Total staff
240
Employees
168
Contractors
72
Primarily short stays
Residents typically stay for brief periods, with frequent admissions and discharges throughout the year.
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
Nursing Home & Assisted Living · El Cajon, CA
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
Nursing Home & Assisted Living · El Cajon, CA
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
Overview of Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
An assisted living-inspired skilled nursing and rehabilitation home in El Cajon, Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center, delivered with an assisted living services approach. The nursing home is committed to providing its residents with a safe, well-balanced, and healing journey through the exceptional care delivered by its patient-friendly staff. Cottonwood Canyon can be trusted as a facility that cares for every senior’s needs.
Cottonwood Canyon’s services and amenities include activities and programs that promote a continuum of growth and meaningful experiences that boost their recovery period. These include 24/7 nursing supervision and care, weekly housekeeping and laundry, outings and activities, daily delicious and nutritious meals, and specialized programs.
Quality ratings
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
Staffing hours breakdown
Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.
Total nursing care / resident
This home is ranked 319th out of 346 homes in California. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
This home is ranked 319th out of 346 homes in California. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
3h 20m per day
Rank #319 / 346Nurse hours — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 319th out of 346 homes in California. Shows adjusted nurse hours per resident per day benchmarked to the California average, with a ranking across 346 California SNFs. More hours mean more direct care. The national average is about 3.5 hrs; below 3.0 is a red flag.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
vs California avg
-21%
Standout metric
Physical Therapist is +100% above state avg
| Staff type | Hours / Day / Resident | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs hold the highest nursing license and can assess residents, interpret test results, and direct care plans. More RN hours per day often signals stronger clinical oversight and faster response to health changes.
| 26m per day | ▼ 33% State avg: 39m per day · National avg: 41m per day |
|
LPN / LVN
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver routine hands-on care — medication administration, wound dressing, and monitoring vital signs. They work under RN supervision and make up a large share of daily bedside care.
| 1h 16m per day | ▲ 4% State avg: 1h 13m per day · National avg: 52m per day |
|
Nurse Aide
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide the most direct day-to-day assistance: bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Nurse aide hours are typically the largest staffing category and directly affect residents' quality of life.
| 2h 32m per day | ▼ 4% State avg: 2h 38m per day · National avg: 2h 20m per day |
|
Total Nursing (Weekend)
Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.
| 4h 7m per day | ■ Avg State avg: 4h 5m per day · National avg: 3h 26m per day |
|
Physical Therapist
Hours per resident per day provided by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) or PT Assistants. PT services help residents recover mobility after injury or illness and are especially important for post-acute (short-stay) rehabilitation.
| 10m per day | ▲ 100% State avg: 5m per day · National avg: 4m per day |
|
RN (Weekend)
Registered nurse hours specifically on weekends. Facilities sometimes reduce RN presence on Saturdays and Sundays — a low weekend RN figure compared to weekday hours can indicate reduced clinical oversight when most administrative staff are absent.
| 21m per day | ▼ 30% State avg: 30m per day · National avg: 28m per day |
Types of Care at Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
Assisted Living
Nursing Home
Capacity and availability
This home usually has limited availability
Occupancy between 85% and 95% suggests balanced demand.
Occupancy rate
92.2%
Rank #75 / 351Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 75th out of 351 homes in California. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the California average, with its Statewide rank out of 351. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Avg. Length of Stay
110 days
Occupancy rate
92.2%
Rank #75 / 351Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 75th out of 351 homes in California. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the California average, with its Statewide rank out of 351. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Avg. Length of Stay
110 days
Walk Score: 67 / 100 Rank #163 / 359Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 163rd out of 359 homes in California. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across California SNFs. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.
About this community
Awards5-Star Quality Measures Medicare Rating
Accept Medicaid
Accept Medicare
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care
24-Hour Staffing
Expansive Rehab Gym
Spacious Courtyards
Common Areas
24/7 Nursing Care
ActivitiesAn engaging daily schedule allows patients to be as active and social as they want to be.
