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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 140 nursing homes in AL using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in AL
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the AL Dept. of Public Health (ADPH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
ADC (Adult Day Care):
Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we do not publish a grade for that facility: either its public record is too thin to be fair, or we hold nothing for it at all.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Alabama average is: 53.1% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other AL nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 140 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Southern Springs Healthcare is a nursing home in Union Springs, Alabama, offering skilled nursing care. Licensed nurses are on site around the clock, making it a potential fit for someone who needs ongoing clinical support.
Opened in 1994, the home has 123 beds. Rehabilitation services are available for residents working to regain or maintain function.
Families can pay through Medicare, Medicaid, or private funds, with private pay meaning the stay is paid directly rather than through either public program. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 42 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident.
Owned by Terri Brown, Albertville Nursing Home is a nursing home in Albertville, Alabama, that offers long-term care and rehabilitation. With 155 older adults in residence, the community has a 97% occupancy and an average stay of 109 days. Additionally, Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay are accepted, offering a variety of payment options.
Accommodating both short-term and long-term needs, the community provides an average of 5 hours and 3 minutes of nursing care each day. Furthermore, registered nurses provide approximately 38 minutes of care daily, while nurse aides contribute 38 minutes, and licensed practical nurses provide 46 minutes.
Located on Alabama Highway 75 North, the community’s neighborhood has a Walk Score of 66, making it relatively walkable. This also suggests that most errands are available within walking distance and families can conveniently visit.
For over nine years, the Alabama Department of Public Health’s state inspections reflect ongoing oversight of community operations. Furthermore, the community highlights care planning, clinical assessments, documentation practices, infection control measures, and resident dignity.
Overview of Palm Gardens Health and Rehabilitation
Discover the pinnacle of senior living at Palm Gardens Health and Rehabilitation, a haven nestled in the heart of Mobile, Alabama. With a highly skilled and compassionate staff and an exceptional facility, they are dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience for seniors. At Palm Gardens, they go beyond traditional care, offering a comprehensive range of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services that redefine what’s possible. From pain management to wound care, diathermy to IV therapy, cardiac recovery to amputations, and audiology to various impairments, their clinical capabilities are vast. Rehabilitation takes center stage with state-of-the-art physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs, complemented by a cutting-edge wellness station gym. What sets Palm Gardens apart is its collaboration with nurse practitioners through Southern and the Associates—a team of highly trained practitioners who bridge any communication gaps, ensuring seamless coordination among administrators, health professionals, and family members. Residents are also invited to indulge in the serenity of outdoor courtyards, where nature’s beauty intertwines with daily activities. From captivating entertainment to stimulating programs, each day is filled with excitement and fulfillment.
Athens Health and Rehabilitation provides nursing home, palliative care, and skilled nursing in Athens, AL. Skilled nursing means licensed nursing care is available on site around the clock, while palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom management. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs ongoing nursing support alongside rehabilitation or palliative care.
The home has 149 beds. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 57 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several listed ways to cover care.
Rehabilitation is available through the Rapid Recovery program and Restore Therapy Pavilion, so therapy can be included as part of a resident’s care. Residents can spend time in the outdoor courtyards, use salon services, and choose between dining in their rooms or in the restaurant-style dining area. Hunter Lawrence serves as the administrator.
Tony Culberson owns Cleburne County Nursing Home, an 82-bed skilled-care property that has operated for 54 years in Heflin, Alabama. The facility currently serves 71 residents, representing an 87 percent occupancy level. Stays here average about 201 days, an extended timeline that shows the daily operations split attention between long-term residential care and shorter post-hospital recovery stays.
A 24-hour nursing team drives the daily floor schedule, logging about 4 hours and 50 minutes of direct, hands-on care per resident each day. This collective time is allocated among registered nurses, practical nurses, and assistants to oversee medical care and personal care routines. For visiting relatives, the neighborhood holds a walk score of 47, meaning a few minor tasks can be managed on foot, though most errands across town will require a vehicle.
State records have previously raised compliance issues involving infection control practices and general documentation protocols. Reviewing these past health department reports with the administrative staff is a straightforward way to evaluate their ongoing safety updates and quality control monitoring.
Older adults can contact the admissions office directly to inquire about current room openings, walk through the registration steps, or arrange payment pathways.
Overview of Little Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart Residence
Ellen Bueche owns the Little Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart Residence, a 52-bed care home on McGill Avenue in Mobile, Alabama. The building runs at full occupancy, and the average stay lasts about 340 days. This long tenure shows that the daily workflow is almost entirely geared toward permanent, long-term residential care rather than quick-turnover rehab. To manage the costs of a stay, the front office processes traditional Medicare, state Medicaid, and standard private pay.
