ForestQueen
Sep 2025
Admissions department is extremely rude. Do not recommend. Would not send my worst enemy here.
Quick Facts
- Total units
- 45
- Medicare rating
- 4 of 5
- Ownership
- For profit, Corporation
- Certified beds
- 45
- Inspections
- View history (49 citations)
- Respite Care
- Minimum one-week respite stays available
- Therapy Frequency
- PT, OT, speech up to six days weekly
- End-of-Life Care
- Hospice partnerships with clergy and social services
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviewers of Shields Nursing Center in El Cerrito are largely critical, with a 2.5-star average across a small number of Google reviews. Complaints center on rude front-desk and admissions staff, inconsistent physician follow-up, and one serious report of a missed medication that led to a hospital readmission. A few reviewers noted the physical therapy program as a bright spot.
The Good
- Physical therapy praised, offered seven days a week
- On-site wound care surgeon for complex wounds
- Hospice and palliative care support available
- Respite stays offer caregivers a break
The Bad
- Multiple reports of rude admissions and front-desk staff
- One report of a serious 10-day medication omission
- One report of inconsistent physician follow-up
- One allegation of intoxicated staff and poor management
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Shields Nursing Center Inc is a senior living community in El Cerrito, California offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 2.5 out of 5 across 11 reviews.
About Shields Nursing Center Inc
Shields Nursing Center in El Cerrito, California provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. Since 1965, the facility has served residents of Contra Costa and Alameda counties with a focus on maximizing recovery, comfort, and choice through comprehensive medical and therapeutic programs.
The center offers specialized post-surgical care, intravenous therapy, tracheotomy care, pain management, and parenteral nutrition therapy. A wound care surgeon on staff provides clinical treatment for surgical incisions, pressure ulcers, diabetic wounds, and stasis ulcers. The facility also provides palliative care for residents in final stages of life, supported by nurses, social services, clergy, and hospice partnerships.
Shields operates a state-of-the-art rehabilitation program built around physical agent modalities including ultrasound, diathermy, electrical stimulation, and patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation. The professional team of licensed, full-time geriatric therapists provides individualized physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services up to six days a week. These specialists address orthopedic and neurological disorders, swallowing disorders, communication challenges, and activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and grooming.
The facility features a comprehensive care team including physicians, nurses, therapists, psychologists, dietitians, and social service personnel. Recreational activities include religious services, socials, movies, outings, music, exercise, games, and candlelight dining events. The dietary department provides nutritious meals with special therapeutic diets and alternative menu choices available.
Short-term respite care stays are available with a minimum one-week stay, providing families with caregiving breaks. The facility assists residents and families with transportation, financial questions, community referrals, and discharge planning to home or community settings. Individual and family psychological counseling is provided by referral.
Types of Care at Shields Nursing Center Inc
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- 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
- Chapel / Religious Services
- 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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Help Me ChooseReviews of Shields Nursing Center Inc
2.5overall · 11 ratings combined
2.5★ on Google (11)
Karen Nierlich
Oct 2024
Staff was pleasant and caring. The one shining spot was the PT which went smoothly 7 days a week. However, my elderly father was not given one of his key medications for 10 days. This oversight caused him to get sick all over again and go back to the hospital. Furthermore, the staff doctor was inconsistent. We were disappointed when the doctor promised to return the next day and didn't return or call. He didn't return for several days and then only because my father called because he was worsening.
Azim Choudhry
Dec 2020
Negative 5 star! Bad management, intoxicated staff, not a safe place to leave your loved ones! This place should be investigated by the Department of Justice!
MarTaneya Purvis
Sep 2018
Just as good as any other shields nursing home.
Mads
May 2016
Rude staff stood at the counter for 10 mins and they Didn't ask if we needed help or anything and when I asked for a pen they whispered in each other's ears as if it was not obviously enough.
Government Inspection History
8 inspection visits in the last three years, 49 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Nov 20, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
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 8, 2026
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 Jan 8, 2026
Nov 19, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 8, 2026
Jun 5, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard14 citations
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 Jul 14, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 14, 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 Jul 14, 2025
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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 29, 2025
Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 29, 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 Jun 29, 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 Jun 29, 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 Jun 29, 2025
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 14, 2025
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 14, 2025
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 29, 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 Jun 29, 2025
Arrange for the provision of hospice services or assist the resident in transferring to a facility that will arrange for the provision of hospice services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 29, 2025
Use approved construction type or materials.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 14, 2025
May 22, 2025Health Complaint2 citations
Let each resident or the resident's legal representative access or purchase copies of all the resident's records.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 27, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 27, 2025
Jan 30, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 26, 2025
Apr 4, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 9, 2024
Plan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 9, 2024
Nov 17, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard15 citations
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 Jan 18, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 18, 2024
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 13, 2023
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 13, 2023
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 Dec 13, 2023
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 13, 2023
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 Dec 13, 2023
Use approved construction type or materials.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 13, 2023
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 13, 2023
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 13, 2023
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 18, 2024
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 18, 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 Jan 18, 2024
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 13, 2023
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 13, 2023
Nov 17, 2022Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard12 citations
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 12, 2023
Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 12, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 12, 2023
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 Dec 14, 2022
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 12, 2023
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 12, 2023
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 14, 2022
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 14, 2022
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 14, 2022
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 14, 2022
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jan 12, 2023
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 14, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does Shields Nursing Center Inc offer?
Shields Nursing Center Inc offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Shields Nursing Center Inc located?
Shields Nursing Center Inc is located at 3230 Carlson Boulevard in El Cerrito, California.
What do families say about Shields Nursing Center Inc?
Reviewers of Shields Nursing Center in El Cerrito are largely critical, with a 2.5-star average across a small number of Google reviews. Complaints center on rude front-desk and admissions staff, inconsistent physician follow-up, and one serious report of a missed medication that led to a hospital readmission. A few reviewers noted the physical therapy program as a bright spot.
How did Shields Nursing Center Inc do on recent health and safety inspections?
Shields Nursing Center Inc had 8 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 49 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 Shields Nursing Center Inc?
Submit the Request Information form on this page, or contact Shields Nursing Center Inc directly, to arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Shields Nursing Center Inc? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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