Patricia Ruiz
May 2026
Employees are very nice and they make the effort to help the patients
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 75
- Medicare rating
- 2 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Limited Liability company
- Certified beds
- 75
- Inspections
- View history (111 citations)
- Room type
- No private rooms available
- Licensed capacity
- Licensed for up to 75 residents
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews of GEM Transitional Care Center are sharply divided: several families praise the nursing, therapy, and social work staff by name for compassionate, attentive care, while other reviewers describe serious cleanliness and supply issues. With a 3.5 rating from 32 reviews, experiences here seem to vary significantly depending on timing and specific staff involved.
The Good
- Therapy staff praised for patience and dedication
- Nursing and CNA staff noted for compassionate, dignified care
- Social workers praised for guiding families through the process
- Staff described as friendly and welcoming to visitors
The Bad
- One report of multiple patient deaths in a short period
- One report of roaches and unsanitary conditions in rooms
- One report of running out of diapers and soap
- One report of dirty linens and trash left in facility
- One reviewer noted worn equipment and no private rooms
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
GEM Transitional Care Center is a senior living community in Pasadena, California offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 3.5 out of 5 across 32 reviews.
About GEM Transitional Care Center
GEM Transitional Care Center is a skilled nursing and long-term care facility in Pasadena, California, licensed for 75 residents.
Family experiences at the center are mixed. Several families praise the clinical staff, particularly physical and occupational therapists, for their patience and focus on helping residents regain independence. One family wrote that staff "didn't just do their jobs they showed heart." Meals are described as generous, served hot three times daily, though some families note portions exceed typical senior appetites. The atmosphere is characterized by friendly, welcoming staff in positive reviews. However, other families report serious operational concerns, including inadequate supplies (diapers, soap, paper towels), unresponsive management when issues are raised, and maintenance needs around equipment and bathrooms.
The facility carries a 3.5-star Google rating across 32 reviews, reflecting the divide between families who experienced compassionate care and those who encountered resource and management challenges.
Types of Care at GEM Transitional 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
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
Activities
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of GEM Transitional Care Center
3.5overall · 32 ratings combined
3.5★ on Google (32)
Marky Mark
May 2026
They treat me with kindness and a warm welcoming when I come in to see my friend Jonathan Olsen!😃😊
glaiza imbag
May 2026
My family and I will never forget the care my mom received at GEM TCU during one of the hardest seasons of our lives after her stroke. This team didn’t just do their jobs they showed heart. Angela and Chris in Physical Therapy pushed my mom with patience, strength, and encouragement when she needed it most. Roi and JP in Occupational Therapy helped her take back pieces of her independence, step by step, with so much dedication and compassion. To the nursing team Bobby (RN), Josephine and Carmen (LVNs), and special shoutout to Analyn and Patricia (CNAs) thank you for treating my mom not just as a patient, but as a person. Your kindness, attentiveness, and genuine care brought comfort and dignity to her every single day. And to social worker Josephine, thank you for being there for our family, guiding us, supporting us, and making sure we were never alone in the process. Because of all of you, my mom felt cared for, respected, and encouraged to keep going. Because of all of you, our family had peace of mind. You didn’t just help her recover, you made a lasting impact on our lives. **Truly grateful. You all deserve to be recognized.**
Amire Johnson
Sep 2025
If I could give this place zero stars I would! This place is horrible! 3 Patients have passed in the last 2-3 months. Any complaints given to RN Or any other on top of RN Don’t do anything They run out of diapers and restock till family member complains! No soap to shower them restrooms contain no paper towels for their employees or residents guest. They want to be on top of infection control but if you go to the back area of the facility they have dirty linens bags on the grown bags of trash a complete mess. Last but not least big roaches in the their rooms. DO NOT BRING YOUR LOVE ONES HERE!!!
Becky Rios
Oct 2021
My mom was a patient there for 8 days in October 2021. Very friendly and caring staff. Large portions of hot meals three times a day, too much food for senior appetites. The place has signs of wear with equipment and could use new wheelchairs, walkers and remodeled bathrooms. No private rooms.
Government Inspection History
29 inspection visits in the last three years, 111 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
May 6, 2026Health Complaint1 citation
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 29, 2026
May 5, 2026Health 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 May 29, 2026
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 29, 2026
Dec 17, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 15, 2026
Nov 19, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard24 citations
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 12, 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 Dec 12, 2025
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Have a policy regarding use and storage of foods brought to residents by family and other visitors.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 12, 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, isolatedCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 12, 2025
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 Dec 12, 2025
Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Keep all essential equipment working safely.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 12, 2025
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 Dec 12, 2025
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Limit the charges against residents' personal funds for items or services for which payment is made under Medicare or Medicaid.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 12, 2025
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 Dec 12, 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 Dec 12, 2025
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 12, 2025
Aug 5, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 8, 2025
May 17, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 12, 2025
May 16, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with mental disorder or psychosocial adjustment difficulty, or who has a history of trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Severity J of L: immediate jeopardy, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 11, 2025
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 Jun 11, 2025
May 8, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 11, 2025
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 11, 2025
May 7, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
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 May 11, 2025
May 3, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 11, 2025
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 May 11, 2025
Apr 28, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 9, 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 May 9, 2025
Apr 1, 2025Health Complaint3 citations
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 25, 2025
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 25, 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 Apr 25, 2025
Mar 20, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 8, 2025
Feb 25, 2025Health Complaint2 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 Mar 21, 2025
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 21, 2025
Jan 29, 2025Health 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 Feb 20, 2025
Jan 13, 2025Health Complaint3 citations
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 31, 2025
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 31, 2025
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 31, 2025
Jan 7, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 1, 2025
Nov 1, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard18 citations
Have a fire alarm with audible and visual signals that transmits the alarm automatically to notify emergency forces in event of fire.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 20, 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 Dec 1, 2024
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 1, 2024
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 1, 2024
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 25, 2024
Have restrictions on the use of highly flammable decorations.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 25, 2024
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 1, 2024
Have a complete alarm system manually initiated and initiated by fire sprinkler system connection.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 20, 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 Nov 1, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 1, 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 Dec 1, 2024
Make sure there is a pest control program to prevent/deal with mice, insects, or other pests.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2024
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 Dec 1, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2024
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2024
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2024
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 1, 2024
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 1, 2024
Sep 25, 2024Health Complaint3 citations
Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 18, 2024
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 18, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 18, 2024
Sep 23, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
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 4, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 4, 2024
Sep 18, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 2, 2024
Aug 28, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 19, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 19, 2024
Aug 21, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 30, 2024
Jul 24, 2024Health Complaint2 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 6, 2024
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 6, 2024
Showing the 24 most recent of 29 inspection visits.
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 GEM Transitional Care Center offer?
GEM Transitional Care Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is GEM Transitional Care Center located?
GEM Transitional Care Center is located at 716 South Fair Oaks Ave in Pasadena, California.
What do families say about GEM Transitional Care Center?
Reviews of GEM Transitional Care Center are sharply divided: several families praise the nursing, therapy, and social work staff by name for compassionate, attentive care, while other reviewers describe serious cleanliness and supply issues. With a 3.5 rating from 32 reviews, experiences here seem to vary significantly depending on timing and specific staff involved.
How did GEM Transitional Care Center do on recent health and safety inspections?
GEM Transitional Care Center had 29 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 111 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 GEM Transitional Care Center?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with GEM Transitional Care Center and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at GEM Transitional Care Center? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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