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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 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.
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.
$8.7M*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.
$4.8M*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.
55.5%*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.
$10.6M*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.
$5.4M*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.
50.6%*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
Cottage of the Shoals offers nursing home, hospice, palliative, respite, and skilled nursing care in Tuscumbia, AL. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock for residents who need ongoing clinical support. Hospice care addresses end of life needs, while palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and discomfort.
Respite care provides a short stay. The range of services may be a good fit for someone who needs nursing care, end of life support, symptom management, or temporary care while a usual caregiver travels or recovers. The home has 103 beds, with total nurse staffing of 3 hours and 9 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident. Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving eligible families public benefit and out of pocket ways to cover care. David Grimes serves as the administrator.
Overview of Aspire Physical Recovery Center of West Alabama
Aspire Physical Recovery Center of West Alabama is a senior care facility with nursing home services located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This center aims to provide personalized care in a luxurious and comfortable environment, creating a unique experience akin to a luxury vacation with the warmth of home. At Aspire Physical Recovery Center of West Alabama, the professional and caring staff is dedicated to ensuring residents receive the highest quality of care and attention. Serving the Tuscaloosa-Northport area, the beautifully designed center offers living rooms for relaxation, along with a central courtyard that provides a serene and leisurely space for residents. With a focus on individual needs, Aspire offers numerous private accommodations, each with spacious bathrooms and private showers, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for all guests. With a commitment to comfort, well-being, and personalized services, the center strives to make each resident’s stay a positive and enriching experience.
Brown Nursing Home provides nursing home care, skilled nursing, and respite care in Alexander City, AL. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Respite care offers a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs time away, while short term rehabilitation provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy during a temporary recovery period. The combination may suit someone who needs skilled care and therapy temporarily or a family arranging short term respite.
The home has 68 beds, with total nurse staffing of 4 hours and 3 minutes per resident each day. That figure represents the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. Brown Nursing Home is administered by William D. Beagle. Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are accepted, giving families different ways to cover care: Medicaid can help when savings may not cover a long stay, Medicare applies to short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence, and private pay allows payment from personal funds.
Diet and nutrition counseling and social services are also available as part of the care offered. Fresh meals are designed around residents’ dietary needs while remaining flavorful, balanced, and nutritious. A salon and spa are available on site, so residents can use those services without arranging an outside visit. Seasonal activities, live music, religious services, and games give residents ways to take part in programming at the home.
Overview of Twin Oaks Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Twin Oaks Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center occupies 131 beds in Mobile, Alabama, at 857 Crawford Lane in a neighborhood where a car handles most errands (Walk Score 29). The average stay runs 172 days, which sets expectations immediately: people come here to recover from something acute, not to settle in. That timeline suggests four to six months of concentrated rehabilitation work.
Nursing care runs 3 hours and 23 minutes per resident per day. Aides provide the bulk of that work at 1 hour 58 minutes. RNs and LPNs each contribute 32 minutes. The balance reflects a short-term rehabilitation model where the work centers on physical recovery and medication management during a defined transition period rather than on managing chronic conditions over years.
Twenty-four-hour skilled nursing is in place. The facility maintains a dedicated rehabilitation space, which means the environment itself is configured for recovery work rather than adapted from a long-term care layout. Family training and involvement are named as part of the care structure, which signals that discharge planning and skill transfer to family caregivers are built into the operation, not added as an afterthought.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted. State inspections have consistently addressed medication management, infection control, staffing credentials, environmental safety, care planning, resident rights, and housekeeping, which is the standard regulatory focus for nursing homes rather than unique to Twin Oaks.
Twin Oaks is structured as a dedicated short-term rehabilitation environment. It’s designed for people in Mobile who need skilled nursing support concentrated over four to six months, with family involvement included in the recovery plan.
Ideally situated near Huntsville Hospital Medical Mall in Huntsville, AL, Diversicare of Big Springs is an outstanding community that offers memory care, long-term care, complex medical care, hospice care, and rehabilitation. The community is dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, providing top-notch care tailored to their unique needs around the clock. Residents can keep their peace of mind in the community’s nurturing and welcoming environment.
