Santa Maria Post Acute Care Raises Key Concerns
- 01. Santa Maria Post Acute: What Families Need to Know About This Skilled Nursing Facility
- 02. Core Services and Care Offerings
- 03. CMS Ratings and Quality Metrics
- 04. Inspection History and Compliance Record
- 05. Pricing and Cost Structure
- 06. Patient and Family Reviews
- 07. Key Takeaways for Families Considering This Facility
Santa Maria Post Acute: What Families Need to Know About This Skilled Nursing Facility
Santa Maria Post Acute is a 55-bed skilled nursing facility located at 820 West Cook Street in Santa Maria, California (Santa Barbara County), offering both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services with a Medicare rating of 3 out of 5 stars. The facility, operating for over 55 years since accepting Medicare on February 1, 1971, serves approximately 45.9 residents with an 83% occupancy rate and accepts both Medicare and Medicaid.
Core Services and Care Offerings
Santa Maria Post Acute provides comprehensive post-acute rehabilitation services designed to help patients recover after hospital stays or manage chronic conditions. The facility's service portfolio includes:
- Short-term rehabilitation for post-hospital recovery
- Long-term care for residents needing ongoing support
- Physical therapy (approximately 5 minutes per resident per week)
- Speech therapy services
- 24/7 nursing care with registered nurses on-site
- Medication management by licensed pharmacists
Families report the facility maintains a homelike setting with warm, comforting atmosphere, particularly noting the caring interaction between staff and patients during recovery.
CMS Ratings and Quality Metrics
The facility's quality performance shows mixed results across different metrics. U.S. News & World Report rates short-term rehabilitation as "As Expected" while long-term care performance varies. Below is a detailed breakdown of staffing and quality data:
| Metrics | Santa Maria Post Acute | California Average | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Medicare Rating | 3 of 5 stars | 3.2 of 5 stars | 3.0 of 5 stars |
| Total Nursing Staff Turnover | 62.9% | 44.9% | 52.0% |
| RN Turnover | 100.0% | 47.2% | 48.7% |
| Residents Updated on COVID Vaccinations | 48.1% | 35.8% | 28.8% |
| Staff Updated on COVID Vaccinations | 17.0% | 15.1% | 9.4% |
Staffing levels exceed expected benchmarks, with 2 hours 50 minutes per resident per day for CNAs (expected: 2 hours) and 4 hours 20 minutes total nursing care (expected: 2 hours 55 minutes).
Inspection History and Compliance Record
Over the past 3 years (April 2021-April 2024), the facility received multiple "D" level deficiency citations indicating potential for minimal harm for few residents. Key inspection findings include:
- April 19, 2024: Administration deficiencies regarding state/federal compliance
- April 10, 2024: Freedom from abuse/neglect deficiencies related to physical restraints
- February 13, 2024: Resident rights deficiencies regarding bed-hold notifications
- January 25, 2024: Resident assessment and care planning deficiencies
- Multiple 2022-2023 fines totaling $7,564 for various health and safety violations
The compliance indicator score is 45/100, classified as "High Risk" according to FileFlo's analysis.
Pricing and Cost Structure
Costs at Santa Maria Post Acute range from $1,980 to $8,375 monthly, depending on care level and additional services required. The facility is privately owned (For Profit - Limited Liability Company) and has not changed ownership in the last 12 months. Additional services may increase costs based on individual needs.
Patient and Family Reviews
Family reviews show strong personal satisfaction despite regulatory concerns. The facility maintains an Overall Rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 from family members on SeniorCare.com. Notable feedback includes:
"The SMPA Staff of Professionals from admitting, nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, activity coordinator, food service team all giving outstanding hands on care to every patient!" - Kristy Lombardi
"My husband was at Santa Maria Post Acute for 3 weeks, & I was very impressed with the facility. It was still undergoing renovations, but it was clean & pleasant." - Caroline Cohen
One family member noted the facility has been serving Santa Maria for 60+ years and remains privately owned, which families appreciate for maintaining personalized care.
Key Takeaways for Families Considering This Facility
Families evaluating Santa Maria Post Acute should weigh the strong personal care reputation from families against regulatory concerns. The facility's 55-year history, personalized attention, and homelike atmosphere receive consistent praise, while staffing turnover (62.9% total, 100% RN) and inspection deficiencies warrant careful consideration during facility tours.
For decision-making, contact the facility directly at 925-8877 or speak with senior living advisors at 302-3730 to schedule a tour and discuss current availability.
Everything you need to know about Santa Maria Post Acute Care Raises Key Concerns
What is Santa Maria Post Acute's Medicare rating?
Santa Maria Post Acute has a 3 out of 5 star Medicare rating overall, with "As Expected" ratings for short-term rehabilitation performance.
Where is Santa Maria Post Acute located?
The facility is located at 820 West Cook Street, Santa Maria, CA 93458 in Santa Barbara County, California.
Does Santa Maria Post Acute accept Medicare and Medicaid?
Yes, Santa Maria Post Acute is both Medicare- and Medicaid-certified, having first accepted Medicare on February 1, 1971 (55 years of participation).
What is the cost of care at Santa Maria Post Acute?
Monthly rates range from $1,980 to $8,375 depending on care level, with additional services potentially increasing costs.
How many beds does Santa Maria Post Acute have?
The facility has 55 beds with an average of 45.9 residents and 83% occupancy rate.
What rehabilitation services are offered?
Services include physical therapy, speech therapy, short-term rehabilitation for post-hospital recovery, and 24/7 nursing care with registered nurses.
