We arrange tours, appointments, and even moving support so you don’t have to
2
Ranked on Data, Not Dollars
We rank communities on objective measures like inspection records, quality scores, and care data, so you can find trusted options without the guesswork.
3
Personalized Guidance
From lifestyle matching to help with insurance and financial assistance, we make sure the community is the right fit
Explore Open Rooms
1Contact details
2What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4How soon do you need to find care?
5Additional details
Thank you for your interest!
A member of our team will be in touch by phone or email shortly to help with next steps.
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.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
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.
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 Limestone Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Limestone Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Athens, AL, carries skilled nursing, respite care, and nursing home care. Licensed nursing never clocks out at the end of a day shift, and that is the nursing home level. Respite runs short, and the reason is sometimes just distance.
A family that normally checks in every day can be cut off for a stretch by weather or a long drive. Two people arrive here for different reasons: one needs nursing support that will not end, the other is a caregiver owed two weeks off. The license covers 170 beds.
Nursing hours reach 3 hours and 29 minutes per resident daily. Medicare covers short-term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than a permanent address. Medicaid may cover a long stay for an eligible resident, and paying privately is the third route.
Short-term rehabilitation runs under the Champion Rehab name, which gives the therapy a defined shape rather than whatever the week allows. A salon handles grooming without a trip, and a courtyard gives residents somewhere outside. Sherry Bowling is the administrator.
Diversicare of Oneonta provides nursing home, skilled nursing, memory care, and hospice care in Oneonta, AL. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide licensed nursing care for residents with ongoing medical needs, while memory care offers supervision in a setting suited to someone living with dementia. Hospice care supports residents receiving end of life care, and short stay rehabilitation is available for temporary recovery needs.
Rehabilitation services provide support during recovery, while complex medical care addresses more involved medical needs. The combination of nursing, memory care, hospice care, and rehabilitation may suit someone whose needs range from medical support to dementia supervision, end of life care, or a short recovery stay.
Diversicare of Oneonta has 120 beds. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 12 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time available for each resident. Michael Enlow serves as the administrator.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment routes for eligible care and services. A Walk Score of 65 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach certain nearby destinations independently.
Dadeville Healthcare Center, established in 1966, operates a 144-bed nursing facility in Dadeville, Alabama. Care offerings span both short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing support, helping residents recover from hospital stays or manage ongoing healthcare needs. Physical recovery programs run on site alongside general clinical monitoring.
Management of the center falls under administrator Lynsi LaNay Phillips. Staffing records indicate that registered nurses and care personnel provide an average of 5 hours and 11 minutes of daily nurse staffing per resident across the building. Payment options include Medicare for short-term rehabilitation, Medicaid for long-term stays, and direct private payment.
Interested individuals can contact Dadeville Healthcare Center directly to check current bed openings, discuss financial options, or set up a tour to view the area.
Cavalier Healthcare of Trussville operates a 125-bed facility in Trussville, Alabama, providing skilled nursing, hospice, palliative, and respite care. Service offerings address both extended residential needs and short-term recovery, including a Post Acute Rehab Therapy program for individuals recovering from recent medical interventions. The center also manages a Complex Care program designed for residents requiring specialized medical oversight.
Under the direction of administrator Becky Stocker, the facility allocates an average of 3 hours and 39 minutes of daily nurse staffing per resident. Caregivers seeking short-term relief can utilize temporary respite stays, while palliative and hospice programs prioritize comfort management for advanced health conditions. Accepted financial options encompass Medicare for eligible post-hospital stays, Medicaid for extended residence, and direct private payment.
Prospective representatives can reach out to Cavalier Healthcare of Trussville to evaluate current bed availability, confirm program details, and schedule a walk-through of the community.
Administered by Jason Banks, Arbor Lake Health & Rehab offers nursing home and skilled nursing care in Auburn, AL. The community provides continuous clinical support with a doctor on-site, supported by 24-hour staffing. Respite care is also available for those seeking temporary stays, particularly older adults whose primary caregivers need time away.
The community has 87 beds, with 4 hours and 18 minutes of total nurse staffing per resident each day. Occupancy is at 85.1%, with an average length of stay of 194 days. Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
Furthermore, meals are nutritionally balanced and meet medical and faith based food requirements, supporting residents with those dietary needs. A salon and spa are available on-site.
