Sierra Blanca Senior Living
Nursing Home · New Mexico, NM

Sierra Blanca Senior Living

Nursing Home · New Mexico, NM
Calculator: See prices in your area
Sierra Blanca Senior Living accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

Overview of Sierra Blanca Senior Living

Ensconced within the radiant community of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sierra Blanca Senior Living presents an exceptional haven tailored exclusively for discerning seniors seeking top-tier assisted living and memory care services, complemented by short-term respite care options. Set against a backdrop of sun-kissed landscapes, this pet-friendly facility is the definition of tranquility. The home boasts an idyllic setting characterized by picturesque tree-lined streets, verdant environs, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Moreover, its strategic proximity to a plethora of conveniences, including shopping, dining establishments, and essential medical services, further enhances its allure.

The state-of-the-art amenities that grace this prestigious establishment are unparalleled, featuring a sophisticated theater for captivating entertainment, a charming pub or café fostering convivial interactions, and elegant common areas adorned with inviting fireplaces. Exquisite outdoor grilling areas and a vibrant game room further amplify the sense of joie de vivre and ensure delightful moments of engagement. The culinary team, guided by an unwavering commitment to excellence, meticulously crafts special menus for holidays and other celebratory occasions, catering to residents’ dietary restrictions without compromising on the exceptional flavors that grace each plate.

(505) 309-4199

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 New Mexico state averages

Total nursing care / resident Info This home is ranked 30th out of 53 homes in New Mexico. 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 27m per day
Rank #30 / 53Nurse hours — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 30th out of 53 homes in New Mexico. Shows adjusted nurse hours per resident per day benchmarked to the New Mexico average, with a ranking across 53 New Mexico 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.
This facility New Mexico avg (3h 55m per day)
vs New Mexico avg
-12%

1 of 1 metrics below state avg

Staff typeHours / Day / Residentvs state avg
Weekend Total Nursing Info 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. 2h 36m per day ▼ 20% State avg: 3h 14m per day · National avg: 3h 25m per day

Capacity and availability

This home usually has limited availability

Higher occupancy than the New Mexico average: 78.9%
Occupancy rate
92.6% Rank #32 / 119Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 32nd out of 119 homes in New Mexico. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the New Mexico average, with its Statewide rank out of 119. 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
98 days
Years in operation
12 years in operation
A community with a solid operating history and experience delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 18 / 100 Rank #154 / 208Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 154th out of 208 homes in New Mexico. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across New Mexico 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.
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
BBB Rating
BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited)
An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
How BBB ratings work

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Leadership

ContactMr. Justin Brummage, Office Manager

Contact Sierra Blanca Senior Living

Health Inspection History

Inspections since 2023
Total health inspections 13

New Mexico average 6.8


Last Health inspection on Mar 2025

Total health citations
90 Rank #49 / 54Health citations — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 49th out of 54 homes in New Mexico. Shows this facility's total health deficiency citations benchmarked to the New Mexico State average, with a ranking across all 54 NM SNFs. Lower citation counts earn a better rank.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.

New Mexico average 48.6

Citations per inspection
6.92 Rank #25 / 54Citations per inspection — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 25th out of 54 homes in New Mexico. Shows average deficiency citations per CMS inspection for this facility versus the New Mexico mean across 54 SNFs with citation data. Lower is better.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.

New Mexico average 7.31


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

57 of 90 citations resulted from standard inspections; 28 of 90 resulted from complaint investigations; and 5 of 90 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).

Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical health citations
3
173% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 1.1


Serious health citations
9
592% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 1.3

3 critical citations New Mexico average: 1.1

9 serious citations New Mexico average: 1.3

77 moderate citations New Mexico average: 45.6

1 minor citation New Mexico average: 0.6
Citations history (last 3 years)
Quality of Care moderate citation Mar 27, 2025
Corrected

Care Planning moderate citation Mar 27, 2025
Corrected

Resident Rights moderate citation Mar 27, 2025
Corrected

Resident Rights moderate citation Mar 27, 2025
Corrected

Staffing Data

Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.

