Home / New Mexico / Mescalero
Mescalero Care Center
454 Lipan Avenue, Mescalero, NM 88340 · Otero County · (575) 464-4802
40 certified beds, about 38 residents a day · Non profit - Other · Medicare and Medicaid since 2003
Certified for Medicaid Certified for Medicare
Overall
2 of 5
Health inspections
2 of 5
Staffing
3 of 5
Quality measures
3 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 325116 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on May 19, 2025, inspectors cited 29 health deficiencies (the New Mexico average is 17.9, the national average 9.2).
None of its 63 health citations since June 2023 was rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy.
CMS lists no fines against this home in the last three years.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 3.87 hours per resident per day, against 3.54 across New Mexico and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.71 of those hours.
Health inspections
Federal rules call for a standard inspection at least every 15 months, plus a visit whenever a complaint is filed. Each mark below is one citation, colored by how serious inspectors rated it. How to read a citation.
Under each citation, the quoted text is the inspector's own summary from the federal statement of deficiencies (CMS form 2567), word for word apart from a privacy scrub; CMS removes residents' and staff names before it publishes the text. The full notes are on Medicare.gov.
1406/23
1405/24
102/25
2905/25
412/25
106/26
Potential for minimal harm Potential for more than minimal harm Actual harm Immediate jeopardy Found on a complaint visit
Where its citations fall on CMS's grid
CMS rates every citation by how much harm it caused (rows) and how many residents it touched (columns). The count in each box is this home's, across all 63 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
0J
0K
0L
Actual harm
0G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
17D
35E
11F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
0B
0C
June 10, 2026Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- E Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide the required transfer information for 3 (R #8, R #9, and R #10) of 3 (R #8, R #9, and R #10) residents reviewed for transfers when staff failed to: 1. Notify R #8, R #9, and R #10 and their representative(s) of the residents' transfer to the hospital in writing and in a language and manner they understand.2. Ensure R #8, R #9, R #10 and their representative(s) receive a written notice of bed hold which indicated the duration the resident's bed would be held. These deficient practices could likely result in the residents and/or their representatives not knowing the reason for the transfer, the location of the transfer, their rights to advocate and make informed decisions.
December 5, 2025Complaint inspection · 4 citations
- E Properly hold, secure, and manage each resident's personal money which is deposited with the nursing home.
Inspectors wroteR #24A. Record review of R #24's admission documents, no date, revealed R #24 was admitted to the facility on [DATE]. B. Record review of an incident report for R #24 submitted to the state agency, dated 10/10/25, revealed the following: 1. Incident date 09/17/25.2. On 09/17/25, R #24 reported that Business Office Manager (BOM) #1 never let him know how much money he had in his account. C. Record review of R #24's personal fund transaction history, dated 01/01/25 to 11/30/25, revealed the following: 1. R #24's balance on 07/24/25 was $7,208.42.2. The last transaction documented in R #24's account was dated 07/24/25. 3. R #24 received monthly deposits for the same amount. 4. Staff did not document any deposits or withdrawals from R #24's account after 07/24/25. D. [...]
- E Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to protect residents from abuse, neglect, and exploitation for 3 (Anonymous R #1, Anonymous R #2, and R #24) of 5 (Anonymous R #1 and Anonymous R #2, R #24, R #25, R #26) residents sampled for abuse, neglect, and exploitation for the following:1. The Business Office Manager (BOM) #1 attempted to exploit R #24's resident funds in the amount of $7208.42. 2. BOM #1 was witnessed on two separate occurrences in the front lobby and in resident common area yelling at other staff members. 3. Anonymous R #1, Anonymous R #2 are fearful of retaliation (getting kicked out of the facility) for speaking out against BOM #1 who is directly related to the tribal leadership. [...]
- E Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to meet professional standards of practice for medication administration for 5 (R #16, R #17, R #18, R #19, and R #25) of 8 (R #16, R #17, R #18, R #19, R #21, R #22, R #23, and R #25) residents reviewed for medication administration when staff failed to ensure medications were prepared immediately before medication administration for each resident. This deficient practice could likely lead to the residents receiving the incorrect medications and could cause adverse effects (an undesired harmful effect resulting from a medication or other intervention).
