%

Rechnitz, Shlomo

Owner

Key personnel

Corporate Interface Services LLCManagerRockport Administrative Services, LLCManagerEnriquez, AliceManagerLing, ArnoldManagerRechnitz, ShlomoManager
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

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References & Resources

EveryPlace is a research directory. Facility information is compiled from public sources — Medicare.gov, state licensing portals, Google Places, and publicly available street-level imagery. Listings do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or advertisement, and we do not accept payment for placement. Families should verify all details directly with the facility and the original sources linked above before making any care decisions. See our Research Policy for our editorial standards, correction process, and image-removal policy.

Safer Alternatives Nearby

Based on current clinical data, we identified 6 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.

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