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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
Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in California.
Watch this Video to see California's Top-rated Senior Communities
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.
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 to lowest based on our ranking methodology.
A distinguished senior living community situated in the serene residential area of West Tulare Avenue, Visalia, CA, Westgate Gardens Care Center offers short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long-term care, complex wound care, and hospice services. As a four-star rated Medicare community, Westgate Gardens Care Center continuously provides top-tier care and assistance for seniors to have a safe healing journey. The community doubles its efforts to create a care plan that best matches residents’ special needs and aspirations.
With round-the-clock care and assistance from a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals consisting of licensed nurses, seniors can ease their minds and live comfortably. Ideally placed near convenient amenities such as Kaweah Health Medical Hospital and stunning attractions, the community ensures residents are well-cared for. Westgate Gardens Care Center strives to provide a safe place for seniors to heal and experience unrivaled care in its cozy spaces.
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.
Anaheim Healthcare Center, a privately operated skilled nursing facility on South Beach Boulevard in Orange County, accommodates 250 residents across multiple care levels: post-acute rehabilitation, long-term nursing care, memory care, and secured dementia services. The facility maintains consistent occupancy of 86.2 percent and average resident tenures of 84 days, drawing from a payer mix where Medicaid represents 69.1 percent of current census, Medicare 27.3 percent, and private pay 3.6 percent. Admissions patterns reveal higher private-pay entry (47 percent) reflecting the community’s rehabilitation focus; discharges skew heavily Medicaid (51 percent), indicating longer institutional stays.
Financial performance has accelerated: 2023 gross revenue reached $70.5 million, placing the facility third among California’s 347 skilled nursing homes. Net income surged to $4.3 million in 2023 from $618,996 in 2022; a sixfold increase. Profit margins expanded to 6.3 percent.
Payroll investment totals $21.3 million annually yet represents only 30.1 percent of revenue; significantly below the 56–67 percent range typical of efficiently operated California nursing homes and ranking 335th of 347 facilities. This disproportionately low payroll percentage suggests heavy reliance on contract staffing or operational restructuring.
A single $14,000 federal penalty issued May 2025 ranks this facility first among 354 California communities in lowest cumulative fines; no payment denials have been imposed.
Clinical staffing delivers 4 hours 17 minutes of nursing care per resident daily, marginally exceeding California’s state average. The nursing complement includes 34 registered nurses, 67 licensed practical nurses, and 154 certified nursing assistants. However, staff-to-resident ratios of 1.47:1 fall 19 percent below state norms, and weekend registered nurse presence drops to 16 minutes per resident, 47 percent below state average, potentially affecting nighttime clinical oversight.
Long-stay resident outcomes demonstrate conflicting patterns. Functional decline metrics rank 31 percent superior to state benchmarks; walking-ability preservation outperforms by 57 percent. Infection control shows strength: urinary tract infections affect 0.7 percent of residents versus the state average of 1.2 percent. Immunization compliance reaches 100 percent.
Conversely, major-injury falls occur in 2.5 percent of residents, 53 percent above state average; and high-risk pressure ulcers affect 8.3 percent versus a state average of 5.0 percent. Short-stay antipsychotic medication initiation rates of 2.5 percent represent 73 percent above state baseline, while successful community discharge reaches only 46.0 percent compared to the state average of 50.6 percent.
The facility operates as a high-census, mixed-acuity environment with operational and financial strength accompanied by complexity in clinical staffing structure and outcome variability.
Evergreen Life Care Homes is a highly reliable senior care provider boasting three exceptional residential homes: Northwest Villa, Château Jesadean, and Evergreen Court. Offering a range of services, including assisted living, memory care, palliative care, short-term stays, hospice care, diabetes care, and more, their commitment is to ensure seniors receive top-notch care and attention.
Located in Fresno, California, their residential homes provide not only comprehensive services but also modern amenities, creating a comfortable and vibrant environment. With a hands-on management approach, Evergreen Life Care Homes stands out for its professional team that treats residents like family. The homes offer a smooth transition for residents and their families, fostering a sense of community, warmth, and an ideal and cherished residence to spend the golden years in.
An assisted living-inspired skilled nursing and rehabilitation home in El Cajon, Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center, delivered with an assisted living services approach. The nursing home is committed to providing its residents with a safe, well-balanced, and healing journey through the exceptional care delivered by its patient-friendly staff. Cottonwood Canyon can be trusted as a facility that cares for every senior’s needs.
Cottonwood Canyon’s services and amenities include activities and programs that promote a continuum of growth and meaningful experiences that boost their recovery period. These include 24/7 nursing supervision and care, weekly housekeeping and laundry, outings and activities, daily delicious and nutritious meals, and specialized programs.
Seek exceptional care at Lighthouse Healthcare Center, an astounding community in Los Angeles, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Residents can ease their worries with a compassionate and well-trained team attending to their needs around the clock. The community also accepts Medicare and Medicaid, striving to ease financial burdens.
Fun recreational activities and stimulating programs are conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delicious and healthy dining options are served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Individualized therapy programs are also provided to enhance residents’ living experiences. With its comprehensive care options and top-tier amenities, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.
Find the care you need at Culver West Health Center, a distinguished community set in the thriving neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Alongside 91 purposely built accommodations, personalized care plans are provided for residents’ comfort and safety. Social services are also available, so residents can ease their worries during their stay.
With a thoughtfully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and stimulating programs, residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections. The community also provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve residents’ living conditions. Medication management, wound care, and respite care are also provided to meet residents’ healthcare needs. The community’s comprehensive care options and state-of-the-art amenities help residents thrive in retirement.
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.
Overview of San Joaquin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Located in the neighborhood of Bakersfield, CA, San Joaquin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a compassionate senior care provider, offering skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation services. Designed to help residents recover successfully from their conditions or hospitalization, the community provides a reliable and compassionate team of caregivers and nurses that oversee residents’ personalized care plans. Offering access to physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, the community ensures residents are able to maintain or regain their strength and functionality.
Residents here are also offered an engaging daily schedule of activities to keep them motivated, happy, and entertained as they go through their recovery journey. Spacious common areas and refreshing courtyards are also available to give residents a serene space for connecting with others or enjoying their free time idylling around. The community also offers help and support to residents and families to prepare for life after discharge, making sure they transition back to their usual routines smoothly.
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.
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 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
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