Quick answers
- Where is La Sierra Care Center?
- 2424 M Street, Merced, CA 95340, in Merced County, California.
- What is the phone number of La Sierra Care Center?
- (209) 723-4224, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
- What is the Medicare star rating of La Sierra Care Center?
- Medicare overall rating: 3 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
- Has La Sierra Care Center been fined?
- Medicare lists no fines for La Sierra Care Center.
- What did inspectors find at La Sierra Care Center?
- In its last three inspection cycles (April 29, 2021 to January 23, 2026), Medicare lists 38 health citations; the most serious was level F. See the list below (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
Medicare ratings, explained
Star ratings are one piece of information. Visit, ask questions and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.
Inspections, fines and staffing
In its last three inspection cycles (April 29, 2021 to January 23, 2026), La Sierra Care Center had 38 health citations; the most serious was level F (no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm). Medicare lists no fines or payment denials for it in the last three years. Nurse staffing is 3.86 hours per resident per day; the California average is 4.54 and the national average is 3.90.
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Data Catalog, data updated October 1, 2026, retrieved November 13, 2026.
Inspection history: last three cycles
State inspectors visit about once a year and also investigate complaints. Each citation (deficiency) has a tag number and a letter, A to L. The letter shows how serious the problem was and how many residents it affected.
What the letters A to L mean
| Seriousness | Isolated (a few residents) | Pattern (some) | Widespread (many) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No actual harm, potential for minimal harm | A | B | C |
| No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm | D | E | F |
| Actual harm to residents | G | H | I |
| Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety | J | K | L |
Source: the scope and severity grid Medicare (CMS) uses for nursing home citations.
Most recent cycle: January 23, 2026 — 12 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: November 19, 2025 (complaint investigation); January 23, 2026 (standard health inspection).
Show 12 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0801 Level E
“Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.”
F0803 Level E
“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.”
F0806 Level E
“Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.”
F0812 Level E
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0842 Level E
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
F0912 Level E
“Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.”
F0558 Level D
“Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0761 Level D
“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.”
F0880 Level D
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0655 Level D
“Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted”
Previous cycle: August 23, 2024 — 15 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: August 23, 2024 (standard health inspection); October 23, 2024 (complaint investigation); April 3, 2025 (complaint investigation).
Show 15 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0804 Level F
“Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.”
F0812 Level F
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0912 Level F
“Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.”
F0800 Level E
“Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.”
F0759 Level E
“Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.”
F0760 Level E
“Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0641 Level D
“Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.”
F0645 Level D
“PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities”
F0657 Level D
“Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.”
F0692 Level D
“Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.”
F0695 Level D
“Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.”
F0755 Level D
“Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.”
F0842 Level D
“Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.”
F0732 Level C
“Post nurse staffing information every day.”
Earlier cycle: April 29, 2021 — 11 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: April 29, 2021 (standard health inspection); October 9, 2023 (complaint investigation).
Show 11 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0868 Level F
“Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly”
F0565 Level E
“Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.”
F0679 Level E
“Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.”
F0689 Level E
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0912 Level E
“Provide rooms that are at least 80 square feet per resident in multiple rooms and 100 square feet for single resident rooms.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0558 Level D
“Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.”
F0658 Level D
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0761 Level D
“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.”
F0812 Level D
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0920 Level D
“Provide at least one room set aside to use as a resident dining room and for activities, that is a good size, with good lighting, air flow and furniture.”
Citation descriptions are Medicare’s official wording. “From a complaint” means the citation came from a complaint investigation instead of the regular yearly inspection.
Full inspection reports on Medicare Care Compare →
Fire safety citations (23)
K0291 Level F
“Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.”
K0345 Level F
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
K0521 Level F
“Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
K0324 Level D
“Provide properly protected cooking facilities.”
E0015 Level F
“Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.”
K0374 Level F
“Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.”
K0923 Level E
“Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.”
K0353 Level D
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0919 Level D
“Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.”
E0023 Level C
“Establish policies and procedures for medical documentation.”
K0341 Level C
“Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.”
K0712 Level C
“Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.”
K0920 Level E
“Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.”
E0007 Level D
“Address patient/client population and determine types of services needed.”
E0018 Level D
“Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency.”
E0023 Level D
“Establish policies and procedures for medical documentation.”
E0024 Level D
“Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.”
E0036 Level D
“Establish emergency prep training and testing.”
K0232 Level D
“Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width.”
K0293 Level D
“Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.”
K0321 Level D
“Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.”
K0355 Level D
“Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.”
K0711 Level D
“Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.”
Staffing
Hours of nursing care per resident per day, from the payroll records nursing homes send to Medicare, next to the state and national averages.
| Measure | This home | California | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse (RN) hours per resident per day | 0.48 | 0.68 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours per resident per day | 0.81 | 1.20 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day | 2.56 | 2.66 | 2.35 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day | 3.86 | 4.54 | 3.90 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day on the weekend | 3.48 | 4.10 | 3.43 |
| RN hours per resident per day on the weekend | 0.37 | 0.52 | 0.48 |
| Nursing staff turnover (per year) | 50.0% | 36.6% | 45.3% |
| RN turnover (per year) | 60.0% | 37.8% | 42.5% |
| Administrators who left in the last year | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information and State US Averages, data updated October 1, 2026.