Specific ProgramsShort-Term Rehab
Operating HoursMonday – Friday: 8 am – 6 pm, Weekends: 10 am – 6 pm
Food DescriptionRegistered Dietitians oversee meal planning and presentation to ensure nutritious, tasty meals that fit each patient’s needs.
Staffing Data
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
Staff to resident ratio
3.08:1
3076823% better than California average
Avg staff/day
65
Average shift
7 hours
9% worse than California average
Total staff hours (quarter)
42,031
Nursing staff breakdown
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Registered Nurse
Manages medical care and health needs.
Total count
14
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
8 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
8 hoursThis role is partially covered by contractors.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Assists with medical care and medications.
Total count
60
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.3 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.3 hoursThis role is partially covered by contractors.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Helps with daily care and mobility.
Total count
116
Average shift length
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.1 hours
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.1 hoursThis role is partially covered by contractors.
Contractor staffing
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
3.7%
1,541 contractor hours this quarter
Certified Nursing Assistant: 44
Licensed Practical Nurse: 27
Registered Nurse: 1
Staff by category
Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 72 | 44 | 116 | 20,411 | 92 | 100% | 7.1 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 33 | 27 | 60 | 9,071 | 92 | 100% | 7.3 |
| Registered Nurse | 13 | 1 | 14 | 2,714 | 92 | 100% | 8 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 12 | 0 | 12 | 1,510 | 86 | 93% | 5.3 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 9 | 0 | 9 | 1,310 | 76 | 83% | 5.9 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 7 | 0 | 7 | 1,307 | 66 | 72% | 6.2 |
| Dental Services Staff | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1,002 | 77 | 84% | 7.9 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 5 | 0 | 5 | 968 | 89 | 97% | 7.4 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 2 | 0 | 2 | 706 | 84 | 91% | 7.6 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 4 | 0 | 4 | 557 | 75 | 82% | 5.6 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 516 | 64 | 70% | 8.1 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 512 | 64 | 70% | 8 |
| Dietitian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 504 | 63 | 68% | 8 |
| RN Director of Nursing | 2 | 0 | 2 | 472 | 59 | 64% | 8 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 272 | 34 | 37% | 8 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 3 | 0 | 3 | 200 | 61 | 66% | 2.6 |
116 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days
100%
60 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days
100%
14 Registered Nurse
% of Days
100%
12 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days
93%
9 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days
83%
7 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days
72%
2 Dental Services Staff
% of Days
84%
5 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days
97%
2 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days
91%
4 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days
82%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days
70%
1 Administrator
% of Days
70%
1 Dietitian
% of Days
68%
2 RN Director of Nursing
% of Days
64%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days
37%
3 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days
66%
Penalties and fines
Includes penalties issued in 2023
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total fines amount
$11K Rank #239 / 354Federal fines — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 239th out of 354 homes in California. Shows this facility's cumulative CMS federal fine dollars versus the California average among facilities with fines, and where it ranks among 354 skilled nursing facilities in the pool. Lower total dollars mean a better rank.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
79% lower than California averageCalifornia average: $55K
Number of fines
1
58% fewer fines than California averageCalifornia average: 2.4
Payment Denials
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
100% fewer payment denials than California averageCalifornia average: 0.5
Fines amount comparison
Fines amount comparison
This facility
$11K
California average
$55K
Penalty History
Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.
