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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 139 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 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.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
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.
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 have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
$10.9M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$0.0k*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
0%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
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 139 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Overview of Aspire Physical Recovery Center at Hoover
Aspire Physical Recovery Center at Hoover, in Hoover, AL, puts its name to skilled nursing and nursing home care across 118 beds. John Wheeler is the administrator. A day here carries 5 hours and 13 minutes of nursing time for every resident.
Licensed nursing care stays on-site around the clock. On-site means the nurse is already in the building before they’re needed, and around the clock means no hour is exempt. Rehabilitation services are listed next to that for anyone recovering from an illness, an operation, or an injury. That suits both a recovery stay and an open-ended one.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are the three routes available. The first two are programs a family applies to and then must wait on. The third uses money the family already has.
Rapid Recovery is a named program for the therapy on offer. A professional chef and a spa are among the amenities.
Caregivers of Pleasant Grove is a privately owned and operated facility located just a short distance from downtown Birmingham. They offer exceptional care and support for seniors, with a focus on providing personalized services to help their residents feel happy, healthy, and at home. The facility is Medicare and Medicaid certified, and they offer both short-term rehab and long-term placement options to meet the unique needs of each resident. They are also proud to provide the latest technology and amenities, including UVC disinfection technology, to ensure a clean and safe environment for their residents. The home accepts a variety of insurance plans, making it easier for its residents to get the care they need without worrying about financial constraints. With 64 beds available, the facility provides a warm and welcoming environment for seniors to thrive. Their dedicated caregivers and staff work tirelessly to ensure that each resident receives the highest quality of care and support, with compassion and kindness at the forefront of everything they do.
Diversicare of Bessemer provides nursing home, hospice care, memory care, and skilled nursing in Bessemer, Alabama. Memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for a resident who may be at risk of wandering, while hospice care focuses on comfort for someone with a life limiting illness. The range of care services can suit a resident whose needs may change over time while remaining in one community.
The community has 180 beds, placing it among larger communities with more residents and staff. Short Stay Rehabilitation gives a resident a temporary setting for recovery, and Complex Medical Care supports residents with higher acuity medical needs. Total nurse staffing is 4h 18m per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time assigned per resident.
Medicare can help cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay. Medicaid can help when personal savings do not cover a long stay, while private pay means paying directly. Maria Ephraim serves as the administrator.
River City Center is a nursing home and skilled nursing community in Decatur, Alabama. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while nursing home care supports residents who need ongoing care. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs continuous nursing oversight or a short stay for rehabilitation.
Short stay rehabilitation gives a resident a temporary setting for rehabilitation services rather than an ongoing residence. River City Center has 183 beds and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several ways to cover care based on eligibility and resources. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 3 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident, and Joseph Dunavant serves as the administrator.
Enjoy the highest quality of care with Huntsville Health and Rehabilitation LLC, an exceptional community in Huntsville, AL, offering long-term care and rehabilitation. With a compassionate and well-trained team of registered nurses and therapists available around the clock, residents receive top-notch care for their unique needs. The community also promotes a nurturing and welcoming environment, so residents can feel at ease during their stay.
With inviting communal spaces, residents can interact with their surroundings and live actively. Healthy meals are important for residents’ well-being, so delightful and nutritious dining options are served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Residents can recover quickly and make the most of their best years with the community’s comprehensive care and exceptional services.
Overview of Signature HealthCARE of Whitesburg Gardens
Signature HealthCARE of Whitesburg Gardens is a haven in Huntsville, Alabama, dedicated to elevating the lives of seniors with a comprehensive range of services and high-quality living. This family-based organization offers top-notch rehab services, clinical care, and life-enriching opportunities. With a transparent and open commitment to meeting nursing home requirements, Signature HealthCARE of Whitesburg Gardens ensures that residents and their loved ones can have peace of mind, knowing they are choosing a place that not only exceeds expectations but surpasses industry standards. Residents enjoy access to an array of amenities, including a beauty salon, full-time respiratory therapist, 24-hour pharmacy, and Center-wide Wi-Fi. To enhance their experience, bedside phones, and laptops are also available. At Signature HealthCARE of Whitesburg Gardens, seniors find not just a place to reside but a place to call home, where their well-being and quality of life are at the heart of everything they do.
Overview of Aspire Physical Recovery Center at Cahaba River
Aspire Physical Recovery Center at Cahaba River is a nursing home in Vestavia Hills, AL offering palliative care and skilled nursing. Nursing home care supports long term residence with nursing oversight, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom management for someone with a serious illness, so the center may be a good fit for a resident who needs ongoing nursing support, rehabilitation, or comfort focused care.
The center has 120 beds and offers rehabilitation through its Rapid Recovery program, allowing a resident receiving skilled nursing to work on regaining function while remaining in care. Specialized Nursing is also a named program, and total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 50 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time assigned to each resident.
A professional chef prepares meals with fresh ingredients, while a registered dietician contributes nutrition expertise to dining services. Residents can also access salon and spa services through the on site health and beauty spa. Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, and Maegan Estes Darby serves as the administrator.
Montgomery Health and Rehab is a nursing home in Montgomery, Alabama, located in the Monterey Park neighborhood. Licensed nurses are on site around the clock, so residents who need ongoing medical support can receive nursing care without leaving the home.
The home has 121 beds, and its 81% occupancy rate means most beds are in use while some capacity remains available. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover care based on eligibility and financial resources; total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 58 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time assigned to each resident.
Cordova Health and Rehabilitation provides nursing home care, palliative care, and skilled nursing in Cordova, Alabama. Nursing home care supports residents who need ongoing nursing and daily assistance, while palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom management. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care and rehabilitation services.
Rehabilitation services and the Rapid Recovery program give residents access to recovery focused care at the facility. Beautician services, a salon and spa, outdoor courtyards, and a restaurant style dining area provide options for personal grooming, time outside, and meals in a restaurant style setting.
The facility has 114 beds, with total nurse staffing of 5 hours and 23 minutes per resident each day. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several listed ways to cover care, and Sonny Ward serves as the administrator. Cordova Health and Rehabilitation may be a good fit for a resident who needs skilled nursing or rehabilitation services, or for someone receiving palliative care focused on comfort.
Millennium Nursing and Rehab Center is a premier senior care provider nestled in the heart of Huntsville, Alabama. This skilled nursing facility is dedicated to catering to the unique health needs of its residents, while also addressing any nursing home questions and qualifications that families may have. Millennium maintains an exceptional caliber of service with a team of committed and compassionate staff, ensuring that every resident receives the highest level of care and attention.
For those living with Alzheimer’s disease, Millennium offers advanced integrated cognitive programs. The center’s nurses, therapists, and clinicians are renowned for their expertise and dedication, consistently delivering top-notch care that elevates the quality of life for every resident. All rehab therapists and care providers are in-house, fostering strong and lasting relationships with those they serve, ensuring that residents and their families can have peace of mind knowing they have chosen a facility that not only meets but exceeds nursing home requirements.
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 139 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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