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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 215 nursing homes in AR using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in AR
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.1/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Arkansas. 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:3.2/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Arkansas. 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:2.9/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Arkansas. 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 AR Dept. of Human Services (DHS), 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.
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 Arkansas average is: 46.0% 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.
$4.0M*Fiscal year ending 2020These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$2.7M*Fiscal year ending 2020These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
66.3%*Fiscal year ending 2020These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$8.2M*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.
$4.5M*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.
55%*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.
Rank badges are statewide: each nursing home is ranked against every AR nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 215 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Make the most of your best years at Crestpark Forrest City, a distinguished community in Forrest City, AR, offering skilled nursing. Residents can keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team helping with their unique needs around the clock. The community also participates in Medicare and Medicaid, striving to ease financial challenges.
Occupational, physical, speech, and rehabilitation therapy are available to enhance residents’ living experiences. With nutritionist-approved meals, residents enjoy a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. Wound care is also available for residents’ healthcare needs. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its top-notch services and extensive amenities.
Owned and administered by Julia Beldyga, Innisfree Health and Rehab is a skilled nursing facility in Rogers, Arkansas, which has been serving the community for 31 years. The 104-bed home accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several coverage options for both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care. The facility tends toward short-term stays. Residents stay an average of around 134 days, with an occupancy rate of 72%.
Clinically, the home focuses on rehabilitation and short-term recovery services. Residents are supported by skilled staff and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation gym. Total nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 55 minutes per resident each day, which is a substantial level of hands-on daily support. The facility is staffed around the clock. There are physician services available 24 hours a day to reduce delays in medical care.
State inspections have consistently identified gaps in care coordination and documentation across clinical areas. Concerns were mostly related to medication safety, infection control practices, and care quality during daily routines. These findings are areas where care processes and oversight need strengthening.
The home is in a moderately walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 43. Some nearby services are within walking distance, but most visits and errands require driving. Amenities on-site are an outside patio and garden area, a beauty salon, a private dining room for family events, and an activity program. Housekeeping and laundry services are available daily for residents. The facility has spacious rooms and a range of conveniences for residents and visiting family members.
Families considering Innisfree take a tour of the home and ask how the facility has addressed the care coordination and safety findings from state inspections. This will help them understand the home’s current practices for medication management and infection control.
Bailey Creek Health and Rehab provides nursing home, memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Texarkana, AR. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.
Respite care supports a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The range of care may suit someone living with dementia or a family needing temporary support.
The community has 115 beds, with daily staffing of 4 hours and 58 minutes of total nurse staffing per resident and 1 hour and 16 minutes of licensed nurse staffing from RNs and LPNs. These figures represent nursing time allocated to each resident each day. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy support rehabilitation without requiring a resident to arrange those services elsewhere. An enclosed courtyard with a gazebo, a concrete walking path, and specialized outdoor therapy equipment provide space for therapy and recreation, while a salon offers on-site grooming. Dining is led by a certified dietary manager and cooks who accommodate food allergies and preferences.
A Walk Score of 65 / 100, rated somewhat walkable, means some errands can be done on foot. A resident who no longer drives may still complete certain errands independently. Sarah Gaither administers Bailey Creek Health and Rehab, which is operated by TXKNC, Inc.
Hudson Memorial Nursing Home, located in El Dorado, Arkansas, is devoted to delivering outstanding care to its residents. As a skilled nursing facility, Hudson Memorial provides various services, including short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The compassionate team at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home, led by dedicated professionals, focuses on creating a supportive and comforting environment for senior residents. The facility’s mission centers around guaranteeing the utmost care for Union County and the surrounding regions. With personalized care plans and a commitment to fostering a sense of community, they strive to enhance the overall quality of life for each individual entrusted to their care. Whether facilitating recovery or offering a nurturing home for long-term residents, Hudson Memorial Nursing Home is dedicated to upholding the well-being and dignity of each individual within their care.
Sheri McGraw owns and Shari McGraw administers Colonel Glenn Health and Rehab, a 120-bed skilled nursing community located on David O. Dodd Road in Little Rock, Arkansas. Right now, the building fills about 90 percent of its beds, meaning it stays mostly full but leaves occasional spots open for new admissions. Residents typically remain at the facility for about 190 days on average, a timeframe showing the floor staff manages a steady blend of short-term rehabilitation therapies and extended long-term nursing stays.
A 24-hour medical team drives the everyday care schedule, providing an average of 4 hours and 48 minutes of direct, hands-on attention per resident each day. Registered nurses, practical nurses, and aides use this shift time to run basic clinical treatments, physical rehabilitation programs, and temporary respite care for visiting families. If you plan to drop by, keep in mind that this suburban neighborhood is entirely car-dependent, so visitors and families will need a vehicle for any errands outside the property.
State health surveys have previously flagged compliance issues here concerning basic infection control protocols, fall prevention practices, medication notification processes, and catheter care routines. Looking over these past regulatory survey records with the administrative team will help you see exactly how the current staff tracks daily quality control and implements medical safety corrections.
