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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 136 nursing homes in AL using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in AL
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.
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 to lowest based on our ranking 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 TableNH (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.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
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.
$5.0M*Fiscal year ending 2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$3.5M*Fiscal year ending 2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
69.2%*Fiscal year ending 2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
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.
Southern Springs Healthcare is a 123-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located at 745 Southern Springs Road in Union Springs, Alabama, in Bullock County. Privately owned by the Estate of Milton E. McGregor as a corporation and administered by Kristy L. Tanner, the facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Current occupancy is 86 percent, 6 percentage points above the Alabama state average, and the facility is ranked 54th of 132 Alabama SNFs for occupancy. CMS rates Southern Springs Healthcare at 5 stars overall, with all four rating dimensions above the Alabama average: health inspection at plus 74.8 percent, quality measures at plus 35.6 percent, overall at plus 71.8 percent, and staffing at plus 11.1 percent.
Services include skilled nursing, rehabilitative care, and rehabilitation services with physical, occupational, and speech therapy on-site. Southern Springs Healthcare maintains an Active Resident Council and an on-site Nurse Aide Training program, reflecting a commitment to staff development and resident governance. A Nurse Practitioner, mental health service worker, dental staff, and respiratory therapy technician are on-site. The facility has a strong relationship with residents, families, and the surrounding Bullock County community.
Staffing is above average in total nursing hours and notably strong in CNA and LPN coverage. CNA hours at 3 hours 14 minutes per resident per day are 29 percent above the Alabama average, LPN hours are 23 percent above average, and physical therapist hours are double the state benchmark. Weekend total nursing at 3 hours 28 minutes is 5 percent above the Alabama average. RN hours at 24 minutes per day are 37 percent below the Alabama average, and weekend RN hours at 9 minutes are 59 percent below the state average of 22 minutes, the two staffing gaps families of clinically complex residents should raise on a tour. Q4 2025 payroll data shows 109 staff with 105 employees and only 4 contractors (0.7 percent contractor hours), one of the most stable employed workforces in this review.
The inspection record is the strongest component of the 5-star profile. Across five surveys spanning May 2018 through August 2023, Southern Springs Healthcare accumulated just 10 total deficiencies against an Alabama average of 17, at 1.3 per year against a state average of 2.1. No critical or serious citations have ever been issued. The August 2022 routine survey found zero deficiencies. The one substantiated complaint, investigated August 1 2023, found that a facility Admissions Coordinator had become the beneficiary of a resident’s $20,000 life and burial insurance policy and paid premiums without notifying the family. The employee was suspended, subsequently resigned, and corrective audits and staff training were implemented. No penalties have been issued in the past three years.
Quality measure highlights include emergency department visits for long-stay residents at 0.48 per 1,000 resident days (73 percent better than the Alabama average), falls with major injury 63 percent better than average, and UTI rates 81 percent better. Pressure ulcers at 12.1 percent (103 percent above the Alabama average) and weight loss at 10.5 percent (94 percent above average) are the two long-stay clinical outliers families should ask about. Short-stay re-hospitalization at 20.4 percent is 17 percent better than the Alabama average, and short-stay ED visits are zero.
Southern Springs Healthcare suits Bullock County and surrounding Alabama families seeking a 5-star CMS-rated facility with an exceptionally clean inspection record, above-average CNA and LPN staffing, and standout long-stay clinical outcomes, in a community-rooted skilled nursing setting. Families placing long-stay residents should ask specifically about wound prevention and nutritional monitoring protocols before placement.”
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.
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.
Northport Holding Operations operates Athens Health and Rehabilitation, a 149-bed facility that has been in business for 46 years on West Market Street in Athens, Alabama. The building runs at an 87 percent occupancy rate. Resident stays here for an average a brief 68 days, a fast-turnover timeline showing that daily floor operations focus heavily on temporary post-hospital therapy alongside standard residential care.
The daily floor routine centers on a 24-hour nursing team that logs an average of 4 hours and 6 minutes of direct, hands-on attention per resident every day. Registered nurses, practical nurses, and assistants divide this care time to manage daily medical monitoring and specialized physical rehabilitation routines under the facility’s dedicated Rapid Recovery and Restore Therapy Pavilion programs. Outside, the property sits in a car-dependent neighborhood, so visiting relatives will need a vehicle for all travel and local errands.
The most recent health department inspection found zero health deficiencies and zero filed complaints, and you can review these recent quality control records directly with the facility administration.
