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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 346 nursing homes in CA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CA
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), 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.
RESC (Residential Care):
Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
ADC (Adult Day Care):
Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community):
A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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 California average is: 61.1% 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.
$11.6M*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$7.1M*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
61.2%*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$13.4M*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.
$7.4M*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.
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.
$9.6M*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.
$6.2M*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.
64.2%*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 CA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 346 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Greenridge Senior Living offers nursing home care, assisted living, memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Richmond, CA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident maintains a private living space. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.
Respite care supports a short-term stay when a family caregiver needs to travel or recover. Because Greenridge Senior Living offers several care levels, it may be a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time and who may be able to move between services without leaving the community. With 38 beds, the community is smaller, allowing staff and residents to get to know each other.
The community opened in 1970. A Walk Score of 32 / 100 places it in a car-dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride. Total nurse staffing is 4h 25m per resident/day, representing the daily nurse staffing time allocated per resident.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving eligible residents public coverage options alongside self-pay. Pets are allowed, so residents may keep a pet at the community. Patrick M Blanc is the administrator, and Arpd operates Greenridge Senior Living.
Settling on 76 acres of tranquil lands in Estates Drive, Fairfield, CA, Paradise Valley Estates is an idyllic senior living community that provides assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Keep peace of mind with a competent and highly trained team assisting seniors with their daily needs around the clock. Moreover, Paradise Valley Estates handles the maintenance and other household chores to provide residents with more time to make the most out of their best years.
Immerse in a wide array of cultural activities and recreational programs to stay active and well–engaged. Personalized meal plans are available to meet dietary needs and preferences. Paradise Valley Estates is ideal for seniors aiming to maximize their freedom while receiving the utmost attention for their ever-changing needs.
Ideally situated near Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, CA, Saylor Lane Health Care Center is a distinguished community that offers skilled nursing. Here, residents enjoy the highest quality of care with a respectful and highly skilled team attending to their needs around the clock. The community is a Medicare and Medi-Cal provider, ensuring residents receive the utmost care they deserve while staying within their financial capabilities.
A fun-filled calendar of fun activities and engaging programs is also orchestrated, promoting social interactions and an active lifestyle. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are provided to enhance residents’ living experiences. Residents maintain dignity and independence, accompanied by the community’s top-notch services and extensive amenities.
Maintain your independence while receiving compassionate care from Hillcrest Care, a warm and inviting community in Arrowhead Farms, CA, offering top-tier assisted living services. Residents here have access to 24/7 daily living assistance and skilled nursing care depending on their care needs. With medication management assistance, housekeeping, and laundry services, residents have fewer worries and can focus more of their time doing the things they enjoy.
Accommodations here are beautifully decorated to foster a cozy and residential-like environment with telephone service and satellite television for their comfort. Residents can also participate in an array of fun and engaging activities to keep them active, entertained, and stimulated. With fresh and nutritious meals served every day, residents can easily maintain their health and nutrition. At Hillcrest Care, residents can enjoy their peace of mind knowing that the conveniences they need are within easy reach.
Lone Tree Post Acute is one of Antioch’s skilled nursing facilities offering skilled nursing and rehabilitative services to its residents and patients alike. They take pride in the quality of care they provide through their skilled nursing services, where their residents receive 24/7 care and supervision, medication management, incontinence care, as well as memory care for residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
This skilled nursing facility also ensures that residents receive proper nutrition, providing dietician approved meals and oral supplements, as well as regular nutritional assessments. Other services they provide include wound and pain management, hospice and respite care, restorative nursing, IV Therapy, and laboratory testing and x-rays.
