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LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

University Care Center

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

5602 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92105

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-CA-055328-2611
← University Care Center, free profile

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The Vardell Report.University Care Center

The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
San Diego, CA
Record Period
2019–2025
Source Documents
13
Read the report

This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.

01

The Essentials

Summary

Across 12 inspections from August 2019 to August 2025, state surveyors documented 40 findings at University Care Center; 40 have a recorded correction; CMS lists no enforcement action in the window.

Inspections
12
2019–2025, complaint, standard and infection control
Findings
40
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
40
Of 40 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
0
No fines or payment denials in the window

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2019: 3 findings across 1 inspection320191 inspection2020: 0 findings across 0 inspections020200 inspections2021: 0 findings across 0 inspections020210 inspections2022: 0 findings across 0 inspections020220 inspections2023: 22 findings across 3 inspections2220233 inspections2024: 5 findings across 5 inspections520245 inspections2025: 10 findings across 3 inspections1020253 inspections2026: 0 findings across 0 inspections02026*0 inspections2019: 3 findings across 1 inspection320191 insp.2020: 0 findings across 0 inspections020200 insp.2021: 0 findings across 0 inspections020210 insp.2022: 0 findings across 0 inspections020220 insp.2023: 22 findings across 3 inspections2220233 insp.2024: 5 findings across 5 inspections520245 insp.2025: 10 findings across 3 inspections1020253 insp.2026: 0 findings across 0 inspections02026*0 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
2019130
2020000
2021000
2022000
20233220
2024550
20253100
2026000

What the Record Shows

  • 40 of 40 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window.
  • 8 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, May 7, 2025, recorded 7 findings (most serious: Level E).

What to Ask About

Report at a Glance

Facility
University Care Center
Address
5602 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
CMS Certification Number
055328
Provider Type
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
Certified Beds
87
Ownership
For profit - Corporation
Record Window
August 23, 2019 to October 1, 2026
02

Chronology

Inspection History

Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.

  1. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 29, 2025

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  2. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    7 findings

    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2025
    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2025
    • F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2025
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2025
    • F693Ensure 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 4, 2025
    • F912Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Jun 4, 2025

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  3. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2025
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 22, 2025

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  4. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F726Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 13, 2024
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 13, 2024

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  5. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F921Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 26, 2024

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  6. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 12, 2024

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  7. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    1 finding

    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 18, 2024

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  8. 2024

    Infection control inspection

    No findings

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  9. 2023

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 19, 2023
    • F697Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 19, 2023

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  10. 2023

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 24, 2023
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 24, 2023

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  11. 2023

    Standard health inspection

    18 findings

    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F622Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F661Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F679Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F685Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F758Implement 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F761Ensure 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.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F841Designate a physician to serve as medical director responsible for implementation of resident care policies and coordination of medical care in the facility.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 16, 2023
    • F912Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Mar 16, 2023

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  12. 2019

    Standard health inspection

    3 findings

    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2019
    • F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Sep 12, 2019
    • F912Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.Level BPotential for minimal harmCorrected Sep 12, 2019

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.

03

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

  1. 1

    Care Plans, Cited in Five Inspections

    Inspectors cited F656 in February 2023, October 2023, December 2023, June 2024 and January 2025. This citation covers whether each resident has a written care plan that meets their needs, with goals that can be measured. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F656 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Kitchen and Food Safety, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F812 in August 2019, February 2023 and May 2025. This citation covers how food is stored, prepared and served. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F812 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F880 in February 2023, November 2024 and May 2025. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F880 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Citation F912, Cited in Three Inspections

    Inspectors cited F912 in August 2019, February 2023 and May 2025. The agency describes it this way: Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms. None rose above level B (potential for minimal harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F912 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Dignity and Resident Rights, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F550 in August 2019 and March 2024. This citation covers residents’ right to dignity, to make their own choices and to communicate. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F550 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Professional Standards, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F658 in May 2025 and August 2025. This citation covers whether the home’s services meet professional standards of quality. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F658 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Respiratory Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F695 in February 2023 and October 2023. This citation covers oxygen, breathing treatments and other respiratory care. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F695 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Pharmacy Services, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F755 in February 2023 and January 2025. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F755 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Medical Records, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F842 in February 2023 and May 2025. This citation covers whether resident records are complete, accurate and kept confidential. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    192323232424242424252525F842 across all 12 inspections, oldest to newest
04

For Your Next Visit

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.

  1. 01

    How is a care plan written and reviewed here, and how do families take part in it?

    Care Plans: cited in five inspections, most seriously at level E.

  2. 02

    May we see the kitchen, and what do your own sanitation checks look like week to week?

    Kitchen and Food Safety: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.

  3. 03

    Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?

    Infection Control: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level E.

  4. 04

    What changed after F912 was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation F912: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level B.

  5. 05

    How do staff learn each resident’s preferences, and how is a complaint about dignity handled?

    Dignity and Resident Rights: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  6. 06

    How do you check that nurses and aides follow professional standards, and what happens when they do not?

    Professional Standards: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  7. 07

    Who manages oxygen and breathing treatments on each shift, and how is the equipment checked?

    Respiratory Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  8. 08

    How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?

    Pharmacy Services: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  9. 09

    How can a family request a resident’s records, and how are they kept accurate?

    Medical Records: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  10. 10

    How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?

    No staffing citation appears in this window. Staffing levels are published separately by CMS and are worth asking about directly.

  11. 11

    Has the home been fined or had payments denied before this record begins?

    CMS lists no fines or payment denials in this window. The record starts August 23, 2019; anything earlier is not in it.

05

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the California state survey agency.

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Aug 23, 2019 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Feb 17, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Oct 25, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Dec 4, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Feb 5, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Mar 19, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Jun 19, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Jul 1, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Nov 13, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Jan 28, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection May 7, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

    California state survey agency

    Inspection Aug 4, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 055328

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowAugust 23, 2019 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before August 2019 are not in this release.
  • CMS refreshes these files monthly, after statements of deficiencies are processed, so an inspection from the last two months may not appear yet.

What This Report Cannot Tell You

Complaints not investigated onsite
Allegations screened out by the state before an onsite visit are not published.
Complaint allegations
CMS publishes the deficiencies a complaint survey cited, not the allegation itself.
Facility-reported incidents
Self-reported incidents appear only if they led to an inspection.
Follow-up visits
CMS's files list standard, complaint and infection control surveys, not revisits; a correction date is the one CMS records.
Fire safety inspections
Published by CMS separately and not included in this record yet.
Staffing levels and ownership history
Published by CMS separately and not included in this record.

Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.

Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.