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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 347 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 California average is: 60.8% 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 CA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 347 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Overview of Walnut Creek Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Walnut Creek Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a nursing home in Walnut Creek, CA, offering skilled nursing and nursing care with licensed nursing support on site around the clock. The setting may be a good fit for a resident whose medical needs call for ongoing licensed nursing support. Care is available day and night.
The center has 153 beds, so it accommodates more residents and staff and usually has more programming than a smaller community. Private rooms give one resident a room, while semi-private rooms are shared. Total nurse staffing is 3h 46m per resident per day, representing the daily nurse staffing time allocated to each resident.
Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Eligible residents can use public coverage options or pay directly. Kelli Greene serves as administrator, and the center is operated by Wg Valley View Sh LP and Atria Management Co.
Overview of Rancho Mirage Health and Rehabilitation Center
Based in the peaceful area of Rancho Mirage, CA, Rancho Mirage Health and Rehabilitation Center is a distinct senior living community that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. With a team of reliable care professionals available to offer services like wound care, cardiac care, IV therapy, and hospice care, residents are guaranteed to live their lives in comfort and peace of mind. Offering 53 private rooms, the community fosters an intimate environment for an optimal healing and recovery experience.
Ensuring its residents are occupied and happy during their recovery process and stay within the community also offers various amenities for residents to enjoy. Residents here are guaranteed to preserve their optimal functionality with access to excellent physical, occupational and speech therapies. At Rancho Mirage Health and Rehabilitation Center, residents are guaranteed to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing recovery journey.
Overview of Park Central Care & Rehabilitation Center
Owned by Antony Thekkek, Park Central Care & Rehabilitation Center is a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Fremont, California. The 99-bed community is located in the Centerville neighborhood and has been serving residents for 28 years. The area is very walkable, with a Walk Score of 75. Many errands and nearby destinations can be reached on foot, which can be convenient for visiting family members.
The community strongly focuses on short-term rehabilitation, with residents staying an average of about 94 days. The population is a mix of residents recovering after hospital care and those receiving longer-term nursing support. Clinical services include physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and speech-language pathology. Certified nursing assistance is also available 24 hours a day. Medication monitoring and dietary services are also part of daily care. Residents can join in regular activities and entertainment programs.
Nursing staff provides an average of about 4 hours and 25 minutes of care per resident daily. Registered nurses provide about 34 minutes of that daily care. This combination provides RN oversight alongside hands-on nursing support. The community also has an active resident council, so residents have a voice in facility policies, care quality, and activity planning.
Families can pay through Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay to cover short-term rehabilitation and ongoing nursing care. State and federal inspections have mainly focused on pharmacy practices, resident rights, and administrative recordkeeping. Reviewers also examine a broader range of clinical measures covering daily care, safety, and health outcomes. Families considering Park Central Care & Rehabilitation Center may ask how these areas are currently being managed.
San Jose Healthcare & Wellness Center offers nursing home and skilled nursing care in San Jose, CA. A resident who requires licensed nursing care can receive it on site around the clock. Its 58 bed size may suit someone who prefers a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other.
Total nurse staffing is 4h 25m per resident per day. In practical terms, this represents the daily hands on nurse time assigned to each resident. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. 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 allows families to pay directly for care.
Serving the health and recovery needs of residents in Riverside, CA for over 50 years, Riverwalk Post Acute is a leading community designed for skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. They feature a team of excellent therapists and an advanced rehab gym that provides access to speech, physical, and occupational therapy services for residents’ recovery needs. The community guarantees a well-cared-for living experience with the help of their highly-skilled nurses who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Thanks to Riverwalk’s strategic location, residents here also enjoy access to a healthcare provider for their medical needs and emergencies. The community also features an array of activities complemented by its spacious lobby and common areas. With a friendly atmosphere, a kind care team, and advanced care practices, residents here are guaranteed to maximize their function level and independence.
Brookside Rehabilitation Center provides nursing home, hospice care, palliative care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Redlands, CA. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and symptom management. Respite care offers a short stay for someone whose usual caregiver needs time away or recovery.
The center has 97 beds, giving families the community’s confirmed capacity when considering whether its size suits their needs. Total nurse staffing is 4h 36m per resident/day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time assigned per resident. Brookside Rehabilitation Center may be a good fit for someone who needs ongoing nursing support, comfort-focused care, or a temporary stay.
Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several ways to cover care depending on eligibility and financial arrangements. Rehabilitation services and post-acute rehabilitation are available for residents recovering after an illness, injury, or hospital stay, while a salon and spa provide an on-site personal-care amenity. Fitness activities and stimulating brain games are also offered.
Independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing make up the campus at Hollenbeck Palms in Los Angeles, CA. The skilled nursing and nursing home levels are staffed by licensed nurses for clinical needs. An assisted living apartment remains the resident’s own, while the staff manages dressing, bathing, and medication.
Anyone whose dementia could lead to wandering has memory care, with supervision in a secure space. Independent living brings community services along with a private home, though daily care isn’t part of it. Moving from one level to another happens within the same campus, so growing needs don’t mean relocating.
Across 185 beds, the housing has one-bed and two-bed layouts. One bed suits a person on their own, and two beds work for a married pair or a companion arrangement. Nursing time comes to 4 hours and 55 minutes for each resident daily.
Medicare, Medicaid, or private funds can pay for care. Walk Score puts Hollenbeck Palms at 62, somewhat walkable, and nearby errands stay manageable on foot without driving. Diana Medina serves as administrator.
Everyday is a life-enhancing opportunity at The Reutlinger Community, a charming senior living community in Contra Costa County, Danville, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. With its continuum of care services, residents are guaranteed to gracefully age in place with seamless transition should their needs evolve. Residents are welcomed into beautifully designed studios, one-bedroom apartments, and memory care units that perfectly align with their tastes and needs.
With 24-hour team availability, residents and their loved ones can rest easy knowing they will be constantly supported by care partners who are truly invested in their health and happiness. Residents are empowered to continue living life to the fullest with lifelong learning programs, activities and opportunities for socialization offered by the community. Beautiful community amenities, including cozy lounge areas, dining rooms, an art room and physical fitness studio, provides relaxing space for exploration and enjoyment.
Find all the care you need with the distinguished life plan community of Rowntree Gardens in Dale Street, Stanton, CA offers a wide array of living options including assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and therapy services. The community takes pride in a team of reliable and highly trained professionals helping seniors with their personal needs and daily living activities around the clock. With specialized programs, Rowntree Gardens works hard to meet seniors’ special needs and aspirations.
As a faith-based community, Rowntree Gardens conducts enriching activities and engaging programs to strengthen seniors’ faith and keep them happy. Anticipate mealtimes with healthy and delicious meals provided to satisfy cravings and nutritional requirements. Rowntree Gardens is a good place for seniors to spend their golden years receiving the utmost care and support they deserve.
Overview of English Oaks Convalescent & Rehabilitation Hospital
English Oaks Convalescent & Rehabilitation Hospital, is a facility by Generations Healthcare located in Modesto, CA, providing long-term skilled nursing and short-term habilitation services. English Oaks offers a variety of specialty programs within their skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Such programs include stroke rehabilitation, IV therapy, wound care, diabetes management, dialysis, and other chronic disease management. Apart from long-term care, they also offer respite and hospice care and services. To ensure that the residents receive the right nutrition they need to either get back on their feet, or continue living a fulfilling life, they serve freshly cooked meals that are prepared with consideration to the patients’ and residents’ dietary needs. They also host recreational garden activities to ensure that each resident is physically and mentally active, promoting their overall health and well being.
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 347 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:3.2/ 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:3.3/ 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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