Total staff 190
Employees 91
Contractors 99
Staff to resident ratio 1.61:1
0% compared with New Mexico average
New Mexico average ratio: 1.55:1 New Mexico average ratio: 1.55:1See full New Mexico ranking
Avg staff/day 45
Average shift 9.1 hours
6% better than New Mexico average
New Mexico average: 8.6 hours New Mexico average shift: 8.6 hoursSee full New Mexico ranking
Total staff hours (quarter) 37,486

Nursing staff breakdown

Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31 More info This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Registered Nurse

Manages medical care and health needs.

RN Staff 20
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 9.5 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Assists with medical care and medications.

LPN Staff 27
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 10 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Helps with daily care and mobility.

CNA Staff 97
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 9.6 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Contractor staffing

Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31 More info This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.

Total hours from contractors

25.3%

9,488 contractor hours this quarter

Certified Nursing Assistant: 66 Licensed Practical Nurse: 13 Registered Nurse: 12 Respiratory Therapy Technician: 3 Occupational Therapy Assistant: 2 Medical Director: 1 Occupational Therapy Aide: 1 Physical Therapy Aide: 1

Staff by category

Q4 2025 · Oct 1 – Dec 31 More info This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Certified Nursing Assistant31669715,26492100%9.6
Licensed Practical Nurse1413278,43492100%10
Registered Nurse812203,14792100%9.5
Medication Aide/Technician3031,5638795%9.8
Other Dietary Services Staff5051,2708896%7.8
Mental Health Service Worker3031,1106975%7.9
RN Director of Nursing2029577582%7.8
Physical Therapy Assistant4047676874%7.6
Nurse Aide in Training5056132932%7.9
Clinical Nurse Specialist1015746773%8.6
Administrator1014966267%8
Speech Language Pathologist2024896571%7.5
Respiratory Therapy Technician2354886267%7.5
Nurse Practitioner1014806065%8
Other Social Services Staff1014796065%8
Qualified Social Worker6063775459%6.5
Dental Services Staff1013284145%8
Physical Therapy Aide1123244852%6.5
Occupational Therapy Aide0112012830%7.2
Occupational Therapy Assistant02265910%7.2
Medical Director011614953%1.2
97 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days 100%
27 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days 100%
20 Registered Nurse
% of Days 100%
3 Medication Aide/Technician
% of Days 95%
5 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days 96%
3 Mental Health Service Worker
% of Days 75%
2 RN Director of Nursing
% of Days 82%
4 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days 74%
5 Nurse Aide in Training
% of Days 32%
1 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days 73%
1 Administrator
% of Days 67%
2 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days 71%
5 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days 67%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days 65%
1 Other Social Services Staff
% of Days 65%
6 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days 59%
1 Dental Services Staff
% of Days 45%
2 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days 52%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days 30%
2 Occupational Therapy Assistant
% of Days 10%
1 Medical Director
% of Days 53%

Penalties and fines

Includes penalties issued in 2024

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 $326K Rank #54 / 54Federal fines — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 54th out of 54 homes in New Mexico. Shows this facility's cumulative CMS federal fine dollars versus the New Mexico average among facilities with fines, and where it ranks among 54 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.
280% higher than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: $86K

Number of fines 3
14% more fines than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 2.6

Payment Denials Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. 3
487% more payment denials than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 0.5

Fines amount comparison
Fines amount comparison
This facility $326K
New Mexico average $86K
Penalty History

Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.

4 penalties in the past 3 years

Multiple penalties were reported in the last 3 years.

Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Sep 24, 2024
$33K
Payment Denial Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. Sep 24, 2024
39 days
Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Jul 16, 2024
$96K
Payment Denial Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. Jul 16, 2024
10 days

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 Info A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline. 12.5
30% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 9.6

Functional decline score Info A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence. 22.2
21% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 18.3

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 15.8%
In line with New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 15.6%

Walking Ability Worsened Info Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened 24.0%
31% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 18.3%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence Info Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder 26.9%
28% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 21.0%

Falls with Major Injury Info Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury 4.3%
29% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 3.3%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers Info Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers 5.7%
In line with New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 5.8%

Urinary Tract Infection Info Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection 1.2%
24% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 1.0%

Lost Too Much Weight Info Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight 12.7%
118% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 5.8%

Depressive Symptoms Info Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms 1.9%
9% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 1.7%

Antipsychotic Use Info Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication 25.8%
102% worse than New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 12.7%

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

New Mexico average: 97.2%

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

New Mexico average: 98.7%

Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 86.9%
In line with New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 86.1%

Antipsychotic medication increase Info Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication 1.3%
In line with New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 1.3%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 88.9%
In line with New Mexico average

New Mexico average: 86.4%

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

25% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 1 months

Private pay

50% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 1 - 2 months

Medicaid

25% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.

