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Desert Haven Care Center

2645 East Thomas Road

3.4(44 ratings)· Phoenix average: 4.4

Desert Haven Care Center, photo 11 / 4

Quick Facts

Medicare rating
1 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
For profit, Limited Liability company
Certified beds
115

What Families Think

Reviews for Desert Haven Care Center are sharply divided: some families and residents praise individual nurses, aides, and doctors for compassionate, attentive care, while others describe serious safety, cleanliness, and property issues. Ratings sit at 3.4 out of 5 on Google (37 reviews) and 3.7 on Yelp, reflecting this mixed experience.

The Good

  • Several reviewers praise kind, attentive nursing staff
  • Doctors described as responsive and effective
  • One reviewer noted the facility was fully staffed
  • Staff cited for going above and beyond for dying residents

The Bad

  • Multiple reports of roaches, urine smell, and poor cleanliness
  • One report of staff refusing to call 911 for a medical emergency
  • Several reviewers describe lost or stolen personal belongings, including clothing
  • Reports of slow response to call lights and bedpan requests
  • Building described by multiple reviewers as old and rundown

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Desert Haven Care Center is a senior living community in Phoenix, Arizona offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 3.4 out of 5 across 37 reviews.

About Desert Haven Care Center

Desert Haven Care Center is a skilled nursing and long-term care facility in Phoenix, Arizona, serving patients who need ongoing medical support and residential care. The facility operates as a for-profit center with a mixed reputation reflected in its 3.4 out of 5 Google rating across 37 reviews.

Families consistently praise individual staff members, particularly nursing assistants and caregivers, as attentive, kind, and responsive to resident needs. One family noted their mother received "excellent care" with staff who "treated them with respect and dignity." However, reviews also surface persistent operational concerns: the building is described as outdated and deteriorating, with aging medical equipment lacking safety features; laundry practices result in lost or mislabeled clothing; and several families raised serious questions about medication administration and medical decision-making by nursing staff without clear physician oversight. Food quality draws mixed feedback, with some families noting it is adequate while others report cold, limited meals.

The most troubling pattern across reviews involves property maintenance, resident safety protocols, and inventory management rather than frontline care alone. Multiple reviewers expressed concern about conditions they characterized as unsafe or undignified. The facility's willingness to budget for regulatory fines rather than invest in compliance, mentioned by a longstanding contact, suggests systemic prioritization issues beyond individual staff performance.

With a 3.4-star rating from 37 families, Desert Haven reflects a facility where dedicated staff work within significant structural and operational constraints. Prospective residents and their families should conduct in-person visits and request detailed information on medical protocols, building maintenance, and laundry procedures before enrolling.

Types of Care at Desert Haven Care Center

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

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

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)

Activities

  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Reviews of Desert Haven Care Center