- D Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to report allegations of misappropriation of resident property (the deliberate misplacement, exploitation, or wrongful, temporary, or permanent use of a resident's belongings or money without the resident's consent) to the State Agency within 24 hours of the allegation for 1 (R #24) of 5 (R #24, R #25, R #26, R #27, and R #28) residents reviewed for misappropriation of property. If the facility fails to report allegations of misappropriation of property to the state agency within 24 hours of the allegation, then corrective action may not be taken, and residents may suffer increased anxiety and fear that their belongings are not being protected.
May 19, 2025Standard inspection · 29 citations
- F 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on an interviews the facility failed to employ a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) that met the requirements as follows: (A) A certified dietary manager; or (B) A certified food service manager; or (C) Had similar national certification for food service management and safety from a national certifying body; or (D) Had an associate's or higher degree in food service management or in hospitality, if the course study includes food service or restaurant management, from an accredited institution of higher learning; [...]
- F Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteRecite from 05/22/24 Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to store and serve food under sanitary conditions in accordance with professional standards of food service safety for all 29 residents in the facility (residents were identified by resident matrix provided by the Administrator on 05/12/25) who eat food or drinks stored in the nutrition refrigerator or freezer when staff failed to: 1. Maintain refrigerator temperatures in the nutrition refrigerators (refrigerator near the nursing station that contains drinks and snacks for residents). 2. Food stored in the nutrition refrigerator was not expired. 3. Food stored in the nutrition refrigerator or freezer had an expiration date. 4. Food that was supposed to be frozen was not thawed in the refrigerator. [...]
- E Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to notify the provider of abnormal vital signs (blood pressure and heart rate outside of set parameters) for 1 (R #1) of 7 (R #1, R #9, R #10, R #11, R #118, R #119, and R #130) residents reviewed for unnecessary medications, when staff failed to notify the provider that R #1's blood pressure was high and R #1's pulse was low. This deficient practice could likely result in residents not receiving necessary care or worsening medical conditions due to lack of or changes in treatment.
- E Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents did not receive psychotropic medications (group of drugs that affect behavior, mood, thoughts, or perception. They are used to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) unless the medication was medically necessary for 6 (R #9, R #10, R #11, R #118, R #119, and R #130) of 7 (R #1, R #9, R #10, R #11, R #118, R #119, and R #130) residents reviewed for unnecessary medications, when staff failed to: 1. Psychotropic medications for R #118 and R #119 were prescribed to treat a specific psychiatric diagnosis (mental illness, symptoms or condition that greatly disturbs your thinking, moods, and/or behavior). 2. [...]
- E Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide the required discharge or transfer information to the resident and the resident's representative(s) in writing for 3 (R #8, R #11, and R #119) of 3 (R #8, R #11, and R #119) residents sampled for hospitalizations or discharge when staff failed to: 1. Notify the resident and the resident's representative of the plan to discharge the resident from the facility in writing and in a language and manner they understand for R #8. 2. Complete a discharge summary for R #8 that included the following: a. A recapitulation of the resident's stay that includes, but is not limited to, diagnoses, course of illness/treatment or therapy, and pertinent lab, radiology, and consultation results. b. [...]
- E Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure the Minimum Data Set Assessment were accurate for 3 (R #9, R #118 and R #121) of 9 (R #1, R #4, R #9, R #10, R #118, R #119, R #121, R #130 and R #131) residents reviewed for accurate MDS assessments. This deficient practice could likely result in the facility not having an accurate assessment of the residents' needs.
- E Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Inspectors wroteRecite from 05/22/24 Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure care plan revisions occurred for 4 (R #9, R #11, R #118, and R #130) of 6 (R #9, R #11, R #118, R #119, R #121, and R #130) residents when the staff failed to revise the care plan with the most current resident information. These deficient practices could likely result in the care plan not being updated with the most current resident conditions and appropriate interventions, staff being unaware of changes in care provided, and residents not receiving the care related to changes in their health status or healthcare decisions.
