Quick answers
- Where is The Sequoias?
- 501 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028, in San Mateo County, California.
- What is the phone number of The Sequoias?
- (650) 851-1501, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
- What is the Medicare star rating of The Sequoias?
- Medicare overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
- Has The Sequoias been fined?
- Medicare lists 1 fine totaling $12,703.
- What did inspectors find at The Sequoias?
- In its last three inspection cycles (December 30, 2021 to August 7, 2025), Medicare lists 20 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 (December 30, 2021 to August 7, 2025), The Sequoias had 20 health citations; the most serious was level F (no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm). It was fined $12,703 in total (1 fine, the latest on October 30, 2023). Nurse staffing is 4.13 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: August 7, 2025 — 5 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: August 7, 2025 (standard health inspection).
Show 5 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0812 Level E
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0582 Level D
“Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.”
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.”
F0755 Level D
“Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.”
F0881 Level D
“Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.”
Previous cycle: May 24, 2024 — 8 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: May 24, 2024 (standard health inspection).
Show 8 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0812 Level F
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0584 Level D
“Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.”
F0640 Level D
“Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.”
F0641 Level D
“Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.”
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.”
F0758 Level D
“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.”
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.”
F0851 Level D
“Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.”
Earlier cycle: December 30, 2021 — 7 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: December 30, 2021 (standard health inspection); May 24, 2024 (complaint investigation).
Show 7 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0655 Level E
“Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted”
F0658 Level E
“Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.”
F0814 Level E
“Dispose of garbage and refuse properly.”
F0880 Level E
“Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.”
F0726 Level D
“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.”
F0692 Level D
“Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.”
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.”
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)
K0918 Level F
“Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.”
K0355 Level D
“Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.”
K0363 Level D
“Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.”
K0919 Level D
“Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.”
K0920 Level D
“Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.”
K0353 Level C
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0712 Level C
“Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.”
E0037 Level F
“Establish staff and initial training requirements.”
K0345 Level F
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
K0347 Level F
“Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.”
E0039 Level E
“Conduct testing and exercise requirements.”
K0291 Level E
“Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.”
K0293 Level E
“Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.”
K0353 Level E
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0712 Level E
“Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.”
K0918 Level E
“Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.”
K0324 Level D
“Provide properly protected cooking facilities.”
K0363 Level D
“Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.”
K0923 Level D
“Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.”
K0345 Level F
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
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.”
K0353 Level D
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0919 Level D
“Meet requirements for the use of electrical equipment.”
Fines and payment denials
Total fines over about the last three years: $12,703 (1 fine). A payment denial means Medicare stopped paying for new admissions for a time.
| Date | Penalty | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| October 30, 2023 | Fine | $12,703 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Penalties file, data updated October 1, 2026.
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 | 0.60 | 0.68 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours per resident per day | 1.12 | 1.20 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day | 2.41 | 2.66 | 2.35 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day | 4.13 | 4.54 | 3.90 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day on the weekend | 2.53 | 4.10 | 3.43 |
| RN hours per resident per day on the weekend | 0.12 | 0.52 | 0.48 |
| Nursing staff turnover (per year) | 100.0% | 36.6% | 45.3% |
| RN turnover (per year) | 100.0% | 37.8% | 42.5% |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information and State US Averages, data updated October 1, 2026.
Owners and operator
Legal business name: Sequoia Living Inc.
Owners and managers Medicare lists (2)
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequoia Living Inc | Direct owner | 100% | January 18, 1967 |
| Mcvey, Sarah | Indirect owner | — | September 24, 2019 |
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 | 43 |
| Average residents per day | 33 |
| Takes part in | Medicare |
| Ownership | Non-profit – corporation |
| Legal business name | Sequoia Living Inc |
| First approved by Medicare/Medicaid | 1967-01-18 |
| Part of a continuing care retirement community | Yes |
| Resident and family councils | Resident council |
| Sprinklers in all required areas | Yes |
| Changed ownership in the last 12 months | No |
| Address | 501 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028 |
| County | San Mateo County |
| State | California |
| Phone | (650) 851‑1501 |
| CMS Certification Number | 055466 |
| Name in Medicare records | THE SEQUOIAS |
| 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).
- VI at Palo Alto5.0 mi · Palo Alto, CA · 5 of 5 stars
- Atherton Park Post-Acute5.6 mi · Menlo Park, CA · 4 of 5 stars
- The Terraces at Los Altos Health Facility5.6 mi · Los Altos, CA · 4 of 5 stars
- Palo Alto Post-Acute5.7 mi · Palo Alto, CA · 4 of 5 stars
- Webster House6.1 mi · Palo Alto, CA · 5 of 5 stars
Nearest hospital emergency rooms
- Stanford Health Care4.0 mi · Stanford, CA · Acute Care Hospital
- Palo Alto VA Medical Center4.7 mi · Palo Alto, CA · Federal/VA Acute Care Hospital
- Sequoia Hospital4.9 mi · Redwood City, 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