Ridgeview Health Center is a peaceful sanctuary where residents can receive personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, 24-hour skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. The center is dedicated to providing unfaltering attention to the wellness of its elderly residents, through their distinctive floor plans and emergency response available 24/7. They boast full-time wellness nurses and highly trained caregivers, equipped with advanced medication technologies. They place a great deal of importance on the residents’ independence and personal choices, ensuring that each individual has the freedom to live their life the way they choose. This home also offers a salon and barber, scenic drives, shopping trips, and spiritual wellness options such as bible studies and church services. Residents can enjoy their meals while maintaining their health goals as the center offers options to satisfy their palate while being healthy. They provide a myriad of avenues for residents to enjoy various activities as well, such as Wheel of Fortune, bingo and card games, themed and holiday events, live music performances, craft and ceramics classes, painting workshops, museum visits, and so much more.
Ocean View Post-Acute is a top-notch nursing home in Escondido, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Promoting a compassionate and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults are comfortable and safe. With 24-hour care, therapy, and social services, residents experience a worry-free retirement. The community also works closely with residents to provide the best possible care for their unique needs and preferences.
Musical performances, stretching exercises, and gardening provide residents with various options for entertainment and encourage them to stay active. State-of-the-art rehabilitation gym, accessible hallways, and cozy common areas are also available for residents’ comfort and wellness. Situated near highways, a school, and churches in Escondido, the community is easily accessible for families and visitors. Providing exceptional standards of care and top-notch amenities, this nursing home is one of the trusted options for senior living in California.
A top continuing care community in San Diego, Bayshire Torrey Pines is a senior living community that offers all levels of care. Bayshire Torrey Pines consists of professional staff who are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all seniors. They pride themselves on their integrity by ensuring that everyone is confident to speak up and be truthful with their communication– growing a trusting bond between residents and staff. The senior living community does its best to guarantee everyone can thrive in a home that is bustling with big and inspiring spaces to help live a purposeful life. Torrey Pines puts value on the trust that families place in them; they are dedicated to earning and proving their worth.
A certified quality care provision in San Diego, Bayshire Torrey Pines has a welcoming community housing independent living in resort-like hospitality. The charming community provides indoor and outdoor restaurant-style dining; a movie theater, a fitness center, library, and salon and day spa– among a few of their amenities and facilities offered. A few of their services are poetry classes, art classes, volunteering activities, maintenance and housekeeping, and concierge services. Bayshire Torrey Pines houses residents of ages averaging between seventy to ninety. Many families have come back to Bayshire Torrey Pines and with its rapid vacancy rate lowering, it’s a testament to the demand of the community– a community where families are confident their loved ones will be in good hands.
Tucked in the serene lands of East Windsor Road, Glendale, CA, Ararat Gardens is an outstanding senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and post-acute care. Experience comfort and convenience like no other with Ararat Garden’s snug and well-designed residences. Let go of your woes and spend your best years with top-tier care and assistance delivered by a compassionate and highly skilled team around the clock.
Ararat Gardens fosters a bright and inviting environment, ensuring seniors remain happy and well-engaged with their surroundings. With its desirable location near wonderful attractions and practical amenities, the community ensures seniors’ needs and amusements are within their reach. Awarded as US News and World Report’s Best Nursing Home Short-term Rehabilitation in 2024, Ararat Gardens continuously provides the highest quality of care for seniors to experience their best years without worries.
Experience genuine care with Community Care on Palm, a compassionate community in Riverside, CA that offers an array of rehabilitative services. The community helps residents recover successfully with the help of their professional therapists trained in physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Residents are well-cared for with access to 24/7 skilled nursing services and individualized care plans tailored to their preferences and needs.
Those looking for short-term stays can access the community’s respite care and adult day care program designed to offer companionship and relief for family caregivers. Living spaces here are designed to provide both comfort and opportunities for meaningful social interactions. With its round-the-clock care and customized services, the community warrants an effective delivery of care amidst a safe and nurturing environment.
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 California
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in California?
Assisted living in California 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 California Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — California 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 346 nursing homes in California. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in California?
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 California, 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 California?
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 California at a glance
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.1/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in California. 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:3.1/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in California. 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 California. 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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