- E Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, and interviews, the facility failed to meet professional standards of practice (established guidelines and expectations that ensure the delivery of high-quality care to residents) for 2 (R #1 and R #121) of 2 (R #1 and R #121) residents reviewed for unnecessary medication use and wound care when staff failed to: 1. Notify the physician about R #1's elevated blood pressure as indicated on physician's order. 2. Obtain wound care orders prior to performing wound care on R #121's right leg. If the facility is not providing care per physician's orders and care that meets professional standards of practice, then residents are likely to experience adverse effects, worsening of their condition, and potential complications from not receiving the care ordered by the physician.
- E Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview the facility failed to provide an ongoing activity program to support residents in their choice of activities designed to support their physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being for 1 (R #4) of 1 (R #4) resident reviewed for activities. If the facility does not ensure that all residents are receiving an ongoing activity program, documenting resident refusals, and making in-room activity accommodations, then residents are likely to demonstrate an increase in isolation and depression and could likely experience a decline in independence.
- E Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
Inspectors wroteRecite from 05/22/24 Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that residents had a physician visit at least every 60 days for 4 (R #1, R #9, R #10, and R #118) of 5 (R #1, R #9, R #10, R #118, and R #130) residents reviewed for physician's visits. This deficient practice could likely result in residents not receiving the required medical assessment which could cause a delay in care and treatment of medical conditions.
- E Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review, the facility failed to complete performance reviews at least every 12 months for 1 (CNA #26) of 2 (CNA #26 and CNA #28), CNAs sampled for 12 hours of annual training. This deficient practice could likely result in staff being undertrained and providing inadequate care.
- E Ensure a licensed pharmacist perform a monthly drug regimen review, including the medical chart, following irregularity reporting guidelines in developed policies and procedures.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure the consultant pharmacist's recommendations were reviewed and implemented by the physician and/or the physician provided documentation of a rationale (a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or a particular belief) for not following the consultant pharmacist's recommendation in the residents' medical record for 4 (R #9, R #10, R #11 and R #118) of 7 (R #1, R #9, R #10, R #11, R #118, R #119, and R #130) residents reviewed for unnecessary medications. This deficient practice could likely result in residents receiving medications that are no longer necessary and may cause unnecessary drug interactions (changes to medication action caused by being combined with other foods, beverages, or drugs) or adverse side effects (unwanted, undesirable effects from medication).
- E Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.
Inspectors wroteRecite from 05/22/24 Based on record review and interview the facility failed to ensure residents obtained dental services for 3 (R #9, R #10 and R #123) of 4 (R #9, R #10, R #121 and R #123) residents sampled for dental services, when staff failed to ensure residents receive routine dental care to include an annual inspection of the mouth for signs of disease, dental cleaning, fillings, or minor partial or full denture adjustments. This deficient practice is likely to cause the resident unnecessary pain, embarrassment over the condition/appearance of teeth, and potential dental or oral complications.
- E Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Inspectors wroteRecite from 05/22/24 Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure medical records were complete and accurate for 2 (R #9 and R #118) of 6 (R #1, R #9, R #10, R #118, R #130 and R #131) residents reviewed for documentation accuracy. This deficient practice has the potential to negatively impact on the care staff provide to meet residents' needs due to missing or inaccurate records and resident information.
- E Develop, implement, and/or maintain an effective training program that includes effective communications for direct care staff members.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that nursing staff have completed the mandatory Effective Communication training for 3 (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26) of 5 (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26, RN #27 and CNA # 28) staff randomly sampled for staffing. This deficient practice could likely result in staff being unable to inform residents of their total health status and to provide notice of rights and services.
- E Ensure that staff members are educated on resident rights and facility responsibilities to properly care for its residents.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide resident rights training (training that helps staff promote and protect the rights of each resident and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination) for 4 staff (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26, and RN #27) of 5 (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26, RN #27 and CNA # 28) staff sampled for training. This deficient practice could likely result in staff being unaware of residents rights resulting in negative psychosocial well-being for residents.
- E Conduct mandatory training, for all staff, on the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that nursing staff have completed the mandatory QAPI (Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement) training for 3 (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26) of 5 (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26, RN #27 and CNA #28) staff randomly sampled for staffing. This deficient practice could likely result in staff being unable to identify opportunities for improvement, address gaps in systems or processes, develop and implement an improvement or corrective plan, and continuously monitor the effectiveness of interventions.