Residents are encouraged to live actively and remain socially engaged, with a carefully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and enriching programs. Delightful and healthy dining options are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community’s wide range of care and state-of-the-art amenities creates the ideal setting for a worry-free retirement.
Overview of Little Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart Residence
Little Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart Residence in Mobile, Alabama, delivers structured nursing care alongside assisted living services. Assisted living support covers personal hygiene, dressing, and routine medication management, while nursing home programs assist residents requiring ongoing medical oversight.
Administrator Jason Stinnett manages the 52-bed residence, where recorded staffing averages 6 hours and 5 minutes of daily nursing care per resident. The surrounding neighborhood carries a walk score of 62, enabling residents to accomplish select daily errands nearby without relying on a vehicle. Financial coverage options include Medicare, Medicaid, and direct private pay.
Families investigating long-term care options can contact Little Sisters of the Poor Sacred Heart Residence to inquire about bed availability, review admission procedures, or arrange a tour to view the facility.
The Folsom Center is a compassionate nursing home in Cullman, AL, that offers long-term care, memory care, rehabilitation, and respite care. With its warm and welcoming environment, the community promises comfort and healing for older adults. 24-hour care, medical and non-medical assistance, and therapy services are offered to help residents recover and live to their potential. Residents can also keep their peace of mind, especially with personalized care plans.
Mind-stimulating activities, light exercises, and plenty of recreational programs are dedicated to enhancing residents’ cognition and promoting an active lifestyle. Private rooms, lively communal spaces, and a state-of-the-art therapy gym ensure residents can rest without hassles. The Cullman Regional Medical Center is also located nearby, providing residents with easy access to their medical needs. This nursing home continuously provides a wide range of care, making it one of the best options for senior living in Alabama.
Springhill Medical Center emerges as a sanctuary of heartfelt care in Mobile, Alabama, housing 151 beds within its skilled nursing facility. Offering both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, Springhill Medical Center creates a familiar haven that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Within the walls of this esteemed center, therapy services flourish, with a dedicated focus on physical, occupational, wound care, and enteral therapy. These transformative treatments empower residents, helping them regain their strength, mobility, and overall well-being. The residents are encouraged to infuse their personal touch, adorning their living spaces with cherished photographs, treasured accessories, and beloved furniture. The picturesque pond and accessible boardwalk invite strolls, providing an opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings and embrace the beauty of the outdoors. This inclusive environment also embraces diverse faiths, providing a source of solace and inspiration for those seeking spiritual connection.
Overview of Woodland Village Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
Woodland Village Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center provides nursing home care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Cullman, AL. Nursing home care supports long term residence, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time away, making the range of services relevant to someone recovering after a hospital transition or a family needing temporary care.
The community has 149 beds and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families public coverage or personal payment as applicable to the resident’s care. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 23 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nursing time assigned to each resident. Emily Holcomb serves as the administrator. Short term rehabilitation is available, with rehabilitation services and a spacious therapy gym for therapy sessions at the community. Private rooms give each resident a room of their own. Woodland Village Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center may be a good fit for someone who needs skilled nursing after a hospital stay or a short respite placement while a caregiver travels or recovers.
Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation LLC is a long-term care facility located in the charming city of Columbiana, Alabama. The facility has 63 beds and is designed to provide seniors personalized attention and care. Their staff consists of dedicated professionals who take great pride in delivering compassionate care to residents. They strive to ensure that each resident is treated with respect and receives the attention they deserve. The facility’s common areas create an environment that fosters social interaction and engagement. Residents can enjoy the Wi-Fi and TV services that keep them connected with their families and the world outside. Moreover, the home boasts a beautiful outdoor courtyard that provides a relaxing space for residents to unwind and enjoy some fresh air. In this home, seniors can enjoy their golden years surrounded by compassionate and caring individuals.
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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