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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Palomar Vista Healthcare Center

Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.

201 N Fig Street, Central Escondido · Escondido, CA 9202574 bedsLicensed & Active
1/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.5/5

based on 137 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Palomar Vista Healthcare Center Nursing Home in Escondido, CA — Street View
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3/ 10
moderate Risk

Quality Concerns Identified

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

  • Low overall rating (2/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (22 vs median 13.0)

Below average in CA · Below recommended RN staffing · Above recommended total nurse staffing · Below chain average · No penalties on record

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

This facility is an excellent choice for families prioritizing high-quality physical and occupational therapy, as the rehab team is consistently praised. However, because there are serious, recurring reports of medication errors and delayed responses to urgent needs, we recommend that families maintain frequent communication with nursing supervisors and verify medication administration protocols during visits.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

137 reviews on Google
Palomar Vista Healthcare Center is highly regarded for its exceptional rehabilitation team and compassionate nursing staff, with many families noting that the care feels like being treated as part of a family. However, there are serious, documented allegations regarding medication management errors and instances of staff being unresponsive to patient needs. While the facility is frequently praised for its cleanliness and friendly atmosphere, potential residents should be aware of specific concerns regarding clinical oversight and communication during critical care moments.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food8.0Staff8.0Clean9.0Activities7.0Meds2.0MemoryN/AComms5.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Exceptional rehabilitation and physical therapy teams
  • Compassionate and attentive nursing staff
  • Clean and well-maintained environment
  • Warm, family-like atmosphere

Concerns

  • Medication management and administration errors (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Unresponsive staff to patient call bells or urgent needs (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Inconsistent management and organizational issues (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

234'14(1)'16(1)'18(8)'20(4)'22(3)'24(66)'26(10)

Distribution · 147 analyzed

5
127
4
2
3
0
2
2
1
16
32 reviews posted between Aug 27, 2024Sep 6, 2024 · 32 were 5-star
17 reviews posted between Sep 3, 2024Sep 6, 2024 · 17 were 5-star

How They Respond to Reviews

33%response rate
Good

The owner provides highly personalized responses to 5-star reviews, often addressing specific staff members or details mentioned by the reviewer. For negative reviews, the owner maintains a professional tone, acknowledging the seriousness of the claims and requesting direct contact to resolve issues.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1We've heard wonderful things about the physical therapy team here; could you tell us more about how the rehab program supports a resident's recovery?
  • 2How does the nursing team ensure that medication schedules are followed accurately and double-checked for every resident?
  • 3What is the protocol for responding to call bells to ensure that residents' urgent needs are met promptly, even during busy shifts?
  • 4With the high staffing rating you have, how do you ensure that the care remains personalized and attentive during a night shift?
  • 5How does the management team work to address any organizational or communication gaps to keep the facility running smoothly?
  • 6What kind of daily activities or social events are organized to help foster that warm, family-like atmosphere mentioned by many families?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The rehab team truly cares about both the residents and their families. I highly recommend Palomar Vista to anyone seeking care for their loved ones.

Rehab patient's family · 2026★★★★★

Didn't have the patients lifesaving meds for almost 24hrs had to call an ambulance so he could get them from the e.r. did not schedule transportation for the patient so he missed 3 doctor appointments

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

The staff at Palomar Vista are incredibly helpful and caring. This team truly makes you feel as if you are a part of a family.

Long-term resident's family · 2024★★★★★
Source: 137 Google reviews

Quality Measures

Quality Measures

Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures

Medicare Rating
4/ 5
Better Than Avg

7

measures

Worse Than Avg

4

measures

Mixed Results

6

measures

Long-Stay Residents
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility17.7%
Worse than Avg
Here
17.7%
US
14.4%
CA
10.4%
San diego
7.7%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility17.8%
Worse than Avg
Here
17.8%
US
15.3%
CA
10.5%
San diego
9.3%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
93.4%
CA
98.6%
San diego
99.0%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility13.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
13.0%
US
12.1%
CA
7.0%
San diego
9.7%

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

💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility10.3%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
10.3%
US
15.5%
CA
11.7%
San diego
10.0%
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility15.5%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
15.5%
US
19.4%
CA
10.7%
San diego
11.9%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility99.4%
Better than Avg
Here
99.4%
US
81.8%
CA
94.2%
San diego
96.4%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility96.4%
Better than Avg
Here
96.4%
US
79.8%
CA
93.2%
San diego
96.4%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.8%
Better than Avg
Here
0.8%
US
1.6%
CA
1.5%
San diego
1.0%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

22deficiencies
Above state avg (15.4)
9 complaint-triggered

Families have filed numerous complaints against this facility, with 68 total deficiencies found across 10 surveys. The most recurring problems involve resident care planning and assessments, medication management, and food safety standards. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the persistent pattern of issues in core care areas like care planning (appearing in multiple surveys) raises concerns about sustained quality improvements.

Jan 15, 2026Complaint
1
0627Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.

Sep 12, 2025Routine
26
0584Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0605Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

0658Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

0803Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

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.

0363Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0552Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.

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.

0578Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

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.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

0644Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

0645Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

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.

0679Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

0693Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

0700Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.

0755Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

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

0761Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0814Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.

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.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0919Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.

0345Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

0353Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0741Minimal · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.

Jan 21, 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.

Aug 29, 2024Complaint
3
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.

0658Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

0686Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Jul 1, 2024Routine
12
0727Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.

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.

0037Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Establish staff and initial training requirements.

0355Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

0695Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

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.

0645Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

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.

0698Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0161Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Construction Deficiencies

Use approved construction type or materials.

0711Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.

Apr 3, 2024Complaint
1
0554Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Palomar Vista Healthcare Center

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

The Ensign Group

Chain Size

342 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 3.2/5 · Rank 255 of 328

Ownership & Management

Owners

The Ensign Group INC

Owner (parent company) · Organization

Port, Barry

Individual is an Owner, Partner or Trustee of Any Adp of the Snf

Key personnel

Alkema, ShaunManaging Control - Governing BodyMallo, RichardManaging Control - Governing BodyBurnam, SoonOfficer / DirectorKeetch, ChadOfficer / DirectorWillits, AdamOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.

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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