- E Include as part of its infection prevention and control program, mandatory training that includes written standards, policies, and procedures for the program.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide infection control training (training that helps staff recognize various infection control prevention to help stop the spread of infections) for 2 (RN #24 and CNA #26) of 5 (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26, RN #27 and CNA #28) staff sampled for training. This deficient practice could likely result in inadequate infection control, and can lead to increased spread of resistant organisms, and risk of infections among residents and staff.
- E Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that each CNA received a minimum of 12 in-service hours a year based on hire date for 1 (CNA #26) of 2 (CNA #26, and CNA #28) CNAs sampled for training. If CNAs are not adequately trained, they are unable to provide the necessary care and services to residents.
- D Ensure that residents are fully informed and understand their health status, care and treatments.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents and/or their representatives were informed in advance of what medications they received and understood the reasons, risks, and benefits of the medications for 2 (R #119 and R #130) of 7 (R #1, R #9, R #10, R #11, R #118, R #119, and R #130) residents reviewed for unnecessary medications. If the residents or their representatives are not informed of the risks and benefits of the medication or treatment alternatives, they are not able to make informed decisions regarding residents' care.
- D Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Inspectors wroteRecite from 05/22/24 Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a comprehensive MDS was completed within 14 calendar days after admission for 1 (R #12) of 9 (R #1, R #2, R #3, R #4, R #5, R #6, R #9, R #11, and R #12) residents reviewed for MDS. This deficient practice could likely result in residents' care needs not being met.
- D Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to complete a significant change (major decline or improvement in the patient's health status) MDS Set assessment within 14 days after the facility determined a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition for 1 (R #3) of 9 (R #1, R #2, R #3, R #4, R #5, R #6, R # 9, R #11, and R #12) resident reviewed for MDS. This deficient practice could likely result in the residents not receiving the appropriate care and services they need.
- D Assure that each resident’s assessment is updated at least once every 3 months.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that an MDS was completed every three months for 2 (R #1, and R #9) of 9 (R #1, R #2, R #3, R #4, R #5, R #6, R #9, R #11, and R #12) resident reviewed for MDS assessments, when they failed to complete quarterly MDS assessments timely (completed 92 days after the previous assessment reference date (ARD)). This failed practice could result in residents' assessments being outdated and residents not receiving care and treatment that meets their current needs.
- D Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to have MDS assessments completed, submitted, and finalized in a timely manner (within 14 days of completion) for 9 (R #1, R #2, R #3, R #4, R #5, R #6, R #9, R #11, and R #12) of 9 (R #1, R #2, R #3, R #4, R #5, R #6, R #9, R #11, and R #12) residents reviewed for MDS assessments. If MDS assessments are not completed, submitted, and finalized in a timely manner, it is likely that residents will receive less than optimal care.
- D Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to create an accurate baseline care plan (minimum healthcare information necessary to properly care for a resident immediately upon their admission to the facility) for 1 (R #119) of 1 (R #119) resident reviewed for unnecessary medication use. This deficient practice could likely result in residents not receiving the appropriate care and may place residents at risk of an adverse event (undesirable experience, preventable or non-preventable, that caused harm to a resident because of medical care or lack of medical care) or worsening of current condition after admission.
- D Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Inspectors wroteRecite from 05/22/24 Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to develop an accurate, person-centered comprehensive care plan for 2 (R #4 and R #9) of 12 (R #1, R #4, R #9, R #10, R #11, R #118, R #121, R #122, R #123, R #124, R #130 and R #131) residents reviewed for comprehensive care plans (plan that has measurable goals and timeframes to meet a resident's medical, nursing, mental health and psychosocial needs). This deficient practice could likely result in staff being unaware of the current and actual needs of the residents.
- D Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to keep residents free from accidents for 1 (R #118) of 3 (R #11, R #118, and R #119) resident reviewed for accidents, when staff failed to ensure that ordered fall mats were in place when R #118 was in bed. This deficient practice could likely result in residents getting injured if they fall from their bed.
