nursing home in Portola Valley, CA
The Sequoias
501 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028 · (650) 851-1501
★★★★★5
Much above average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★5
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★5
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
The Sequoias at a glance
The Sequoias is a 43-bed non-profit nursing home in Portola Valley, California (San Mateo 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 4.3 hours of nursing care per day (0.6 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 4.5 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (August 7, 2025) found 5 health citations. The California average is 15.5.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $12,703.
Nursing staff turnover is 6.3% per year (state average 36.7%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 43
- Certified for
- Medicare
- Medicare-certified since
- January 18, 1967
- Continuing care retirement community
- Yes
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- San Mateo County
- CMS Certification Number
- 055466
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) | 5 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Better |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| 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) | 4.28 hrs | 4.52 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Better |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.61 hrs | 0.67 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Worse |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.37 hrs | 2.65 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Average |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.00 hrs | 4.09 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Worse |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 6.3% | 36.7% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 0% | 38.1% | 42.9% | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 5 | 16 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 0 | 4 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 30 | 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) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $12,703 | $23,986 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Average |
Size
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 43 | 99 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 31 | 88 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 71.4% | 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) | 1.3% | 1.6% | 3.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 1.3% | 4.3% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 4.3% | 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) | 0% | 0.8% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 6.5% | 10.2% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 9% | 9.8% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 1.6% | 4% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 0% | 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) | 1.5% | 13.7% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 20.7% | 10.2% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 100% | 98.2% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 97.4% | 98.6% | 93.6% | Average |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | California avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 0.9% | 1.5% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 87.7% | 93.2% | 79.8% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 90.9% | 94.4% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 20 health deficiencies and 23 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. None were rated as causing actual harm to residents.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 7, 2025 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 5, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Fire safety | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0355 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 22, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Fire safety | Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0919 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 22, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 22, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 22, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected August 22, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | C No harm, widespread | Corrected August 22, 2025 |
| August 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 August 29, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 29, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Standard | Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 29, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 Standard | Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 29, 2025 |
| August 7, 2025 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 August 29, 2025 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0347 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Establish staff and initial training requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0037 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0291 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0293 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected June 26, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 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 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 1, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 1, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Standard | Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 1, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Standard | Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 1, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 1, 2024 |
| May 24, 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 July 1, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 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 July 1, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 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 July 1, 2024 |
| May 24, 2024 Standard | Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0851 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 1, 2024 |
| December 30, 2021 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected January 31, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 Fire safety | Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0919 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 31, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 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 January 31, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 31, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 27, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 Standard | Dispose of garbage and refuse properly. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0814 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 27, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 Standard | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 27, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 Standard | Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 27, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 Standard | Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 27, 2022 |
| December 30, 2021 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 January 27, 2022 |
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 1 federal penalty in the past three years, including $12,703 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| October 30, 2023 | Fine | $12,703 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEQUOIA LIVING INC Organization | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 100% | 01/18/1967 |
| MCVEY, SARAH Individual | 5% or greater indirect ownership interest | — | 09/24/2019 |
| ATWOOD, MARTHA Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/03/1994 |
| CHEN, CAN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2017 |
| MCVEY, SARAH Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/24/2019 |
| SEQUOIA LIVING INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/14/2025 |
| SHOEMAKE, CHARLES Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/14/2025 |
| WASLEY-FAIRLEY, SUZANNE Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2022 |
| AGOSTINO, VALERIE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/07/2020 |
| CORRIEA, RICHARD Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/19/2021 |
| HERMAN, STEVEN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2017 |
| HOWIE, CARL Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2011 |
| ITO, HOLLY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/25/2022 |
| JAMISON, DAVID Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2014 |
| LIM, MARIANNE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/21/2020 |
| LYNN, PATRICIA Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/29/2020 |
| MAYEDA, NANCY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2016 |
| SANDERSON, CORY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/29/2024 |
| SPAULDING, DIANNE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/01/2014 |
| SUEY, MARILYN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/22/2023 |
| MCVEY, SARAH Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/24/2019 |
| SHOEMAKE, CHARLES Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/14/2020 |
| CHEN, CAN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2017 |
| MCVEY, SARAH Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/24/2019 |
| WASLEY-FAIRLEY, SUZANNE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/01/2022 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is The Sequoias's rating?
The Sequoias 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 The Sequoias receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 5 citations, compared with a California average of 15.5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does The Sequoias accept Medicare and Medicaid?
CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.
Who owns The Sequoias?
It is non profit - corporation. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is The Sequoias and how do I contact it?
The Sequoias is at 501 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028. Phone: (650) 851-1501.
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.