Casa Dorinda
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Casa Dorinda has received a Trust Grade of B+, indicating it is above average and recommended for families seeking care. It ranks #61 out of 1155 facilities in California, placing it in the top half, and #3 out of 14 in Santa Barbara County, meaning only two other local options are better. However, the facility's trend is concerning as it has worsened from 9 issues in 2022 to 14 in 2024. Staffing is a strength, with a 5-star rating and only 16% turnover, which is well below the California average, and there are no fines on record, suggesting compliance with regulations. Unfortunately, there have been specific incidents, such as failures to maintain sanitary conditions in food services and concerns about accurate staffing reporting to Medicare, which could potentially affect resident safety and care quality. Overall, while Casa Dorinda has strong staffing and no fines, families should be aware of the recent increase in reported issues and the need for improvement in food safety practices.
- Trust Score
- B+
- In California
- #61/1155
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ✓ Good
- 16% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 32 points below California's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most California facilities.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 52 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for California. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 29 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Low Staff Turnover (16%) · Staff stability means consistent care
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover is low (16%)
32 points below California average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.
The Bad
No Significant Concerns Identified
This facility shows no red flags. Among California's 100 nursing homes, only 1% achieve this.
The Ugly 29 deficiencies on record
Dec 2024
9 deficiencies
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 record review, the facility failed to ensure the specific inappropriate behavior was documented for one of four sampled residents, (Resident 9) as stated in the careplan.
This ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure a care plan for inappropriate behavior was updated to reflect episodes of inappropriate behaviors in one of four sampled residents (...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
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 a doctor's recommendation for a psychiatric consultation was...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure one of four sampled residents (Resident 15) de...
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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 record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure the change of shift narcotics reconciliation count was properly counted and signed by two licensed nurses to ensure ac...
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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 biologicals were properly stored and labeled and the medications of discharged residents were properly stored, discard...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
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 proper handwashing was observed in between vit...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to follow food safety requirements when:
1. Three (3) con...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Staffing Data
(Tag F0851)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to run reports 1700D (employee report), 1702D (individual daily staffing report) and 1702S (staffing summary report) to ensure payroll-based j...
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Nov 2024
2 deficiencies
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
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
F656 Develop/Implement Comprehensive Care Plan §483.21(b) Comprehensive Care Plans §483.21(b)(1)
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure Resident 1 ' s burn woun...
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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 F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
F658 Services Provided Meet Professional Standards §483.21(b)(3) Comprehensive Care Plans The services provided or arranged by the facility, as outlined by the comprehensive care plan, must- (i) ...
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Apr 2024
3 deficiencies
CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0801
(Tag F0801)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure the director of dining services (DDS/CDM; certified dietary manager) received sufficient frequently scheduled consulta...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the correct portion size for the regular diet orders, with regular portion sizes (i.e.; meaning not a small portion or ...
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CONCERN
(F)
📢 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
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 sanitary conditions were maintained in the food and nutrition services when:
1. The high temperature dish machine was ...
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Oct 2022
9 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure an interdisciplinary team (IDT- team members from different discipline with common purpose, to set goals, share respon...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and interview the facility failed to update the medical records with current wishes for life sustaining t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
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 an accurate system for monitoring parameters of nutritional...
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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 observation, interview and record, review, the facility failed to follow it's policy and procedures (P&P) (set of rules...
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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 record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure one of 12 sampled residents (Resident 23) had been assessed ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure a cook followed the puree recipe for a puree egg omelet as a method to ensure nutritive value.
As a result, the resident...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0808
(Tag F0808)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure the Registered Dietitian provided care within the scope of practice guidelines of the California Business and Professi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure safe food handling when: 1. Expired, leftover lentil soup that had not been cooled down safely was available for use i...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0802
(Tag F0802)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skill sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition...
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Mar 2019
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0552
(Tag F0552)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to obtain informed consent before increasing an antipsychotic (a class of medications used to treat behavioral disturbances) medication dosage...
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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
2. During a review of Resident 19's clinical record on 3/13/19 at 10:50 a.m., indicated a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Resident 19's Physician orders dated 2/13/19-3/13/19 indicated the resident was ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2) During a review of Resident 19's clinical record on 3/14/19 at 11:16 a.m., indicated the resident was on Rozerem (a sedative medication used for the inability to sleep) for anxiety manifested by in...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to discard expired medications and supplies.
These facili...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure education regarding the risks and benefits of the Influenza vaccine was provided to Residents or Residents responsible party for fiv...
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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 record review, the facility failed to ensure:
1. Dented cans were removed from the pantry
2. An opened bulk food item in the walk in pantry was labeled
3. Refriger...
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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
- • Grade B+ (85/100). Above average facility, better than most options in California.
- • 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.
- • 16% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 32 points below California's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
- • 29 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Casa Dorinda's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns Casa Dorinda an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much 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 Casa Dorinda Staffed?
CMS rates Casa Dorinda's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 16%, compared to the California average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Casa Dorinda?
State health inspectors documented 29 deficiencies at Casa Dorinda during 2019 to 2024. These included: 29 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Casa Dorinda?
Casa Dorinda is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 52 certified beds and approximately 38 residents (about 73% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in Santa Barbara, California.
How Does Casa Dorinda Compare to Other California Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in California, Casa Dorinda's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (16%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (4 stars) is above the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Casa Dorinda?
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 Casa Dorinda Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, Casa Dorinda 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 5-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 Casa Dorinda Stick Around?
Staff at Casa Dorinda tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 16%, the facility is 29 percentage points below the California average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly. Registered Nurse turnover is also low at 17%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.
Was Casa Dorinda Ever Fined?
Casa Dorinda 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 Casa Dorinda on Any Federal Watch List?
Casa Dorinda 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.