- D Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide abuse, neglect, and exploitation training to 1 staff (RN #24) of 5 (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26, RN #27 and CNA #28) staff sampled for training. This deficient practice could likely result in staff not knowing who, what, and when to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- D Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Inspectors wroteRecite from 05/22/24 Based on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide behavioral health training (training that helps staff recognize and respond to various behavioral and mental health issues that residents may present with) for 1 (CNA #26) of 5 (RN #24, LPN #25, CNA #26, RN #27 and CNA # 28) staff sampled for training. This deficient practice could likely result in residents not receiving the services necessary to attain or maintain their physical, mental, and psychosocial (involving both psychological and social aspects) well-being.
February 27, 2025Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- E Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
Inspectors wrotePast Noncompliance Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to promote resident self-determination (the ability to make your own choices and decisions without being controlled by others) for 3 (R #1, R #2, and R #3) of 4 (R #1, R #2, R #3 and R #4) residents reviewed for choices when staff did not accommodate the residents wishes to go out into the community. If the facility does not honor residents' choices, then residents are likely to feel a loss of independence and self-worth leading to feelings of frustration and depression.
May 22, 2024Standard inspection · 14 citations
- F Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide services of a Registered Nurse (RN) for at least 8 consecutive hours a day, 7 days a week. This deficient practice could affect all 25 residents, as identified on the facility census list provided by the Director of Nursing on 05/19/24. This deficient practice could likely result in residents not receiving the services they need for optimal quality of care.
- F Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to document the temperature of the walk-in refrigerator and walk-in freezer. This failure could potentially affect all 25 residents in the facility who eat food prepared in the kitchen (residents were identified by the Resident Matrix provided by the Administrator on 05/19/24). If the facility fails to adhere to safe food storage, residents could likely be exposed to foodborne illnesses (illness caused by food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins).
- F Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview the facility's Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee failed to establish and implement policies and procedures for feedback, data collections system, monitoring, and adverse event monitoring. This deficient practice could likely result in the facility not having opportunities for improvement, obtaining feedback from staff, the residents and the resident's representative to identify problems or concerns.
- F Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections when they failed to have a water management program to minimize the risk of Legionella [a bacteria that can grow in parts of building water systems that are continually wet (e.g., pipes, faucets, water storage tanks, decorative fountains) and cause a serious type of pneumonia], and other opportunistic pathogens (bacteria that do not usually cause diseases in healthy people but may become extremely injurious to unhealthy individuals) in the building's water system. [...]
- E Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, observation, and interview, the facility failed to ensure care plan revision and care plan meeting requirements occurred for 6 (R #51, R #54, R #102, R #103, R #154, and R #202) of 9 (R #51, R #54, R #102, R #103, R #151, R #154, R #155, R #156, and R #202) residents reviewed for care plans when they failed to: 1. Revise the care plan with the most current resident information for R #51, R #54, R #102, R #103, and R #202. 2. Have the required Interdisciplinary Team (IDT, team members from different disciplines working collaboratively, with a common purpose, to set goals, make decisions and share resources and responsibilities, and includes other appropriate staff or professionals in disciplines as determined by the resident's needs) members participate in the care plan meeting for R #154. 3. [...]
- E Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review, and interview, the facility failed to ensure residents received appropriate treatment and services to maintain or prevent a decrease in range of motion for some of the 25 residents in the facility that could benefit from therapy services or a restorative nursing program (RNP; nursing service that often follows skilled rehabilitation services provided by physical or occupational therapists with the goal to maximize function and prevent functional decline in residents dependent on staff for certain actions) (resident were identified by the resident Census list provided by the Administrator on 05/19/24), when they failed to have a process to: 1) Evaluate residents for range of motion (ROM, the angular distance and direction a joint can move between the flexed and extended position) needs, and 2) Provide services to residents who could benefit from a RNP. [...]
- E Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that residents had a physician visit at least every 60 days for 3 (R #52, R #53, R #54, and R #202) of 5 (R #51, R #52, R #53, R #54, and R #202) residents reviewed for physician's visits. This deficient practice could likely result in residents not receiving the required medical assessment which could cause a delay in care and treatment of medical conditions.
