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Brookdale Santa Catalina

7500 North Calle Sin Envidia

3.9(64 ratings)· Tucson average: 4.2

Part of Brookdale Senior Living · 476 communities · 4.3★ average

Brookdale Santa Catalina, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
42
Medicare rating
4 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
For profit, Corporation
Certified beds
42
Payment model
Rental CCRC, no entrance fee required
Nursing coverage
Licensed nurses on-site day and night
Campus layout
All care levels housed on one 20-acre campus

What Families Think

Reviews of Brookdale Santa Catalina are sharply split by care level: families in assisted living describe attentive, caring staff and a clean, comfortable setting, while those with loved ones in the skilled nursing unit report serious concerns about understaffing, slow response times, and medical care during illness. Multiple reviewers describe the same pattern of a resident's infection being dismissed by nursing and medical staff before ultimately requiring an ER visit.

The Good

  • Assisted living staff described as kind and patient
  • Praise for specific aides and nurses by name
  • Food quality praised, with scenic mountain and wildlife views
  • Clean interior, though carpets show wear stains
  • Multiple care levels available on one campus

The Bad

  • Multiple reports of nurses/doctors dismissing resident illness before ER diagnosis
  • One report of call buttons taking 30–90 minutes to answer
  • One report of chaotic, disorganized management and billing errors
  • One report of a resident falling while trying to reach help unassisted

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Brookdale Santa Catalina is a senior living community in Tucson, Arizona offering Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Outdoor Patio and Gardening Club. Families rate it 3.9 out of 5 across 64 reviews.

About Brookdale Santa Catalina

Brookdale Santa Catalina is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Tucson, Arizona, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation all on a single 20-acre campus. The community features pet-friendly apartments available in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, with utilities, transportation, and maintenance included for residents.

The community provides multiple levels of care to support residents as their needs change. Independent living residents enjoy the freedom to pursue hobbies and activities. Assisted living offers support with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication management while maintaining resident choice and independence. Memory care, delivered through the Clare Bridge program, uses a person-centered approach for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, providing familiar routines and gentle sensory experiences. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation care includes licensed nurses available day and night for recovery and ongoing support.

Activities and programming at Brookdale Santa Catalina include yoga, walking groups, creative classes, brain games, and clubs such as the Nature Walkers Group, Music Appreciation Society, Gardening Society, and Veterans Club. The community hosts evening socials with live piano music, cooking classes in the Chef's Kitchen, and the Coastal Artists Club. Residents come from diverse professional backgrounds, including teachers, artists, and business professionals, many with degrees from University of Arizona and Arizona State University.

The campus is situated in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains within a gated, exclusive community featuring landscaped grounds, fountains, scenic mountain views, and paved walking paths. The nearby neighborhood offers attractions including Tohono Chul Park with its gardens and walking paths, the Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley, and La Encantada shopping center with outdoor seating areas.

Dining at the community emphasizes personalization, with residents able to share recipes, favorites, and dietary needs that shape menu offerings. Meals feature whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables with balanced flavor. A Personal Solutions program allows residents to order household and personal items delivered to their apartments, charged to their monthly bill with free delivery provided.

The community operates as a rental CCRC, with residents paying a monthly rental fee plus monthly fees based on care level. A staff member is on-site 24/7 to respond to emergencies, and caregivers are available to assist with daily living tasks. Pets are welcome at the community.

Types of Care at Brookdale Santa Catalina

Independent LivingSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Multiple Floor Plans
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Washer & Dryer
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Chapel / Religious Services
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)
  • Outdoor Patio
  • Pet Friendly
  • Salon / Barber
  • Transportation Services
  • Walking Paths

Activities

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Birthday / Holiday Parties
  • Day Trips and Outings
  • Games
  • Gardening Club
  • Religious Services
  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Reviews of Brookdale Santa Catalina

3.9overall · 64 ratings combined

3.9★ on Google (64)