Owners and operator
Part of a group of 32 nursing homes: Cambridge Healthcare Services.
Legal business name: CF Merced la Sierra, LLC.
Owners and managers Medicare lists (14)
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent Facilities Operations LLC | Direct owner | 100% | February 7, 2007 |
| Bering Properties LLC | Indirect owner | — | February 1, 2007 |
| Ira & Rachel Smedra Family Irrevocable Gift Trust | Indirect owner | — | February 1, 2007 |
| Jenmax Enterprises LLC | Indirect owner | — | February 1, 2007 |
| Jennifer Nurit Smedra Trust 1997 Trust | Indirect owner | — | February 1, 2007 |
| JK-CSH JV LLC | Indirect owner | — | November 1, 2006 |
| Manhattan Five Partners LLC | Indirect owner | — | November 1, 2006 |
| The Hyman & Betty Ingber Family Trust | Indirect owner | — | October 10, 2013 |
| Win Win Enterprises, LLC | Indirect owner | — | February 1, 2007 |
| BH Alliance | Indirect owner | NOT APPLICABLE | November 1, 2006 |
| The Jacob Wintner Trust | Indirect owner | NOT APPLICABLE | November 1, 2006 |
| The Wintner Living Trust Dated 7/08/1992 | Indirect owner | NOT APPLICABLE | February 1, 2007 |
| Wintner, Jacob | Indirect owner | NOT APPLICABLE | February 1, 2007 |
| Cambridge Healthcare Services LLC | Management company (operational or managerial control) | NOT APPLICABLE | April 1, 2014 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Ownership file, data updated October 1, 2026. Only owners with an ownership interest and management companies are shown.
Compare with other nursing homes
Key facts
| Type | Nursing home |
|---|---|
| Certified beds | 68 |
| Average residents per day | 65.7 |
| Takes part in | Medicare and Medicaid |
| Ownership | For profit – limited liability company |
| Group or chain (affiliated entity) | Cambridge Healthcare Services |
| Legal business name | CF Merced la Sierra, LLC |
| First approved by Medicare/Medicaid | 1967-01-01 |
| Resident and family councils | Resident council |
| Sprinklers in all required areas | Yes |
| Changed ownership in the last 12 months | No |
| Address | 2424 M Street, Merced, CA 95340 |
| County | Merced County |
| State | California |
| Phone | (209) 723‑4224 |
| CMS Certification Number | 055271 |
| Name in Medicare records | LA SIERRA CARE CENTER |
| Corrections | Report an error or suggest an update → |
What to ask when you call or visit
A general checklist for any nursing home, not advice about this one. Medicare also publishes guides on medicare.gov.
- Is the home certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid, and does it have a bed for the care you need (short-term rehab or long-term care)?
- Can you see the latest state inspection report? Ask how any problems found were fixed.
- How many nurses and aides work on each shift, at night and on weekends? Is there a registered nurse on site at all times?
- Which doctors see residents, and how often? What happens in a medical emergency, and which hospital is used?
- What therapy (physical, occupational, speech) is offered, and how many days a week?
- Are residents clean, dressed and taking part in activities? Do staff speak to them kindly and answer call lights quickly?
- What do the daily rate and extra services cost, and what do Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance pay? Ask for it in writing.
- Is there a resident council and a family council? How are complaints handled? Ask for the long-term care ombudsman’s contact.
- Are meals appetizing, and can the home meet special diets, language needs and religious or cultural preferences?
- Visit more than once, including at a mealtime or in the evening, without an appointment.
Other nursing homes nearby
By straight-line distance (not driving distance).
- Merced Nursing & Rehabilitation Center0.1 mi · Merced, CA · 3 of 5 stars
- Golden Merced Care Center0.3 mi · Merced, CA · 3 of 5 stars
- Franciscan Post-Acute Care Center0.8 mi · Merced, CA · 4 of 5 stars
- Merced Behavioral Center1.4 mi · Merced, CA · 5 of 5 stars
- Anberry Post Acute3.0 mi · Merced, CA · 4 of 5 stars
Nearest hospital emergency rooms
- Mercy Medical Center2.3 mi · Merced, CA · Acute Care Hospital
- Emanuel Medical Center24 mi · Turlock, CA · Acute Care Hospital
- Memorial Hospital Los Banos27 mi · Los Banos, CA · Acute Care Hospital
Sources
- Provider Information — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare profile of this provider
- Health Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Fire Safety Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Penalties — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Ownership — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- State US Averages — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Survey Summary — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Citation Code Look-up — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Inspection Dates — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13