- E Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure residents obtained dental services for 2 (R #102 and R #202) of 3 (R #102, R #103 and R #202) residents sampled for dental services, when they failed to ensure residents receive routine dental care to include an annual inspection of the mouth for signs of disease, dental cleaning, fillings, or minor partial or full denture adjustments. This deficient practice is likely to cause the resident unnecessary pain, embarrassment over the condition/appearance of teeth, and potential dental or oral complications.
- E Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure medical records were complete and accurate for 1 (R #51) of 4 (R #51, R #53, R #54 and R #202) residents reviewed for documentation accuracy. This deficient practice has the potential to negatively impact the care staff provide to meet residents' needs due to missing or inaccurate records and resident information.
- E Provide behavior health training consistent with the requirements and as determined by a facility assessment.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide behavioral health training (training that helps staff recognize and respond to various behavioral and mental health issues that residents may present with) for 3 staff (RN #1, LPN #1, and CNA #1) of 4 (RN #1, LPN #1, CNA #1, and CNA #2) staff sampled for training. This deficient practice could likely result in residents not receiving the services necessary to attain or maintain their physical, mental, and psychosocial (involving both psychological and social aspects) well-being.
- D Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a comprehensive Minimum Data Set Assessment was completed within 14 calendar days after admission for 2 (R #151 and R #156) of 3 (R #151, R #155, and R #156) residents reviewed. This deficient practice could likely result in residents' preferences and care needs not being met.
- D Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to develop a comprehensive care plan for 1 (R #54) of 4 (R #51, R #52, R #53, and R #54) residents reviewed for care plans. This deficient practice could likely result in staff being unaware of the needs of the residents.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure physician's orders were entered for 1 (R #155) of 1 (R #155) residents reviewed for behavioral health. This deficient practice could likely result in resident's not receiving the appropriate medications or treatment and lead to worsening of the resident's condition.
- D Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure call lights worked and that the pull cords for the call lights in the resident's bedrooms were in reach to allow residents to call for help using the call light system, for 1 (R #207) of 3 (R #202, R #204, and R #207) residents randomly sampled for call light function. If the facility does not have a functioning call light system, then residents are unlikely to get their immediate needs met by facility staff.
June 15, 2023Standard inspection · 14 citations
- F 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure that licensed nurses (RN's and LPN's) and CNA's are able to demonstrate competency in skills and techniques necessary to care for residents' needs. This could affect all 25 residents in the facility (residents were identified by Resident Matrix provided by the Administrator on 06/11/23). This deficient practice could likely result in Nurses and CNA's working with residents without adequate competencies to do; so resulting in injury or inappropriate care being provided to the residents.
- F Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to have full-time Director of Nursing (DON). This has the potential to affect all 25 residents in the facility, (residents were identified by the Resident Matrix provided by the Administrator on 06/11/23). This deficient practice could likely result in residents not receiving the services that they need for optimal quality of care.
- F Observe each nurse aide's job performance and give regular training.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to provide performance reviews and specific in-service education, based on the outcome of those reviews for 3 (CNA #21, CNA #22, and CNA #23) of 3 (CNA #21, CNA #22, and CNA #23) CNA's reviewed for education. This deficient practice could likely result in CNA's not getting the training competencies needed to care for their residents, resulting injury or insufficient care to residents.
- F Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to submit direct care staffing information to the federal agency overseeing certification for long term care facilities for January 2023-March 2023. This has the potential to affect all 25 residents in the facility, (residents were identified by the Resident Matrix provided by the Administrator on 06/11/23). This deficient practice could likely result in inaccurate direct care staffing information for residents/facility.
- F Ensure nurse aides have the skills they need to care for residents, and give nurse aides education in dementia care and abuse prevention.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that 3 (CNA #21, CNA #22, and CNA #23) of 3 CNA's (CNA #21, CNA #22, and CNA #23) received their required annual training of no less than 12 hours per year. This deficient practice could likely result in CNA's not receiving the necessary training to meet the care needs of the residents.
- E Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that a comprehensive assessment was completed within 14 days of admission for 2 (R #9 and R #23) of 9 (R #3, R #5, R #7, R #9, R #15, R #17, R #18, R #19 and R #23) residents sampled for MDS (Minimum Data Set/comprehensive health) assessment. This deficient practice could likely lead to residents' needs and preferences not being met.