Older adults exploring care options can check in with the admissions office to learn about current room availability or to structure billing pathways through traditional Medicare, state Medicaid, and private funds. The office team can also review available on-site setup options, including courtyard access, laundry services, beauty shop amenities, wireless internet, and restaurant-style or in-room dining menus.
Morgan Smith owns Atmore Nursing Center, a 100-bed skilled nursing facility located on East Laurel Street in Atmore, Alabama. The facility maintains a 79 percent occupancy rate, with residents staying an average of five months. The building’s layout is arranged on a single floor, allowing residents to navigate between the dining room, private rooms, and patio without dealing with stairs.
The clinical program focuses on short-term rehabilitation, continuous skilled nursing, and respite care. The onsite team provides 24-hour support, averaging 4 hours and 48 minutes of daily nursing care per resident through registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides.
Records from state health inspectors show an improving compliance history, culminating in zero health deficiencies or filed complaints on recent inspections. The local neighborhood carries a walkability score that allows for some pedestrian travel, though vehicles are still regularly used for local medical trips.
Prospective representatives looking into nursing care options can get in touch with the admissions office to check on current bed availability. Planning an in-person walkthrough is an efficient way to see the therapy equipment and observe the daily social programs.
Cypress Cove Center is an astounding nursing home in Muscle Shoals, AL, that offers a wide range of care options, from short-term rehabilitation to long-term care. The community can accommodate up to 84 older adults with its supportive and welcoming environment. Medication management, 24-hour emergency response, and dietary management are also provided to help improve residents’ quality of life. Through a personalized approach to care, the community ensures residents receive the utmost attention and care for their needs.
Educational programs, cultural, and social activities also provide residents with more opportunities to connect with friends and gain meaningful experiences. An on-site medical director and registered nurses also oversee residents’ care to ensure their comfort. Residents also have easy access to restaurants, shops, and other local amenities for their needs and recreation. This nursing home is a trusted care provider in Alabama, striving to help older adults live to their potential in retirement.
Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home is a small nursing home owned by James Comer in Killen, Alabama. With 58 beds operating at full capacity, it offers care for post-acute rehabilitation and ongoing skilled nursing needs. Total nursing care averages roughly 4 hours and 58 minutes per resident day, supported by registered nurses adding 45 minutes of direct care daily, nurse aides providing 2 hours and 56 minutes, and licensed practical nurses contributing 38 minutes. This staffing reflects a commitment to hands-on care with physician oversight. The facility is Medicare and Medicaid certified, making it attainable to residents with either coverage.
On staff is a licensed social worker to help navigate care planning and psychosocial needs. Rehabilitation services exist through contracted therapy providers, and the home offers quarterly care plan conferences to keep families and care teams aligned on resident goals. Providing on-site oversight is a medical doctor to decrease the need for outside physician visits. Daily life features structured, Activity Director-led activities, an exercise program, and a certified dietary manager who directs meal preparation. The community has a chaplain who leads Sunday worship services, which reflects the facility’s faith-based character. To maintain the facility’s operations, housekeeping and laundry support are handled internally.
Inspection history has mixed results. The facility’s compliance record includes some medication administration and record-keeping worries in recent years, paired with older deficiencies in food storage and dietary practices. These findings highlight areas where careful attention to clinical and operational standards is active. Given the inspection themes, families touring the home may find it helpful to ask how the facility ensures medication accuracy and completes documentation. The home’s location on County Road 394 in Killen has a Walk Score of 33, so most visits and errands will require a vehicle, but some nearby services are walkable.
The rural setting of Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home may captivate families who value a quieter environment for recovery and care.
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.
Keller Landing is a highly-rated nursing home in Tuscumbia, AL, that offers short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term care. With its nurturing and supportive environment, the community ensures older adults receive the utmost care to live comfortably in their later years. 24-hour care, medication management, and therapy services are also offered to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Through individualized care plans, the community strives to help residents live to their potential in retirement.
Educational activities, cultural programs, and social events help enhance residents’ memory and provide opportunities for interactions and learning. Residents can also utilize state-of-the-art amenities for recreation and wellness, including the fitness room, gardens, and beauty salon. Set in the peaceful residential area of Tuscumbia, the community ensures residents have a stress-free retirement. This nursing home is also an AHCA Bronze Quality Award winner and a WE HONOR Veterans partner, making it one of the best options for senior living in Alabama.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
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 136 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
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