Typical stay 8 - 9 months

Facility Characteristics

Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)

Total residents 118
Medicare
118
100% 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.

Finances and operations

Privately-owned community
Operated by a business corporation.
Home revenue
$13.0M
Profit
$2.7M
Privately-owned community Operated by a business corporation.
Home revenue
$13.0M Rank #26 / 54Revenue — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 26th out of 54 homes in New Mexico. Shows this facility's annual revenue compared to the New Mexico 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
$2.7M
Payroll costs Info The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations. Rank #28 / 54Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 28th out of 54 homes in New Mexico. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the New Mexico 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.
$5.5M
42.7% of revenue Rank #36 / 54Payroll % — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 36th out of 54 homes in New Mexico. Shows payroll as a percentage of revenue versus the New Mexico average. Well-run New Mexico SNFs typically land around 53–59% — the top third Statewide. Below 25% may signal understaffing or heavy agency use — read with Staffing ratings.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Other operating costs Info All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$4.7M
Total costs $10.3M

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Mix of rehab and long-term care

This home supports both short-term rehab and long-term care, with residents staying for a wide range of durations.

Places of interest near Sierra Blanca Senior Living

Address 4.1 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Santa Fe's city center to Sierra Blanca Senior Living's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 1.53 miles to nearest hospital (Childrenu2019s Medical Services)

Calculate Travel Distance to Sierra Blanca Senior Living

Add your location

Address

Financial Assistance for
Nursing Home in New Mexico

Sierra Blanca Senior Living is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in New Mexico.

Get Financial aid guidance

Centennial Care Community Benefit

NM Medicaid Centennial Care

Age 65+ or disabled
General New Mexico resident, Medicaid- eligible, long-term care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) (excludes home, car).
NM

Managed care model; rural outreach efforts.

Benefits
In-home care (5-7 hours/day, e.g., bathing, dressing) Respite care (up to 240 hours/year) Adult day care (~$65/day) Medical services

New Mexico Caregiver Support Program

NM NFCSP Respite

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General New Mexico resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
NM

Limited slots; rural focus due to sparse population.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$65/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

New Mexico PACE (e.g., InnovAge New Mexico PACE)

Age 55+
General NM resident (specific counties), NFLOC, safe with PACE support.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month (Medicaid-eligible); private pay option available.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) for Medicaid enrollees.
NM

Available in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia Counties via InnovAge.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Respite Therapies

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

New Mexico Older Americans Act Services

Age 60+
General NM resident (or spouse of any age); no income/asset limits.
Income Limits (2025) None; sliding scale fees may apply for some services.
Asset Limits Not assessed.
NM

Two AAAs (Albuquerque vs. Non-Metro); services vary by region.

Benefits
Meals (home-delivered or group, ~$5-$7/meal value) Transportation Homemaker services (~4 hours/week) Respite (5 days/year) Adult day care ($50/day)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

New Mexico Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General NM resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits None in NM unique among states
NM

No asset test; includes Extra Help for Part D.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

New Mexico VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General NM resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
NM

High veteran demand in rural/urban areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Property Tax Rebate for Seniors

New Mexico Property Tax Rebate

Age 65+
General NM resident, homeowner or renter, paid property taxes.
Income Limits (2025) ~$36,000/year individual, projected
Asset Limits Not assessed.
NM

Rebate up to $250-$500; annual application required.

Benefits
Tax rebate (~$250-$500/year) to offset housing costs

Frequently Asked Questions about Sierra Blanca Senior Living

Is Sierra Blanca Senior Living in a walkable area?

Sierra Blanca Senior Living has a walk score of 18. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

What is the phone number of Sierra Blanca Senior Living?

(505) 309-4199 will put you in contact with the team at Sierra Blanca Senior Living.

Is Sierra Blanca Senior Living Medicare or Medicaid certified?

Yes — Sierra Blanca Senior Living is a CMS-certified provider of Medicare and Medicaid.

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Explore Open Rooms
1 Contact details
2 What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3 What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4 How soon do you need to find care?
5 Additional details

Thank you for your interest!

Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.