- E Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that 4 (R #3, R #5, R #7, and R #9) of 9 (R #3, R #5, R #7, R #9, R #15, R #17, R #18, R #19 and R #23) residents reviewed for Resident Assessments had MDS (Minimum Data Set; Comprehensive Assessment) transmitted (sent electronically and accepted into the CMS [Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services] system) within 14 days of completion. This deficient practice could likely lead to residents receiving less than optimal care.
- E Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide respiratory care (health care discipline specializing in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary function, health and wellness) that was consistent with professional standards of practice for 1 (R #6) of 1 (R #6) resident sampled for respiratory care when they failed to change R #6's nasal cannula (medical device to provide supplemental oxygen therapy to through the nose) within 7 days of the previous change. This deficient practice could likely cause the nasal cannula to become obstructed, non-functional, and unsanitary and not provide the resident with the oxygen needed.
- E Provide medically-related social services to help each resident achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Inspectors wroteBased on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure that medically-related social services were provided for 1 (R #3) of 3 (R #3, R #5 and R #127) residents reviewed for behavioral/emotional health. This deficient practice could likely lead to residents not attaining, or maintaining, their highest practicable mental and psychosocial well-being.
- E 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that psychotropic medications (any medication capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior) were prescribed for specific diagnoses for 1 (R #7) of 1 (R #7) resident sampled for unnecessary medications, when they failed to use an approved diagnosis for use of psychotropic medication. This deficient practice could likely result in residents receiving improper medications.
- E 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.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to properly store medication in the medication cart for 1 (R #13) of 8 (R #4, R #8, R #9, R #11, R #12, R#13, R #17 and R #126) residents reviewed during medication pass when the facility failed to ensure R #13's medication was not expired. This deficient practice could result in residents receiving medication that is ineffective.
- E Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation and interview, the facility failed to store and serve food under sanitary conditions in accordance with professional standards of food service safety. This could affect all 25 residents in the facility who eat food prepared in the kitchen (residents were identified Resident Matrix provided by the Administrator on 06/11/23), when they failed to: 1. Ensure food items in the dry pantry were labeled and dated, 2. Perform hand hygiene, 3. Handle resident's plates in a sanitary manner, 4. Ensure boxes were off the floor. If the facility fails to adhere to safe food handling practices, hygiene practices, and safe food storage, residents are likely to be exposed to foodborne illnesses (illness caused by food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins).
- D Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to create a Baseline Care Plan (a plan that includes the instructions needed to provide effective and person-centered care upon admission) within 48 hours of admission for 1 (R #126) of 1 (R #126) resident sampled for Baseline Care Plans. This deficient practice could likely result in the resident not receiving the appropriate care and services and may place the resident at risk of harm.
- D Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure documents in resident records were complete for 1 (R #77) of 2 (R #77 and R #126) residents reviewed for advanced directives (legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health when they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves, due to illness or incapacity). This deficient practice could likely result in staff not knowing a resident's medical intervention wishes and could result in delay of care, or going against a resident's wishes.
Fire safety inspections
21 fire safety citations on file: 3 on May 19, 2025, 7 on May 22, 2024, 11 on June 15, 2023.
Every fire safety citation21 citations
- F Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
- F Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
- F Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
- F Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
- F Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- E Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
- E Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- E Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.
- E Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- F Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
- F Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
- F Have an alternate power supply for its alarm system.
- F Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
- F Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
- F Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- E Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
- E Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
- E Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- E To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
- E Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Fines and payment denials
CMS lists no fines or payment denials against this home in the last three years. The national average is 0.9 fines per home.
Staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, from the payroll records every home sends CMS. Higher means more staff time with each resident.
| Measure | This home | New Mexico | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 3.87 | 3.54 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 0.71 | 0.63 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 3.38 | 3.10 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 2.11 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 1.04 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | not reported | 53.3% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | not reported | 53.6% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | not reported |
CMS expects 3.48 hours a day for residents as sick as this home's (its case-mix figure). The staffing star compares the two.