Indigo

May 2026

via Google

The gals on the floor in the skilled nursing unit are everything anyone could wish for for their loved ones. They really care about their patients. Can't say that loudly enough!! They are, however, woefully understaffed. Call buttons take 30 minutes to an hour and a half to answer. Yesterday, the lady in the room across the hall fell while trying to get to her doorway to ask for help. She literally dragged herself across her floor into the doorway before I saw her and went running for staff. Meals are rarely as ordered, sometimes ridiculously so. And the management staff... The management at this location is as discombobulated as any place I've ever encountered. It's like the office staff, the medical records staff, the social service staff and especially the head nurse were pulled off the street yesterday. They have absolutely no ability to think ahead, think for themselves or make the journey easy for families. The financial office gave me a contract to sign that had nothing to do with our situation. When I pointed out the discrepancies, Rebecca told me to just ignore the fact that it required monthly fees up front (we weren't going as a monthly client). She seemed surprised when I balked at signing a $12,000 document that was inappropriate. She tried to explain it was their boilerplate and didn't matter. We compromised by not signing a contract. My mother went in after being hospitalized for an acute UTI. After one secondary test the first week of eight weeks, which tested positive, Julie, the lead nurse, continually pooh poohed our request to retest after a suitable period after antibiotics were done. Her "educated opinion" was that "all old people get UTIs". That may be true, but after hounding them for three consecutive tests - all that came back ecoli positive greater than 100,000 parts - and a fourth for a different, resistant bug for which they constrained her to her room and made personnel gown up and mask before coming in, the facility refused to take another test. I literally had to collect a urine sample and bring it to Sonora Quest myself. At this point we made the decision to bring her home for good and use an in house doc for her care. At this point at least six of the rooms in her corridor had quarantine kits outside patient doors. And no, they weren't there as normal policy. The social worker never got ahead of the eight ball. Never, not once, was she prepared to do something before it was absolutely necessary. I feel bad for the floor staff working there. Working with a completely befuddled and unorganized staff must make for very long work hours. We will try The Centre if future need arises. Caring for elderly parents is hard enough without a lame duck management crew adding to the burden.

G C

Mar 2026

via Google

My mom has been here for about a week now. I am so impressed by the attentiveness and care she’s received, especially by her aid Lino and her nurse, Isabel. Isabel answered any and every question I had, which was a lot (I’m sorry Isabel!) however I’m happy to know she has a nurse that knows a thing or two about a thing or two. I know my mom is going to continue to gain the strength she needs to be able to return home thanks to all the staff here!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Aracely Ramirez

Mar 2026

via Google

My brother went in there for PT, then he started feeling sick and asked to be taken to the hospital and they refused to do it. They said there was nothing wrong n he was just making up stories!!! Supposedly they did blood work to see what the problem was n they didn’t find anything. After disrespecting him n threatening his daughter with calling the cops on her, they finally took him to the hospital where they found he had a UTI that could have made it worse for him. Both the 2 Rn’s n the Dr are very rude and insulted him!!!

C R

Mar 2026

via Google

My uncle was recently transferred here for rehab. He became ill and brought it to the attention of 2 nurses and a doctor and was told there was nothing wrong with him and he was making things up. His daughter attempted to advocate for him and she was asked to leave. Eventually they took my uncle to the ER where he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The negligence of the 2 nurses and doctor could have cost my uncle his life. He is in a delicate state of health. My uncle said he felt so disrespected by their behavior towards him. It’s so sad that these places only care about money and not the actual patient. Brookdale, I hope you do better with other patients. The behavior of your nurses and doctor could very well cost you a malpractice lawsuit!

Jean Johnson

Oct 2024

via Google

My mom has been at Brookdale Santa Catalina assisted living for over 2 years. First and by far the most important is that EVERYONE on staff is kind and patient. I never worry about her wellbeing or safety. The food is excellent!! Almost every window has a beautiful view with plenty of birds and wildlife. The interior is clean. The only drawback is the carpet is cleaned frequently but still has stains from walkers, wheelchairs and spills. (Life in assisted living 🙂)

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Government Inspection History

7 inspection visits in the last three years, 32 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

May 29, 2026Health Complaint3 citations
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 30, 2026

  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 30, 2026

  • Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 30, 2026

Apr 22, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 19, 2026

Jun 27, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard5 citations
  • Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 1, 2025

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 1, 2025

  • Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 1, 2025

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 1, 2025

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 1, 2025

Feb 12, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
  • 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.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 27, 2025

Jun 24, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 26, 2024

  • Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 3, 2024

May 1, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard6 citations
  • Keep all essential equipment working safely.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 17, 2024

  • Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 17, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 17, 2024

  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 20, 2024

  • Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 17, 2024

  • Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 17, 2024

Jan 5, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard14 citations
  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • 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.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • 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.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Ensure staff are vaccinated for COVID-19

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

  • Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 5, 2023

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Brookdale Santa Catalina offer?

Brookdale Santa Catalina offers Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Is Brookdale Santa Catalina pet friendly?

Yes. Brookdale Santa Catalina lists pet-friendly accommodations among its amenities. Ask about any size or breed policies when you visit.

Where is Brookdale Santa Catalina located?

Brookdale Santa Catalina is located at 7500 North Calle Sin Envidia in Tucson, Arizona.

What do families say about Brookdale Santa Catalina?

Reviews of Brookdale Santa Catalina are sharply split by care level: families in assisted living describe attentive, caring staff and a clean, comfortable setting, while those with loved ones in the skilled nursing unit report serious concerns about understaffing, slow response times, and medical care during illness. Multiple reviewers describe the same pattern of a resident's infection being dismissed by nursing and medical staff before ultimately requiring an ER visit.

How did Brookdale Santa Catalina do on recent health and safety inspections?

Brookdale Santa Catalina had 7 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 32 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Brookdale Santa Catalina?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Brookdale Santa Catalina and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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