PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER
Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.
Palo Alto Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center has a Trust Grade of B, indicating it is a good choice, reflecting solid performance among nursing homes. It ranks #433 out of 1155 facilities in California, placing it in the top half, and #29 out of 50 in Santa Clara County, which means there are only a few local options that perform better. However, the facility's trend is worsening, as it reported an increase in issues from 12 in 2024 to 17 in 2025. Staffing is a strength, with a 4-star rating and a turnover rate of 40%, which is average but still means some staff stay long enough to build relationships with residents. The facility has no fines, which is a positive sign, and it offers more RN coverage than 94% of California facilities, ensuring better oversight of resident care. On the downside, recent inspections revealed several concerns regarding food quality and safety, including bland and improperly heated pureed meals, unsanitary cooking equipment, and inadequate food storage practices, which could potentially affect the health of residents. Families considering this facility should weigh these strengths and weaknesses carefully.
- Trust Score
- B
- In California
- #433/1155
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 40% turnover. Near California's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most California facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 67 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than 97% of California nursing homes. RNs are the most trained staff who catch health problems before they become serious.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 38 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Staffing Rating · Above-average nurse staffing levels
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (40%)
8 points below California average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near California avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 38 deficiencies on record
May 2025
17 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to treat one of 14 residents (8) with respect and dignit...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to protect resident's rights to confidentiality for one ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0605
(Tag F0605)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure two of 14 sampled residents (Resident 39 and Resident 22) we...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and medical record review, the facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered plan of care for two out of 14 sampled residents (Residents 48 and 22) when:
...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the residents received the necessary care and services for o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0697
(Tag F0697)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the residents receive the pain management according to their...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure the proper use of side rails or bed rails (adj...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the effective use of medications for one of 14 residents (11...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the pharmacist consultant's recommendation was acted upon fo...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0757
(Tag F0757)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of 6 residents (112) were free from unnecessary medicati...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility had a 12% medication error rate when three medication errors out of 25 opportunities were observed during a medication pass for three o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure medications and biologicals were stored appropriately and in good sanitary condition when:
1. Medication refrigerator ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2a. Review of Resident 53's admission Record indicated she was admitted to the facility on [DATE].
Review of Resident 53's physi...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure that facility staff monitored and documented the side effect...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure palatability and temperature of the foods served were maintained when:
1. The pureed (a smooth, thick liquid or paste m...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure, cooking and kitchen equipment were maintained properly and foods in the kitchen were prepared in accordance with prof...
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MINOR
(B)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0912
(Tag F0912)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure 17 of 27 bedrooms had at least 80 square feet per resident. Having less than 80 square feet per resident could potentially compromise ...
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Feb 2024
11 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0645
(Tag F0645)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview, record review, and policy review, the facility failed to ensure Level 1 Preadmission Screening and Resident ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure accurate accountability of controlled medication (medication with high potential for abuse and addiction) and safe use...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure proper medication storage and labeling of medications when:
1. Medication refrigerator temperature was not monitored t...
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CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0806
(Tag F0806)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to accommodate food preferences for one of three residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0919
(Tag F0919)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure the call light system (system in which the resident presses a button that activates a light in the hallway to alert ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to develop and implement comprehensive, person-centered, ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0700
(Tag F0700)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. During an observation on 2/20/24 at 11:00 a.m., Resident 213 was laying in bed awake, calm, and comfortable. Resident 213's b...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. During an observation on 2/20/24 at 10:58 a.m. with Registered Nurse (RN) C, of the treatment cart, the treatment cart was ob...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure food was stored in accordance with professional standards for food service safety when:
1. There was an unlabeled an...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Garbage Disposal
(Tag F0814)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure garbage was stored properly when the lid for the outside dumpster was not closed. This failure had the potential to ...
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MINOR
(B)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0912
(Tag F0912)
Minor procedural issue · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure 17 of 27 bedrooms had at least 80 square feet per resident. Having less than 80 square feet per resident could potentially compromise ...
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Jan 2024
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to complete and submit an investigation summary regarding an alleged abuse incident for one of two sampled residents (Resident 1). This failur...
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Apr 2022
9 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0637
(Tag F0637)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of 12 sampled residents (Resident 17) had a Minimum Data...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of 12 residents (Resident 20) received necessary and pro...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
b. During an initial tour on 4/4/22 at 9:00 a.m., a bottle of diluted Dakin's solution (a skin disinfectant to cleanse wounds in order to prevent infection), containing 473 milligrams (mg, unit of dos...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0912
(Tag F0912)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure 17 of 27 bedrooms had at least 80 square feet per resident. Having less than 80 square feet per resident could potentially compromise ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure residents were free of accidents and hazards a...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Drug Regimen Review
(Tag F0756)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Review of Resident 24's Consultation Report, dated 3/1/22 through 3/8/22, indicated the resident had received quetiapine 200 ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. Review of Resident 34's admission Record indicated she was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including depres...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and facility document review, the facility failed to ensure food was stored and prepared in accordance with professional standards for food safety when:
1. Undated foo...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure infection control practices were implemented wh...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most California facilities.
- • 40% turnover. Below California's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 38 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered above average nationally. Within California, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.
How is Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center Staffed?
CMS rates PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER's staffing level at 4 out of 5 stars, which is above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 40%, compared to the California average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center?
State health inspectors documented 38 deficiencies at PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER during 2022 to 2025. These included: 36 with potential for harm and 2 minor or isolated issues.
Who Owns and Operates Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center?
PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by COVENANT CARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 66 certified beds and approximately 57 residents (about 86% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in PALO ALTO, California.
How Does Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center Compare to Other California Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in California, PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (40%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 4-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in California. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center Stick Around?
PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER has a staff turnover rate of 40%, which is about average for California nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center Ever Fined?
PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.
Is Palo Alto Sub-Acute And Rehabilitation Center on Any Federal Watch List?
PALO ALTO SUB-ACUTE AND REHABILITATION CENTER is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.