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Families describe Santa Cruz Post Acute as a skilled nursing and rehab facility where staff communication, therapy progress, and attentiveness stood out, especially for stroke recovery and post-hospital transitions. Reviewers repeatedly praised specific nurses, CNAs, and administrators by name, and several noted the facility helped loved ones recover after poor experiences elsewhere. One reviewer mentioned shared rooms have limited space, though the facility was kept clean and orderly.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Santa Cruz Post Acute 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 Housekeeping. Families rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 64 reviews.
Santa Cruz Post Acute is a skilled nursing facility in Santa Cruz, California, specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation, IV treatments, wound care, and pain management. The facility has earned a five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, indicating quality much above average based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.
The community offers 24/7 registered nursing care with registered nurses available to administer IV therapy. A team of certified nurses and visiting physicians provide custom wound care plans, while an experienced rehabilitation team develops individualized orthopedic therapy plans to help patients restore range of motion and mobility. A registered dietitian and kitchen staff provide nutritious meals tailored to each patient's dietary restrictions and requirements.
The facility maintains a compassionate and attentive care environment designed to help patients participate comfortably in their therapy. Staff members work to create a safe, welcoming atmosphere that facilitates the healing process and prevents complications.
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Help Me Choose4.1overall · 64 ratings combined
4.1★ on Google (64)
Erwin M
Jun 2026
I’m writing this review because Santa Cruz Post Acute has been good for my father. He is rehabbing post stroke and is progressing with his therapists. The staff has been very helpful in making sure they are attentive. I’m happy that Santa Cruz Post Acute is trying to do a good job. Not all nursing facilities are bad.
Gwen Evenstad
May 2026
Santa Cruz Post Acute saved my brothers life. They have been wonderful. He came to them with broken back, ribs and was being evaluated for hospice care. He had very poor care at another facility where he had been for a year+ after a stroke. He had declined there and was unable to move, sit up, speak or eat when I insisted that he go back to Dominican Hospital. They said he had no broken bones and was “failing to thrive and should be in hospice care” He was dying…. The hospital staff was amazing. They confirmed that he indeed had broken bones from a fall at facility, got him stabilized and facilitated a move to a different facility. Within a few weeks with the wonderful care givers at SCPA, he was eating, speaking, and working on sitting up. Finally out of pain and much happier :). I just returned from a visit today, after just a couple months, he’s sitting up on his own, is speaking better, can walk with assistance, and has mastered some basic skills. From the day he was admitted every staff member has been great. There was more communication and followup in the 1st week than the entire time he was at the previous SNF (over a year). I live out of state. What a difference. Thank you all for saving my brother’s life. Can’t wait to see the progress he’s bound to make over the next few weeks. I’m sleeping better knowing that he’s in great hands.
C Dub
May 2026
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional care my mother has received at Santa Cruz Post Acute since her transition from the hospital in February. Jessica has been absolutely amazing from day one. Navigating skilled nursing was a new and challenging process for our family following my mother's stroke, especially while coordinating care from out of state. Jessica and her team have been incredibly patient and kind, guiding us through the process and effectively facilitating communication with both the care team and insurance. Her support significantly eased my anxiety during this transition. I also want to commend the rehabilitation team. We have seen tremendous progress in my mother’s recovery, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication they show their patients. Additionally, I cannot say enough about the wonderful nursing and CNA staff, specifically Christian, Miriam, Arellia, and Kelly. It is clear that they truly love what they do, and the quality of care they provide to my mother is outstanding. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to ensure my mother receives the care she needs to recover. Sincerely, Camellia Walton
Fiona McDonough
Apr 2026
I found the staff at Santa Cruz Post Acute very caring. The CNA truly cared about her patients and made them comfortable and happier. The therapists were excellent, dedicated and brought joy and encouragement to their work with patients and help them immensely. Care conferences with the case managers and team were regular and helpful in optimizing care. I also found the administrators responsive and helpful with any needs that came up. I would definitely recommend this facility.
Charlie Powell
Mar 2026
My mom was very well cared for at Post Acute. The nurses on staff are friendly, caring, and compassionate, and were there for her when she needed assistance. The admin staff was responsive when we had questions, including the receptionist, Tina, who is friendly and very always there to help. Space is somewhat limited in the shared rooms, but nurses and staff kept things as orderly as possible.the facility is clean and there’s a sunny courtyard as well as a large main room, both good places for use while visiting. All in all we were happy with Santa Cruz Post Acute.
26 inspection visits in the last three years, 112 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
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 May 21, 2026
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 Mar 19, 2026
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 11, 2026
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 Mar 11, 2026
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 13, 2026
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 Dec 1, 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 Nov 24, 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 Nov 25, 2025
Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 18, 2025
Meet other general requirements that are deficient.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 13, 2025
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 Mar 28, 2025
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 28, 2025
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 Mar 24, 2025
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025
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 Mar 24, 2025
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 Mar 24, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025
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 Mar 24, 2025
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025
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 Mar 24, 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, patternCorrected Mar 24, 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 Mar 24, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 28, 2025
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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 24, 2025
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 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 Mar 24, 2025
Allow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025
Ensure the facility is licensed under applicable State and local law and operates and provides services in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes, and with accepted professional standards.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 24, 2025
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 28, 2025
Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 28, 2025
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 28, 2025
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 10, 2025
Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 12, 2025
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 27, 2024
Ensure that nurse aides who have worked more than 4 months, are trained and competent; and nurse aides who have worked less than 4 months are enrolled in appropriate training.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 9, 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 Nov 9, 2024
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 11, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 11, 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 Aug 11, 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 Aug 11, 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 11, 2024
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 Aug 11, 2024
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 11, 2024
Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 19, 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 Jul 8, 2024
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 F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 8, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 8, 2024
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jul 8, 2024
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 Mar 21, 2024
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 8, 2024
Prepare residents for a safe transfer or discharge from the nursing home.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 8, 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 Feb 8, 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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 28, 2023
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 28, 2023
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 28, 2023
Ensure the resident's doctor reviews the resident's care, writes, signs and dates progress notes and orders, at each required visit.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 28, 2023
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 Dec 28, 2023
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 Dec 28, 2023
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 28, 2023
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 11, 2023
Showing the 24 most recent of 26 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.
Santa Cruz Post Acute offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Santa Cruz Post Acute is located at 1115 Capitola Road in Santa Cruz, California.
Families describe Santa Cruz Post Acute as a skilled nursing and rehab facility where staff communication, therapy progress, and attentiveness stood out, especially for stroke recovery and post-hospital transitions. Reviewers repeatedly praised specific nurses, CNAs, and administrators by name, and several noted the facility helped loved ones recover after poor experiences elsewhere. One reviewer mentioned shared rooms have limited space, though the facility was kept clean and orderly.
Santa Cruz Post Acute had 26 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 112 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 Santa Cruz Post Acute and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
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