With a state-of-the-art design and 143 beds, Rehab Select at Hillview Terrace in Montgomery has created an environment where residents can receive top-notch care and experience the highest levels of comfort. They go above and beyond to offer a wide range of specialized services, from tracheostomy care to lifevest defibrillator provision and IV antibiotic administration. Whether it’s short-term rehabilitation, COVID-19 recovery, or respite care, Rehab Select welcomes individuals with open arms. Moreover, their team consists of a physiatrist and vascular surgeon who conduct regular rounds to ensure that every resident receives the attention and care they deserve. The home has implemented an advanced emergency response system and cutting-edge heat, smoke, and fire detection systems to ensure the well-being of all residents. Additionally, their wandering prevention system provides an added layer of security, giving families peace of mind. Rehab Select understands that navigating payment options can be a concern. That’s why they accept Medicare, Medicaid, private insurances, and private payments, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all who need it.
Fair Haven is a non-profit retirement community in Birmingham, AL, that offers a wide range of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With its warm and nurturing environment, the community ensures older adults have a stress-free retirement. Three home-style meals daily, housekeeping, and scheduled transportation also help residents maintain their independence with ease. With its faith-based approach, the community fosters meaningful connections and ensures residents can thrive.
Exercise classes, cultural excursions, and lifelong learning provide residents with more opportunities to explore new interests and have fun while enhancing their memory. A chapel, a library, and spacious outdoors are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. Set near Sandstone Ridge and surrounded by restaurants and shops in Birmingham, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. The community is a good choice for senior living in Alabama, as it has exceptional services dedicated to older adults’ well-being.
Greenbriar at the Altamont is a senior living community located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. The community prides itself on fostering genuine connections and positive culture among its residents. The residents of Greenbriar at the Altamont have diverse backgrounds and fascinating stories to share, creating a unique and enriching experience. Located on historic Highland Avenue, the home offers a range of living options, including rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and assisted living, to meet the individual needs of each resident. The community’s 1920s-style luxury lobby exudes elegance and charm, creating a warm and welcoming environment for residents. Unlike many senior living communities, Greenbriar at the Altamont does not require large upfront buy-ins or long-term leases, allowing residents to live life on their terms. Their amenities include fast Wi-Fi, a library, a grand lobby, a salon, and a barbershop. The community’s beautiful landscaping and spectacular views provide a peaceful setting for residents to relax and unwind. At Greenbriar at the Altamont, the focus is on creating a community that celebrates life and fosters personal connections.
Overview of Civic Center Health and Rehabilitation
Two care types are on offer at Civic Center Health and Rehabilitation in Birmingham, AL. They are nursing home care and skilled nursing.
“Licensed” is the important word when it comes to skilled nursing, because a nursing license belongs to a person and not to the building they’re working in. Licensed nurses are here every hour.
Rehabilitation supports the recovery that follows after one experiences illness or injury, or has surgery. Named programs cover pain and wound management, fall prevention, IV therapy, cardiac recovery, orthopedic injuries, joint replacement, stroke, respiratory disorders, and cognitive impairments.
That collection of services suits a resident needing nursing oversight and rehabilitation for any one or more of those conditions. 95 beds fill out the building. Each resident has 4 hours and 39 minutes of nurse time behind them across a day.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted, and a family generally uses one at a time. Dianne Hall has the administrator position. A courtyard is on the amenity list, giving residents somewhere to be outdoors, and there’s a salon too.
Overview of Eastview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Eastview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center provides nursing home and skilled nursing care, along with hospice care, palliative care, and respite care, in Birmingham, AL, in the South Eastlake neighborhood. The 92-bed community offers nursing support for residents who need ongoing clinical care, while hospice and palliative care address comfort and symptom management. Respite care provides a short-term stay for a resident while a usual caregiver travels or recovers, and the range of services can suit families whose care needs may change over time.
Families can use Medicare, Medicaid, or private pay; Medicare covers short-term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid provides an option when savings may not cover a long stay, and private pay means paying directly. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours 26 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident.
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
Need Help?
Let us help you or a loved one find the perfect senior home.
