nursing home in San Diego, CA
University Care Center
5602 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105 · (619) 583-1993
★★★★★5
Much above average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★4
- Staffing★★★★★3
- Quality measures★★★★★5
- CMS high performer
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
University Care Center at a glance
University Care Center is a 87-bed for-profit nursing home in San Diego, California (San Diego County).
CMS gives it 5 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, better than the California average of 3.2.
Residents receive about 4 hours of nursing care per day (0.5 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 4.5 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (May 7, 2025) found 7 health citations. The California average is 15.5.
It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.
Nursing staff turnover is 36.4% per year (state average 36.7%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- For Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 87
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Pacs Group
- Medicare-certified since
- January 10, 1967
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- San Diego County
- CMS Certification Number
- 055328
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Better |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Average |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Better |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Better |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 4.04 hrs | 4.52 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.49 hrs | 0.67 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Worse |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.52 hrs | 2.65 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.73 hrs | 4.09 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Better |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 36.4% | 36.7% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 0% | 38.1% | 42.9% | Better |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 0 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 7 | 16 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 4 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 61 | 105.8 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $0 | $23,986 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 87 | 99 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 80 | 88 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 91.4% | 88.4% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 4.3% | 1.6% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 6% | 4.3% | 4.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 10.1% | 12% | 15.4% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0% | 1.2% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 1.2% | 0.8% | 0.8% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 3.1% | 10.2% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 2.4% | 9.8% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 6.1% | 4% | 5.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 4.7% | 7.3% | 12.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better) | 0% | 0.4% | 0.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better) | 13.3% | 13.7% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 3.9% | 10.2% | 19% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 96.3% | 98.2% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 98.6% | 93.6% | Better |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 0.8% | 1.5% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 86.5% | 93.2% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 98.5% | 94.4% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 41 health deficiencies and 24 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 4, 2025 Complaint | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 29, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Fire safety | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 17, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0914 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 17, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Fire safety | Meet requirements for operating features, such as evacuation plans, fire drills, smoking regulations, draperies, decorations and the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0700 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 17, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Fire safety | Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0741 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 17, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 17, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected July 17, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 4, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Standard | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 4, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 4, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Standard | Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0693 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 4, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Standard | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 4, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Standard | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 4, 2025 |
| May 7, 2025 Standard | Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms. Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0912 | B No harm, pattern | Corrected June 4, 2025 |
| January 28, 2025 Complaint | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 22, 2025 |
| January 28, 2025 Complaint | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected February 22, 2025 |
| November 13, 2024 Complaint | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 13, 2024 |
| November 13, 2024 Complaint | Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 13, 2024 |
| July 1, 2024 Complaint | Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public. Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 26, 2024 |
| June 19, 2024 Complaint | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 12, 2024 |
| March 19, 2024 Complaint | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected April 18, 2024 |
| December 4, 2023 Complaint | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 19, 2023 |
| December 4, 2023 Complaint | Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected December 19, 2023 |
| October 25, 2023 Complaint | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 24, 2023 |
| October 25, 2023 Complaint | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 24, 2023 |
| September 11, 2023 Complaint | Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0740 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 26, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Have power receptacles that are properly grounded. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0912 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0919 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Use approved construction type or materials. Construction Deficiencies · Tag K0161 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0211 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0355 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0354 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Fire safety | Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0346 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected March 20, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0685 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Provide activities to meet all resident's needs. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0679 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0661 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0622 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0757 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Designate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0841 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| February 17, 2023 Standard | Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms. Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0912 | B No harm, pattern | Corrected March 16, 2023 |
| August 23, 2019 Fire safety | Ensure that smoke control systems are tested and documented in accordance with established engineering principles. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0771 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 8, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Fire safety | Use approved construction type or materials. Construction Deficiencies · Tag K0161 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 8, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 8, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 8, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 8, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 8, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Fire safety | Provide primary/alternate means for communication. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0032 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 8, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Standard | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 12, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Standard | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 12, 2019 |
| August 23, 2019 Standard | Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms. Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0912 | B No harm, pattern | Corrected September 12, 2019 |
Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with potential for minimal harm; D–F potential for more than minimal harm; G–I actual harm; J–L immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety. How to read inspection citations.
Fines and payment denials
CMS reports no federal fines or payment denials in the past three years.
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFSHAR, POUYA Individual | contracted managing employee | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/30/2023 |
| APT, FREDERICK Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| HANCOCK, MARK Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| JERGENSEN, JOSHUA Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| MITCHELL, JOHN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| DAY, MATTHEW Individual | w-2 managing employee | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/24/2024 |
Other nursing homes near University Care Center
Jacob Healthcare Center
4075 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105 · under 1 mi
For-profit · 128 beds · Part of Links Healthcare Group
★★★★★5Much above averageArroyo Vista Nursing Center
3022 45th Street, San Diego, CA 92105 · 1.4 mi
For-profit · 53 beds · Part of The Ensign Group
★★★★★5Much above averageBrighton Place San Diego
1350 N. Euclid Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105 · 2 mi
For-profit · 99 beds · Part of Pacific Healthcare Holdings
★★★★★1Much below averageLa Mesa Healthcare Center
3780 Massachusetts Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 · 2.3 mi
For-profit · 94 beds · Part of Pacs Group
★★★★★4Above average- ★★★★★4Above average
Golden Hill Post Acute
1201 34th St., San Diego, CA 92102 · 3.1 mi
For-profit · 99 beds · Part of The Ensign Group
★★★★★3Average
Frequently asked questions
What is University Care Center's rating?
University Care Center has 5 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for California nursing homes is 3.2 stars.
How many inspection citations did University Care Center receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 7 citations, compared with a California average of 15.5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does University Care Center accept Medicare and Medicaid?
CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.
Who owns University Care Center?
It is for profit - corporation and part of Pacs Group. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is University Care Center and how do I contact it?
University Care Center is at 5602 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105. Phone: (619) 583-1993.
About this data
Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.