Staffing by quarter, from daily payroll records
Every nursing home sends CMS its staff hours for each day (the Payroll Based Journal). Here they are added up by quarter. The latest quarter is the one behind the figures above. In January to March 2026, nursing staff hours per resident were 4.06 on weekdays and 3.38 on weekends, 17% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 49.1% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 9.39 in April to June 2025 to 3.87 in January to March 2026.
| Quarter | All nursing staff | Registered nurses | Weekdays | Weekends | Contract staff share | Days with no RN hours | Residents a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.87 | 0.71 | 4.06 | 3.38 | 49.1% | 1 of 90 | 38 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 9.39 | 2.51 | 9.63 | 8.75 | 24.5% | 2 of 91 | 10 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| New Mexico, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.52 | 0.60 | 3.69 | 3.10 | 14.2% | 1.7% of days |
Hours per resident per day: staff hours in the quarter divided by resident days (the daily census CMS derives from resident assessments). Registered nurses include the director of nursing and RNs with administrative duties; aides include nurse aides in training and medication aides, as in CMS's own staffing measure. How these are calculated.
Quality measures
The measures CMS uses for the quality star. Lower is better for every one of them.
| Measure | This home | New Mexico | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 13.0 | 11.3 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.7 | 0.9 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 7.8 | 5.2 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 9.1 | 14.5 | 15.4 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: MESCALERO CARE CENTER.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mescalero Apache Tribe | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Organization | 100% | 12/01/2003 |
| Esquibel, Carol | Corporate director | Individual | 06/29/2020 | |
| Cervantes, Nelva | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/29/2020 | |
| Mescalero Apache Tribe | Operational/managerial control | Organization | 12/01/2003 | |
| Esquibel, Carol | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 06/29/2020 |
As listed in the CMS ownership file, which names owners with a 5% or greater stake and the people and companies with operational or managerial control.
Questions to ask on a visit
Chosen from this home's own inspection record.
- When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 19 problems in this area, most recently on December 5, 2025: "Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality."
- How many nurses and aides work each shift, nights and weekends included?Inspectors cited 9 problems in this area, most recently on May 19, 2025: "Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits."
- How do you prevent falls and pressure injuries, and how are families told when one happens?Inspectors cited 8 problems in this area, most recently on May 19, 2025: "Provide activities to meet all resident's needs."
- How do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 7 problems in this area, most recently on June 10, 2026: "Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies."
Other nursing homes nearby
- Betty Dare Wellness & Rehabilitation LLC Alamogordo, 18.9 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 73 citations
- Casa Arena Healthcare LLC Alamogordo, 20.9 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 92 citations
New Mexico contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in New Mexico. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: New Mexico Health Care Authority, Division of Health Improvement, Health Facility Licensing and Certification, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: New Mexico Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Aging and Long-Term Services Department, 866-451-2901. The long-term care ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents and families, set up under the federal Older Americans Act.
Common questions
- What is Mescalero Care Center's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Mescalero Care Center 2 out of 5 stars overall, with 2 for health inspections, 3 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Mescalero Care Center get at its last inspection?
- 29 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on May 19, 2025. The New Mexico average is 17.9.
- Has Mescalero Care Center been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does Mescalero Care Center accept Medicaid?
- It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicare and Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.
- Who owns Mescalero Care Center?
- CMS lists 5 owners and managers. Legal business name: MESCALERO CARE CENTER.
Sources
- Ratings, staffing and fines: CMS Provider Information, released September 30, 2026, data as of September 1, 2026.
- Citations: CMS Health Deficiencies and Fire Safety Deficiencies.
- Owners: CMS Ownership. Penalties: CMS Penalties.
- Staffing by quarter: CMS Payroll Based Journal Daily Nurse Staffing, April 2025 to March 2026, summed by NursingHomeClear.
- Inspector summaries: CMS Full Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567 text), data as of September 1, 2026. Each quote is the part of the statement before the detailed findings.
- Inspection reports with the inspectors' full notes are on this home's Medicare.gov page.
- Something wrong on this page? Ask for a correction. We fix errors in our copy of the data; findings themselves can only be changed by CMS and the state.
- NursingHomeClear is independent and not affiliated with CMS, Medicare or any state agency. This page reports federal records; it does not rate, recommend or endorse any home, and it is not medical or legal advice.