Residents receive a high volume of direct attention, with the 24-hour nursing team logging an average of 7 hours and 2 minutes of hands-on care per person every day. This crew of registered nurses, practical nurses, and aides handles all daily medical routines inside the building. Outside, the neighborhood carries a walk score of 62, meaning visitors can easily cross a few quick errands off their list on foot when stopping by.
State reports from the past nine years show a mixed regulatory record, with surveys pointing out recurring compliance issues regarding care protocols and resident communication practices. The most recent health department reviews noted specific areas where staff training and documentation needed to be strengthened. You can go over these long-term survey trends with the administrative staff to see how they manage their quality control systems.
Interested individuals can call the main desk to see if there is a waiting list for open rooms or to find out how the general admissions process works.
Heather Blackburn owns Crossville Health and Rehabilitation, a 143-bed care community on Alabama Highway 227 North in Crossville. The building runs at a high 91 percent occupancy rate, and stays here average around 194 days. This timeline shows that the daily routine balances standard long-term residential placements with shorter recovery stints for residents transitioning out of the hospital.
The floor schedule centers on a 24-hour nursing team that averages 4 hours and 23 minutes of direct, hands-on attention per resident daily. This crew utilizes an on-site therapy gym to coordinate short-term physical recovery, medical oversight, and a dedicated Rapid Recovery program. For amenities, the layout features a restaurant-style dining area, private room-service options, beauty shop services, and outdoor seating. The surrounding neighborhood has a walk score of 45, meaning visiting relatives can handle a few minor tasks on foot, but most trips will require a car.
State health surveys for this property have previously noted compliance issues regarding care documentation, medication management, infection control, and resident treatment standards. Reviewing these past inspection files with the administrative staff is a straightforward way to evaluate their current safety protocols and quality control systems.
Prospective representatives can contact the admissions office to check on current bed availability, learn about registration steps, or discuss funding through traditional Medicare, state Medicaid, and private pay.
Atmore Nursing Center provides nursing home, skilled nursing, and respite care in Atmore, AL. Skilled nursing means licensed nursing care is available on site around the clock, while respite care provides a short term stay when a family’s usual caregiver needs temporary coverage.
Short term rehabilitation is also available. A resident can receive rehabilitation care at the center without arranging those services elsewhere, which may make recovery or work toward functional goals more straightforward.
The center has 100 beds and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay. Medicare can help cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, while Medicaid may offer a payment option for eligible residents whose savings do not cover a long stay.
Total nurse staffing is 5h 26m per resident per day. That figure represents the daily nursing time allocated to each resident, and Morgan Smith serves as the administrator.
Residents can use the on site salon or spa and take part in social and recreational therapy. Organized programming supports social engagement and mental activity, giving residents structured ways to participate with others.
Meals feature Southern favorites and homestyle traditions prepared in a healthy, balanced way by a registered dietitian. Whole Person Care addresses emotional and social needs alongside physical and medical needs, while rehabilitation services support residents working through recovery or functional goals.
Washington County Nursing Home provides nursing home, adult day care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Chatom, AL. Nursing home care supports residents who need ongoing assistance and nursing oversight, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Adult day care offers care during the day, and respite care supports a short term stay when a usual caregiver needs time away. This mix may suit families whose care needs vary by setting or length of stay.
Washington County Nursing Home opened in 1975 and has 88 beds. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 59 minutes per resident per day, representing the amount of nursing time allocated to each resident across a day. Teresa Grimes serves as the administrator.
Rehabilitation services are available, allowing a resident to receive rehab within the same care setting. The facility’s listed programs include cardiology, Millry Family Care, orthopaedics, pulmonary, radiology, swing bed, lab, Vascular Associates, and WCHNH Heritage Adult Day Haven.
Settled in the neighborhood of Mobile, AL, Crowne Health Care of Springhill is a dependable senior living community that serves skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in a serene and peaceful healing environment. Designed to serve residents needing professional support in their recovery journey, the community offers 24-hour nursing care and access to excellent physical, occupational and speech therapy services. The community features a team of professional RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to provide residents assistance with a multitude of tasks for their convenience.
In addition to comprehensive care services, residents here are also offered an array of activities to provide them the enrichment they need to thrive holistically. Various amenities, such as a spacious therapy gym, a sprawling courtyard, inviting sitting area, and a coffee bar are available to make residents’ stay within the community as comfortable as possible. Here, residents are guaranteed a speedy and smooth recovery journey so they can quickly get back to doing the things they love.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.
How we're paid:If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Alabama
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Alabama?
Assisted living in Alabama is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.
Does Alabama Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Alabama Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.
What is nursing home care?
Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.
How many nursing homes are listed on this page?
This page features 140 nursing homes in Alabama. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Alabama?
Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Alabama, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.
What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Alabama?
Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
Nursing Homes in Alabama at a glance
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.9/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Alabama. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating:3.5/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Alabama. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating:2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Alabama. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average:3.0/ 5
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