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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.
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.
ADC (Adult Day Care):
Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
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.
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
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.
Windsor Skyline Care Center offers nursing home care, hospice care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Salinas, California. Nursing home care supports residents who need ongoing nursing supervision and help with daily needs, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.
Hospice care focuses on comfort near the end of life. Respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, giving the resident a temporary place to receive care during that period.
The center has 80 beds and is in the Laurel West neighborhood. Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay: Medicare can cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid may help when savings do not cover a long stay, and private pay means the family pays directly. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 20 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. The combination of skilled nursing, hospice care, and respite care can suit a resident who needs nursing support, end of life care, or a temporary stay while a usual caregiver is unavailable.
Empress Care Center, located on Bascom Avenue in San Jose, offers high-quality skilled nursing care with a team of over 100 dedicated staff members. They provide a range of services, including support staff and LVNs, who specialize in stroke recovery, wound care, diabetic management, and post-surgical care. They also offer top-notch physical, occupational, and speech therapy services to help residents regain their independence. In addition to their medical services, Empress Care Center also provides innovative activity programs, laundry services, and balanced meals. They offer access to podiatry, dental, and vision services as well, making sure residents’ overall health and wellbeing is taken care of. This home strives to create a sense of community where residents can connect with one another and form meaningful relationships. Whether you or your loved one requires short-term or long-term care, Empress Care Center has everything you need to ensure worry-free days.
Valley Skilled Nursing, located in Modesto CA, is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility providing a variety of medical services to its residents and patients. Their skilled nursing program ensures that their long-term residents and patients receive 24/7 nursing care and supervision, incontinence care, memory care, and medication management, along with regular assistance with daily living activities. Valley Skilled Nursing also provides diabetic care for residents living with diabete, here they receive regular blood glucose monitoring, menu planning, as well as insulin administration and tracking. The residents care program also includes a dietary program to ensure that they receive the proper nutrition they need as well as supplements. For residents in their final stages of life, hospice care is also available.
The Lotus Care Center in West Blvd, Los Angeles, CA is a tight-knit senior living community, offering short-term and long-term care services. Dedicated to offering top-notch care within a welcoming, family-like environment, this community boasts a compassionate team available 24/7 to meet residents’ every need. Residents in this community enjoy comfortable accommodations without the worry of home maintenance, thanks to a dedicated team that takes care of every detail for them.
Focused on supporting residents in leading an active and independent lifestyle, this community offers a variety of enjoyable activities and programs, complemented by nutritious, delicious daily meals. Here, residents enjoy the services they need to continue their retirement journey in comfort with peace of mind, all within a safe and sound community.
Haven Post Acute, is a facility in San Bernardino, CA that provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to its residents. Their quality of care is evident through the services they offer; from diabetic management and education, dementia care, pain management, and restorative nursing among others. The residents of Haven Post Acute are also provided 24/7 supervision, assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dining, and medication management and administration.
In this skilled nursing facility, residents also enjoy a variety of amenities and services that helps boost their overall well being. Weekly and monthly height and weight monitoring ensure that residents are getting enough nutrition they need, meal provisions and oral supplements are provided with consideration to their dietary needs, and exercises are regularly scheduled to improve the residents’ range of motion.
Glendale Healthcare Center is a nursing home in Glendale, CA, offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. With its boutique-style setting, the community strives to keep residents comfortable and safe. Therapies, social services, and nutritious meals are also offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community also works closely with residents to provide the best possible care for their rehabilitation and recovery.
Light exercises, social gatherings, and various games provide residents with more opportunities to stay active and make friends. Top-notch rehabilitation equipment and lively common areas also ensure residents can rest and focus on their wellness. Located near shops, restaurants, and bus stops, the community ensures accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is dedicated to helping older adults live to their potential in retirement, making it a great choice for senior living in California.
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.
Nestled in Yuba City, The Bridgeview Post Acute exists as a 24-hour skilled nursing home with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1970. Evolving from its origins, this facility has consistently delivered exceptional care as a skilled nursing and rehab facility. Having undergone purposeful renovations, it now serves as a leading short-term rehabilitation center in Yuba City. The home takes pride in its comprehensive approach, featuring an activities program, social services, and a team of dedicated professionals providing top-notch care. Beyond meeting nursing home requirements, the facility excels in supporting families during the transition from the facility back to their own homes. This considerate and vibrant nursing home not only focuses on skilled nursing services but also fosters a senior living experience that is both compassionate and enriching.
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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