3.4overall · 44 ratings combined

3.4★ on Google (37) · 3.7★ on Yelp (7) · Yelp page ↗

LUCKY

Feb 2026

via Google

Now that I have transitioned to a superior facility, my clarity of mind has returned. I feel compelled to issue a formal warning: Desert Haven Scare Center is, without contest, the most grievous establishment I have encountered since becoming disabled. While a select group of staff members perform their duties with grace, the leadership and general standards are utterly beneath contempt. Grievances of the Realm The Oak Unit Leadership: The Head Nurse is a habitual fabricator of the truth, and the Director of Nursing (D.O.N.) is utterly ineffectual, blindly endorsing every falsehood. To suggest they are unfit for their stations is a drastic understatement. The Loss of Property: Upon my arrival, I was commanded to inventory my wardrobe. When the laundry department inevitably lost my garments, I was only reimbursed for three items. It became clear the staff had lied about the inventory process entirely. Security & Neglect: My belongings remained secure only because I maintained a personal security camera. Furthermore, my "call light" was treated as a mere suggestion. They justified their negligence by claiming I could walk, and they weaponized my slurred speech against me. Profiling & Prejudice: At 6'4" and nearly 300 pounds, I was profiled relentlessly. The indignities I suffered were so numerous I have lost count. Atmosphere of Distrust: I refused to entrust them with my financial data and provided false information regarding my kin to protect them from this toxic environment. I kept the administration in a state of confusion as a defensive measure. A Failure of Care I endured this "asylum" solely for the mental health program and to avoid delaying my Social Security benefits. However, the treatment I received was insane. Whenever the environment provoked an outburst, the administration engaged in gaslighting to cast me as the villain. I witnessed the Head Nurse and D.O.N. literally huddling to concoct manipulations to cover their failures. I was there to heal, not to accumulate new trauma. The state of the facility is appalling: The State inspectors are nowhere to be found. Pest control is a fantasy. They lack even basic cable, offering only subpar digital television. The Roll of Honor Despite the darkness of this institution, there are Extraordinary Souls who deserve recognition. This review is a condemnation of the establishment, not these noble individuals. If your name is not on this list, it is my firm belief that you have no business in the medical field. I salute the following: Debbie, Sabrina, Jessie, Karly, Jonathan, Richard, T-Jay, James, Selena, Karin, Denise, both Mexican and African American Claudia, Phyllis , Terri,Brittany, Angela, Brandy, Sarah, Chuck, Kefe, Suzan, Cheryl, Jordan, Wellington, Erika, Rikary, Naomi, Perla, Sujey, Wilson, Lupe, Lori, Justin, Dawn, Awa, Joy, Jane, David, Gabbie, Maria, Paz, Romelia, Letty, Gift, Teresa, Odette, Sonnie, Awal, Franca, Mary, Evelyn, Craig, Alexa, both Seannas and their Mother, Norma, Bob, Lacy, Ralph, Cesar, and the entire Kitchen Staff. Unless this facility is placed under new sovereignty, it should be shuttered immediately. (🎤 The Mic has been dropped🎤).!!!

Reginaldo Salinas

Dec 2025

via Google

OutSide Of Building Is Old and Falling Apart. Went inside to visit patient reeked of urine. Not A Good Place.

Joel

Nov 2025

via Google

Did not feel safe I had a medical problem they refused to call 911 so I called went to the hospital for on thing the hospital found a worse problem had to have abdominal surgery don't go to this facility

D

Donna H.

Aug 2025

via Yelp

A new building would be a definite improvement. The staff is great. They take good care of their patients.

Kayla Sanchez

Jul 2025

via Google

This place is not bad at all. The rooms are outdated, building appears old and rundown, it definitely could be remodeled. However, the majority of the staff truly went above and beyond caring for my mother. One of the nursing assistants was Sue and she was amazing taking care of my mom during her last moments. I would recommend this place.

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Government Inspection History

10 inspection visits in the last three years, 38 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

May 1, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
  • Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 2, 2026

Mar 2, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
  • Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 27, 2026

Jan 26, 2026Health Complaint4 citations
  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 30, 2026

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 30, 2026

  • Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 30, 2026

  • Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 30, 2026

Dec 17, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 2, 2026

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

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 2, 2026

Sep 5, 2025Health Standard2 citations
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 10, 2025

  • Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 10, 2025

Nov 6, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 11, 2024

Aug 23, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 24, 2024

Apr 17, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard12 citations
  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Meet requirements for the use and maintenance of medical gas equipment.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • 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.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • 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 Apr 19, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 19, 2024

  • Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 19, 2024

Dec 1, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard10 citations
  • Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 5, 2022

  • PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 5, 2022

  • Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 5, 2022

  • 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, isolatedCorrected Dec 5, 2022

  • Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 5, 2022

  • Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 5, 2022

  • 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 Dec 5, 2022

  • Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 5, 2022

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 20, 2023

  • Post nurse staffing information every day.

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 5, 2022

Aug 27, 2021Fire Safety Standard4 citations
  • Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 1, 2021

  • Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 1, 2021

  • Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 1, 2021

  • Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 1, 2021

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 Desert Haven Care Center offer?

Desert Haven Care Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Desert Haven Care Center located?

Desert Haven Care Center is located at 2645 East Thomas Road in Phoenix, Arizona.

What do families say about Desert Haven Care Center?

Reviews for Desert Haven Care Center are sharply divided: some families and residents praise individual nurses, aides, and doctors for compassionate, attentive care, while others describe serious safety, cleanliness, and property issues. Ratings sit at 3.4 out of 5 on Google (37 reviews) and 3.7 on Yelp, reflecting this mixed experience.

How did Desert Haven Care Center do on recent health and safety inspections?

Desert Haven Care Center had 10 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 38 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 Desert Haven Care Center?

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

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