Prospective residents can call the intake department to check on current room vacancies, ask about standard application timelines, or set up payment plans using traditional Medicare, state Medicaid, and private funds. The office staff can also walk you through available daily setups, including wireless internet access, television hookups, housekeeping services, and a beauty salon.
The Springs of Premier is a nursing home in North Little Rock, AR, providing nursing care for residents who need ongoing medical support. The community may be a good fit for someone whose needs require ongoing nursing oversight rather than help with daily tasks alone.
The home has 132 beds. Total nurse staffing is 4h 7m per resident per day, representing the amount of nursing time allocated to each resident across a day. The Springs of Premier accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families the option to use an applicable public program or pay directly for care.
Overview of Legacy Health and Rehabilitation Center
Legacy Health and Rehabilitation Center has been part of Fort Smith, Arkansas for 28 years, operating a 115-bed nursing home at 3310 N 50th St. Right now, 95 of those beds are filled, putting occupancy at 83%. The neighborhood itself is only somewhat walkable. A Walk Score of 40 means a handful of nearby services might be reachable on foot, but most trips are going to call for a car.
Care here centers on rehabilitation, backed by consistent nursing support. Residents receive rehabilitation services as part of their stay, and total nursing care runs close to five hours per resident each day, split across registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. For families sorting out payment, the facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, covering most of the common ways people fund a nursing home stay.
Beautician services and laundry assistance are available, and there are outdoor courtyards for residents who want to spend time outside. Dining offers some flexibility as well, since residents can choose to eat in their own room or head to the restaurant-style dining area, whichever suits them on a given day.
On the regulatory side, inspections here have tended to focus on a fairly broad set of areas: medication management, infection prevention and control, staffing and staff credentials, environmental and hazardous materials safety, care planning and documentation, dietary and food service, resident rights and protections, and fall and injury prevention. That’s a wide net, and it reflects the kind of comprehensive review nursing homes generally go through, not something unique to this facility.
What this points to is a long-running, sizable nursing home built around rehabilitation and steady nursing coverage, with some flexibility in daily dining and broad payment options layered on top.
Overview of Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville
Recognized as the Best Nursing Home by US News and World Report, Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville is a distinguished senior living community at 1179 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR, providing long-term care. The community can accommodate up to 90 residents, ensuring seniors receive the utmost care and attention 24/7. A team of reliable and well-trained professionals works closely with seniors to devise care plans that best match their special needs and aspirations.
As a state-owned community, Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville ensures military veterans and seniors have a safe place to live their best years. The community accepts Medicare and Medicaid to ensure residents can avail their healthcare needs. Residents and families can rest assured of having easy access to medical needs with hospitals and senior care providers nearby. Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville is ideal for seniors seeking solace in their golden years.
Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation runs 152 beds out of its location on E Johnson Ave in Jonesboro, Arkansas, split between 135 units for Medicaid and Medicare residents and 17 for private pay. JBNC, Inc. operates the facility, and Marlisa Thompson serves as administrator. The Walk Score sits at 10, about as car-dependent as it gets. Almost nothing here is a walk away.
Registered nurses spend about 25 minutes per resident daily, LPNs put in 42 minutes, and nurse aides add another 25. Combined, that’s roughly four hours and 27 minutes of total nursing care per resident each day. Ridgecrest takes Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, and it runs a short-term rehab track for people recovering from surgery or illness, sitting alongside its longer-term nursing care.
Physically, the building has a communal dining space, a dedicated activity area, an enclosed outdoor courtyard, and specialized outdoor therapy equipment for residents working on mobility. There’s also a full-service salon on-site. Clinically, physical, occupational, and speech therapy are all available.
State inspections at Ridgecrest have tended to center on four areas: medication management, staffing and staff credentials, housekeeping and upkeep, and fall and injury prevention.
Put together, Ridgecrest presents as a 152-bed nursing home built around a dual track: short-term rehab for people passing through, and steady skilled nursing for residents settling in longer term, backed by dedicated therapy and outdoor recovery space.
Westwood Health and Rehabilitation offers nursing home, memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Springdale, AR. Nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for a resident at risk of wandering.
Respite care provides a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs supervised memory support or for a caregiver who needs temporary coverage.
The home has 85 beds, with private and semi-private rooms. A private room gives one resident a single space, while a semi-private room uses a shared arrangement. Total nurse staffing is 4h 23m per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time allocated to each resident.
Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicaid can help when savings may not cover a long stay, while Medicare covers short-term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long-term residence. A salon provides on-site beauty services, and shuttle service gives residents access to community transportation. Rehabilitation and therapy services support treatment during a resident’s stay, while respiratory care, wound care, hospice and palliative care, and psychological services address additional clinical and supportive needs. Kerrie Lorenz serves as administrator, and Westwood Health and Rehab operates the community. A Walk Score of 78 places the area in the very walkable band, meaning most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still reach shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently.
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 Arkansas
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Arkansas?
Assisted living in Arkansas 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 Arkansas Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Arkansas 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 215 nursing homes in Arkansas. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Arkansas?
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 Arkansas, 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 Arkansas?
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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