Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

Assisted Living in El Cajon

CMS overall rating Info 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.
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

Assisted Living in El Cajon

CMS overall rating Info 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.

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.

(619) 444-1107

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Overall rating Info 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.
3/5 ▼ 0.1 California average: 3.1/5
Health Inspection Info 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.
2/5 ▼ 0.8 California average: 2.8/5
Staffing Info 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.
2/5 ▼ 1.1 California average: 3.1/5
Quality Measures Info 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.
5/5 ▲ 0.9 California average: 4.1/5

Staffing hours breakdown

Info 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.

Hours per resident per day — compared to California state averages

Total nursing care / resident Info This home is ranked 264th out of 294 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
This facility California avg (4h 13m per day)
vs California avg
-21%

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 96

This home usually has limited availability

Occupancy is moderate, suggesting balanced demand.

Similar demand to the California average: 84.7%
Occupancy rate 92.2%
Avg. Length of Stay 110 days
Occupancy rate
92.2%
Avg. Length of Stay
110 days

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Primarily short stays

Residents typically stay for brief periods, with frequent admissions and discharges throughout the year.

Might be optimal for
Post-acute recovery Temporary care Transitional stays

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

Finances and operations

Privately-owned community
Home revenue
$19.3M
Profit
$1.1M
Privately-owned community
Home revenue
$19.3M
Profit
$1.1M
Payroll costs Info The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$6.8M
35.3% of revenue
Other operating costs Info All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$11.3M
Total costs $18.1M
Walk Score
Walk Score: 67 / 100
Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

About this community

License Details

Awards5-Star Quality Measures Medicare Rating

Payment & Insurance

2 services
Accept Medicaid
Accept Medicare

Therapy & Rehabilitation

2 services
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care

Staffing & Medical

3 services
Nursing Services
Skilled Nursing
24-Hour Staffing

Amenities & Lifestyle

4 amenities
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, Activities
Operating HoursMonday – Friday: 8 am – 6 pm, Weekends: 10 am – 6 pm

Pricing & Financial Information

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionRegistered Dietitians oversee meal planning and presentation to ensure nutritious, tasty meals that fit each patient’s needs.

What does this home offer?

Minimum age icon
Minimum age icon

Minimum Age: 60 Years Old

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Single-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

Assisted Living Nursing Home

Contact Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

Health Inspection History

Inspections
Total health inspections 19

California average 12.5


Last Health inspection on Aug 2025

Total health citations 63

California average 50.2

Citations per inspection
3.32

California average 4.65


Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.

35 of 63 citations resulted from standard inspections; and 28 of 63 resulted from complaint investigations.

Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical Health citations More info 0
100% better than California average

California average: 0.4


Serious Health citations More info 1
In line with California average

California average: 1

0 critical citations More info California average: 0.4

1 serious citation More info California average: 1

62 moderate citations More info California average: 47.2

0 minor citations More info California average: 1.5
Citations history (last 3 years)
Quality of Care moderate citation Info Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs. Aug 11, 2025
Corrected

Resident Rights moderate citation Info Issues related to resident's rights, including dignity, privacy, and the ability to make decisions about their care. Aug 11, 2025
Corrected

Care Planning moderate citation Info Issues related to creating and updating personalized care plans for residents based on their needs and conditions. Apr 24, 2025
Corrected

Care Planning moderate citation Info Issues related to creating and updating personalized care plans for residents based on their needs and conditions. Apr 24, 2025
Corrected

Compare Assisted Living around El Cajon The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.

Filter by care type
Casa El Cajon
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

El Cajon99Yes 82 41635 89.9% -Lillian Franklin-
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

El Cajon (East Madison Avenue)96No 67 00- 92.2% ---
Lucie’s Cozy Cottage
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

El Cajon6Yes 34 508 83.3% -Caring Cottage, Llc.-
Villa Alegre Senior Care Homes
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

El Cajon6Yes 2 4016 100.0% -Locsin, Frederick M/Donnah Rey-

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in California

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Multipurpose Senior Services Program

MSSP (Medi-Cal Waiver)

Age 65+
General California resident, Medi-Cal eligible, nursing home risk.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
CA

County-managed; waitlists possible.

Benefits
In-home support (4-6 hours/day) Respite care (14 days/year) Meals (~$6/meal) Transportation (8 trips/month) Care management

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

California IHSS

Age 65+
General California resident, Medicaid-eligible or low-income.
Income Limits ~$1,732/month individual, Medi-Cal threshold
Asset Limits $2,000 individual
CA

Can hire family as caregivers.

Benefits
Personal care (up to 283 hours/month) Homemaker services Respite (varies)

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

CA MSSP

Age 65+
General California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible but community-capable.
Income Limits ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 individual
CA

Available in 38 counties; waitlists common.

Benefits
Case management Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Minor home mods (avg. $500) Adult day care (~$50/day)

Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP)

CA PTP

Age 62+
General California resident, own and live in home, 40% equity.
Income Limits (2025) ~$51,500/year household, adjusted annually
Asset Limits Equity-based; no strict asset cap.
CA

Deferred taxes accrue interest (5% as of 2024); repaid upon sale/death.