1 penalty in the past 3 years
Aug 1, 2023 · $11K
Civil Money Penalty
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Aug 1, 2023
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Aug 1, 2023
$11K
Last updated: Jan 2026
Quality of care over time
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
High-risk clinical events score
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
3.2
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
3.2
52% better than California averageCalifornia average: 6.6
Functional decline score
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
10.1
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
10.1
11% better than California averageCalifornia average: 11.3
Long-stay resident measures
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
3.0%
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
3.0%
73% better than California averageCalifornia average: 11.1%
Walking Ability Worsened
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
7.8%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
7.8%
35% better than California averageCalifornia average: 12.0%
Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
19.6%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
19.6%
74% worse than California averageCalifornia average: 11.3%
Falls with Major Injury
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
0.7%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
0.7%
55% better than California averageCalifornia average: 1.7%
High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
2.7%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
2.7%
46% better than California averageCalifornia average: 5.0%
Urinary Tract Infection
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
0.0%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
0.0%
100% better than California averageCalifornia average: 1.2%
Lost Too Much Weight
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
1.6%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
1.6%
62% better than California averageCalifornia average: 4.2%
Depressive Symptoms
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
57.3%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
57.3%
756% worse than California averageCalifornia average: 6.7%
Antipsychotic Use
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
5.7%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
5.7%
43% better than California averageCalifornia average: 10.1%
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
In line with California averageCalifornia average: 98.5%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
In line with California averageCalifornia average: 98.2%
Hospitalizations per 1,000 days
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.09
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.09
7% better than California averageCalifornia average: 2.25
ED visits per 1,000 days
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.35
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.35
15% better than California averageCalifornia average: 1.59
Short-stay resident measures
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
100.0%
6% better than California averageCalifornia average: 94.0%
Antipsychotic medication increase
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
1.7%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
1.7%
17% worse than California averageCalifornia average: 1.5%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
100.0%
7% better than California averageCalifornia average: 93.2%
Re-hospitalized after SNF stay
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
11.0%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
11.0%
53% better than California averageCalifornia average: 23.2%
Emergency department visits
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
7.5%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
7.5%
33% better than California averageCalifornia average: 11.2%
Falls with major injury
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
100% better than California averageCalifornia average: 0.8%
Ability to care for self at discharge
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
53.7%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
53.7%
In line with California averageCalifornia average: 53.7%
Successful return to home or community
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
49.4%
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
49.4%
In line with California averageCalifornia average: 50.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
Breakdown by payment type
Medicare
21% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
Typical stay
3 - 4 months
Private pay
77% of new residents, often for short stays.
Typical stay
3 - 4 months
Medicaid
2% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Typical stay
7 - 8 months
Facility Characteristics
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
78
Medicare
16
20.5% of residents
Medicaid
46
59% of residents
Private pay or other
16
20.5% of residents
Programs & Services
Residents Group
Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
Active Resident Council
Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.
Data sourced from CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics quarterly report. Payer mix reflects the current resident census by primary payment source.
Financial Trends
Historical financial and operational data for Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Occupancy Rate
92.2%
↑ 7.7pp vs 2022
Net Income
$1.1M
↑ ~$1.6M vs 2022
Total Payroll
$8.6M
↑ ~$396.4K vs 2022
Profit Margin
5.7%
↑ 9.6pp vs 2022
Finances and operations
Privately-owned community
Home revenue
$19.3M
Profit
$1.1M
Privately-owned community
Home revenue
$19.3M Rank #147 / 347Revenue — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 147th out of 347 homes in California. Shows this facility's annual revenue compared to the California SNF average. Higher revenue generally means more resources for staffing and capital — read alongside Payroll %.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Profit
$1.1M
Payroll costs
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #171 / 347Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 171st out of 347 homes in California. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the California average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
$8.6M
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #171 / 347Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 171st out of 347 homes in California. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the California average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Other operating costs
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$9.5M
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Total costs
$18.1M
What does this home offer?
Minimum Age: 60 Years Old
Building Type: Single-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Who this home usually serves
Show admissions and discharges
TYPE OF STAY
Places of interest near Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
2.1 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from El Cajon's city center to Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 0.78 miles to nearest hospital (San Diego Vein Specialists)
Calculate Travel Distance to Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
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Financial Assistance for
Nursing Home in California
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center is located in El Cajon, California.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in California.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
What neighborhood is Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center in?
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center is in the East Madison Avenue neighborhood.
Is Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center in a walkable area?
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center has a walk score of 67. Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.
What is the occupancy rate at Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center?
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center's occupancy is 92.2%.
Are there photos of Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center?
Yes — there are 2 photos of Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center in the photo gallery on this page.
What is the phone number of Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center?
(619) 444-1107 will put you in contact with the team at Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center.
Is Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center Medicare or Medicaid certified?
Yes — Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center is a CMS-certified provider of Medicare and Medicaid.
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