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Reviews of Driftwood Health Care Center are sharply divided: several families describe caring, attentive frontline staff and strong rehab outcomes, while others report serious concerns about management responsiveness, phone communication, and crowded living conditions. Google ratings reflect this split, with both 5-star praise for rehab staff and 1-2 star accounts of chaos and poor oversight.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Driftwood Health Care Center is a senior living community in Santa Cruz, California offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 2.7 out of 5 across 19 reviews.
Driftwood Healthcare Center - Santa Cruz is a skilled nursing facility providing comprehensive care in Santa Cruz, California. The community offers 24-hour nursing care with a focus on quality of life, treating residents and employees as part of a family environment.
The facility provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, with rehabilitation professionals developing individualized plans of care in consultation with residents' physicians and care team members. Dietary services, overseen by a registered dietician, supply nutritious meals tailored to physician orders, with feeding assistance and retraining available as needed.
Daily living support includes assistance with bathing, dressing, and eating, along with restorative nursing care. Social services staff address residents' social, spiritual, recreational, and emotional needs as part of comprehensive care delivery.
The community maintains a dedicated COVID isolation unit with dedicated staff to protect resident health and safety, implementing screening protocols and infection control measures in accordance with guidance from county, state, and federal health authorities.
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Help Me Choose2.7overall · 19 ratings combined
2.7★ on Google (19)
James Chisholm
Apr 2026
WARNING do not let your relatives stay in this facility, it's an absolute hellscape, they don't answer the phones, they're completely unprofessional and they abuse the patients verbally. I've seen it with my own eyes, they'll let a person come in there and take somebody offsite without even asking for ID. I know all about it this place, it should be shut down and their license should be revoked.
Adrienne Lee
Feb 2026
My dad lived here for 8 months until his last month, when we moved him to another place to pass. The positives: the staff- they are kind and caring and were positive and upbeat whenever we spoke to them while visiting. They get four stars!! It was the only facility my father could afford so there wasn’t another option. It was a very hectic facility - lots of chaos and loud noises from patients. Was not particularly comfortable or homey. If we could have afforded something else, we would’ve chosen that. He was in a room with two others, separated by a half curtain. No room for personal belongings and was not a nice place to visit. Could never get ahold of him via phone so in person visiting was the only way to speak to him. This part gets 1-2 stars.
Jenna C Logan
Mar 2025
Any interaction I've had with anyone on the management side (which is where 95% of the issues were) has been rude and condescending. My dad has dementia, and I could tell they wanted him OUT and made that painfully clear. Their management team completely lacks empathy and it shows. Also, the horrible phone line system makes it nearly impossible to get ahold of your loved one. Avoid this place at all costs if you can.
Marilyn Godinez
Jun 2023
My grandmother was a patient at Driftwood the staff was amazing! We had a great team of staff including Rafael who is in charge of admissions that worked with me and my family to make sure this was the right fit for my grandmother he also made sure that the transfer process was seamlessly easy and comforting for her and our family we thank everyone at Driftwood for the lovely experience.
Jackie Rundell
Jun 2023
Driftwood has sure been a game changer in caring for my Mom. My Mom went thru extensive Rehab, consisting of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy over a two week stay at Driftwood. My Mom entered Rehab on 7 liters of oxygen after 2 1/2 weeks over at Dominican Hospital, and was discharged from Driftwood on ZERO oxygen!! Not only is she off the oxygen, but she is stronger and more physically fit before even going into the Hospital with severe pneumonia!! We, the Family, cannot THANK the Staff over at Driftwood enough! The Director of Rehab, Christina, kept us well informed and updated on Moms progress, her entire stay! The CNA’s, the LVN’s, the RN’s, the Admissions gentleman, Javier to the Receptionist to the Kitchen Staff… all went above and beyond to make Moms stay as pleasant as possible!! Mom played BINGO and enjoyed it so much, she went and played another day! She had a great roommate, they bonded well and had things in common, like old friends! Mom has already received several “follow-up” calls from the Director of Rehab, Christina and the Case Manager, Hersey, from Senior Healthcare, wanting make sure all was well with Mom and wishing her the best. Again, a sincere THANK YOU to all the great Staff that worked so hard to get Mom up on her feet, off the oxygen and stronger and fit as ever! God Bless. Jackie Rundell for Patricia Rundell, Patient And Family
11 inspection visits in the last three years, 85 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 9, 2026
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 Jan 9, 2026
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.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 9, 2026
Provide primary/alternate means for communication.
Severity C of L: potential for minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 9, 2026
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 Sep 21, 2025
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 12, 2024
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 12, 2024
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 Oct 31, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Ensure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Establish emergency prep training and testing.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Develop a communication plan.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Develop Emergency Preparedness policies and procedures.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 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 Jul 17, 2024
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 17, 2024
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 Jul 17, 2024
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 24, 2024
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 Jul 17, 2024
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
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, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
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 Jul 17, 2024
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 Jul 17, 2024
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Ensure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 17, 2024
Provide emergency officials' contact information.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 24, 2024
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 24, 2024
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 Mar 27, 2024
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 Mar 13, 2024
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 30, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 30, 2023
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 Oct 30, 2023
Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 12, 2022
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 12, 2022
Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 12, 2022
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 12, 2022
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 Sep 7, 2022
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 12, 2022
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 7, 2022
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 2022
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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 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 Sep 12, 2022
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 7, 2022
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 7, 2022
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 7, 2022
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 7, 2022
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 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 Sep 12, 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 Sep 12, 2022
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 Sep 12, 2022
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 2022
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.
Driftwood Health Care Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Driftwood Health Care Center is located at 675 24th Avenue in Santa Cruz, California.
Reviews of Driftwood Health Care Center are sharply divided: several families describe caring, attentive frontline staff and strong rehab outcomes, while others report serious concerns about management responsiveness, phone communication, and crowded living conditions. Google ratings reflect this split, with both 5-star praise for rehab staff and 1-2 star accounts of chaos and poor oversight.
Driftwood Health Care Center had 11 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 85 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.
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Driftwood Health 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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