Benefits
Property tax deferral (avg. $1,000-$3,000/year, varies by county)

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)

CA ALW

Age 65+ or disabled
General California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible.
Income Limits ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 individual
CA

Available in 15 counties (e.g., LA, Sacramento); waitlists common.

Benefits
Personal care in ALFs (5-7 hours/day) Medication management Social services

California CARES Program

CA CARES

Age
General Caregivers of California residents 60+ needing help with 3+ daily activities; no caregiver age limit.
Income Limits No strict limit; cost-sharing above ~$2,500/month threshold.
Asset Limits Not applicable; need-based.
CA

High demand in urban areas; complements IHSS respite.

Benefits
Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Counseling (4-6 sessions/year) Training (2-3 workshops/year) Supplies (~$200/year)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

CA LIHEAP

Age 60+ priority
General California resident, low-income, utility/heating need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month 200% of poverty level, individual
Asset Limits Not applicable; income-focused.
CA

High demand in inland/coastal extremes; weatherization capped at $5,000/home.

Benefits
Utility payments (avg. $500-$1,000/year) Weatherization (e.g., insulation, avg. $1,000-$3,000 savings)

Places of interest near Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center

Address 2.1 miles from city center Info 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)

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Staffing Data (Q2 2025)

This data corresponds to Q2 2025 and is based on CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

Total staff 152
Employees 152
Contractors 0
Staff to resident ratio 1.95:1
1948618% better than California average

California average ratio: 0.00:1

Avg staff/day 63
Average shift 7.4 hours
0% compared with California average

California average: 7.7 hours

Total staff hours (quarter) 42,660
Nursing staff breakdown
Registered Nurse

Manages medical care and health needs.

Total count 6
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 8.9 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Assists with medical care and medications.

Total count 29
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.7 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Helps with daily care and mobility.

Total count 65
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.7 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Contractor staffing

Total hours from contractors

0%

0 contractor hours this quarter

No contractor roles were reported this quarter.

Staff by category
Certified Nursing Assistant6506520,57291100%7.7
Licensed Practical Nurse290299,36891100%7.7
Registered Nurse6062,12591100%8.9
Speech Language Pathologist100101,3488088%5.8
Physical Therapy Aide100101,2957987%5.6
Respiratory Therapy Technician8081,0046976%6.4
Clinical Nurse Specialist3039389099%6.8
Physical Therapy Assistant4048417987%6.7
Other Dietary Services Staff3037978998%7.9
Dental Services Staff3037777077%7.9
Qualified Activities Professional2027006571%7.2
Nurse Practitioner1015246470%8.2
Administrator1015126470%8
RN Director of Nursing1015126470%8
Occupational Therapy Aide1015126470%8
Dietitian1015126470%8
Qualified Social Worker3032246571%2.6
Physical Therapist1011001314%7.7
65 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days 100%
29 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days 100%
6 Registered Nurse
% of Days 100%
10 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days 88%
10 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days 87%
8 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days 76%
3 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days 99%
4 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days 87%
3 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days 98%
3 Dental Services Staff
% of Days 77%
2 Qualified Activities Professional
% of Days 71%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days 70%
1 Administrator
% of Days 70%
1 RN Director of Nursing
% of Days 70%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days 70%
1 Dietitian
% of Days 70%
3 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days 71%
1 Physical Therapist
% of Days 14%

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.

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 Info 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 average

California average: 6.6

Functional decline score Info A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence. 10.1
11% better than California average

California average: 11.3

Long-stay resident measures
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased Info Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased 3.0%
73% better than California average

California average: 11.1%

Walking Ability Worsened Info Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened 7.8%
35% better than California average

California average: 12.0%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence Info Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder 19.6%
74% worse than California average

California average: 11.3%

Falls with Major Injury Info Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury 0.7%
55% better than California average

California average: 1.7%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers Info Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers 2.7%
46% better than California average

California average: 5.0%

Urinary Tract Infection Info Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection 0.0%
100% better than California average

California average: 1.2%

Lost Too Much Weight Info Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight 1.6%
62% better than California average

California average: 4.2%

Depressive Symptoms Info Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms 57.3%
756% worse than California average

California average: 6.7%

Antipsychotic Use Info Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication 5.7%
43% better than California average

California average: 10.1%

Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 100.0%
In line with California average

California average: 98.5%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 100.0%
In line with California average

California average: 98.2%

Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 100.0%
6% better than California average

California average: 94.0%

Antipsychotic medication increase Info Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication 1.7%
17% worse than California average

California average: 1.5%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 100.0%
7% better than California average

California average: 93.2%

Penalties and fines

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
79% lower than California average

California average: $55K

Number of fines 1
58% fewer fines than California average

California average: 2.4

Payment Denials Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. 0
100% fewer payment denials than California average

California 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.

Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Aug 1, 2023
$11K

Last updated: Jan 2026

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