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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.
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.
$7.9M*Fiscal year ending 06/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$5.4M*Fiscal year ending 06/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
67.8%*Fiscal year ending 06/2022These 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 347 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Overview of Palm Terrace Healthcare & Rehab Center
Palm Terrace Healthcare & Rehab Center is a well-regarded nursing home in Laguna Hills, CA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Committed to older adults’ comfort and healing, the community continuously promotes a supportive and welcoming environment. With 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and recreational activities, residents receive high-quality services that aim to help them focus on recovery. The community also works closely with residents, their families, and healthcare providers to provide the best possible care based on their needs and preferences.
Local trips, lecture series, and ice cream socials encourage residents to continue learning and make friends. Specially designed living spaces and top-notch rehabilitation equipment are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. Situated in the peaceful neighborhood of Laguna Hills, the community guarantees a stress-free retirement. This nursing home is one of the best options for senior living in California, especially with its exceptional standards of care.
Camarillo Senior Living is a highly regarded retirement community in Camarillo, CA, that offers a wide range of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community’s compassionate and welcoming environment also aims to provide older adults with a home away from home. Personalized meal plans, medication management, and weekly housekeeping also help residents maintain their independence. Through personalized care plans, residents also receive the utmost attention and care for their unique needs.
Card games, holiday parties, and weekly outings are just some of the activities dedicated to residents’ leisure and wellness. A bistro, spacious outdoor courtyards, and a library are also available, so residents can rest and connect with friends. Set in the peaceful residential area of Camarillo, the community guarantees a stress-free retirement. As one of the best options for senior living in California, this retirement community ensures older adults can age comfortably.
Loma Linda Post Acute is an esteemed community located near Jerry L Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda, CA, that offers rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community strives to provide the highest quality of care and support 24/7, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Promoting a nurturing and welcoming environment, the community utilizes a holistic approach to care for residents to feel a sense of belonging.
Keeping residents active and socially engaged, a variety of enriching programs and fun-filled activities are conducted for their leisure and wellness. With occupational, physical, and speech therapy, the community goes above and beyond to enhance residents’ living experiences. Make the most of your golden years amidst the community’s dedicated care and state-of-the-art amenities.
Pomona Vista Care Center is a 59-bed skilled nursing facility located in Pomona, CA. They offer skilled nursing and rehabilitations services to help their patients and residents rest and recover, as well as regain their mobility and independence. Their skilled support staff consists of clinicians, therapists, and medical consultants who provide residents with 24/7 skilled nursing care, medication management, and pain management among other things.
The residents of Pomona Vista Care Center also have access to nutrition & hydration programs to ensure that they receive their dietary needs in order to stay healthy and improve their health conditions. They also provide diabetic management and education, as well as stroke rehabilitation.
Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center in El Cajon, California, provides nursing home, hospice care, memory care, palliative care, respite care, and skilled nursing. Licensed nurses are on site around the clock for residents who need ongoing nursing support. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Hospice and palliative care focus on comfort, while respite care offers a temporary stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.
The center has 96 beds and supports short term rehabilitation in an expansive rehab gym, so residents can receive rehabilitation services on site. There is room to get outside, too. Spacious courtyards with a pond and fountain give residents outdoor common areas to use.
Registered dietitians oversee meal planning and presentation, allowing meals to be adjusted to each patient’s needs. Medicare can cover qualifying short term skilled care after a hospital stay, while Medicaid can help eligible residents whose savings may not cover a long stay; private pay allows a family to pay directly. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 20 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. A Walk Score of 67 means some errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to manage some outings independently. Cottonwood Canyon Healthcare Center may be a good fit for someone who needs licensed nursing care, memory supervision, or a temporary stay while a family caregiver recovers or travels.
West Covina Healthcare Center is a nursing home in West Covina, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. The community’s inclusive and welcoming environment ensures older adults can live comfortably in their later years. Exceptional services, including therapy, 24-hour care, and social services, are also provided to meet residents’ living experiences. Through personalized care plans, residents receive high-quality care for recovery.
Physical exercises, fun events, and sensory games provide residents with more opportunities to explore new interests and gain meaningful experiences. With thoughtfully curated amenities and cozy living spaces, residents can relax and interact with their surroundings. West Covina Medical Center and major highways are also located nearby, providing quick access to medical needs and travel. As one of the trusted options for senior living in California, this nursing home strives to help older adults live to their potential in retirement.
Nestled in Clovis, California, Willow Creek Healthcare Center provides a welcoming and secure environment, ensuring seniors receive top-notch skilled nursing home care. Strategically located off N. Willow Ave., the facility offers convenient accessibility, creating a hassle-free experience for residents and their families. Willow Creek stands out with its state-of-the-art and spacious rehab gym, providing cutting-edge rehabilitation services to support residents on their journey to better health.
In addition to the skilled nursing services, the facility boasts inviting outdoor spaces, including courtyards and common areas, fostering a perfect setting for socialization and community engagement. Willow Creek Healthcare Center is not just a skilled nursing facility. It’s a well-designed space that meets senior living standards and nursing home requirements, offering seniors a thoughtful and comprehensive option for their healthcare needs.
Located in Clovis, California, Morning Star Post Acute is a distinguished nursing home offering 57 beds and providing tranquil skilled nursing care. With a highly trained team of nurses, this facility creates an ideal environment that ensures residents enjoy peace of mind 24 hours a day, experiencing specialized care tailored to their needs. Morning Star Post Acute’s skilled nursing services cover a spectrum of care, including cardiac care, diabetes care, catheter care, ostomy care, IV therapy, pain management, and more.
In addition to comprehensive nursing care, the facility offers an extensive range of rehabilitation services, featuring physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as specialized programs like fall prevention, balance and vestibular therapy, neurologic rehab, and more. The team at Morning Star Post Acute consists of healthcare professionals with expertise in their respective fields. The facility takes pride in its spacious common areas, Wi-Fi accessibility, and emergency call response in every room, providing a senior living experience that exceeds skilled nursing facility standards and nursing home qualifications.
Recognized as Santa Ana’s foremost location for short-term rehabilitation, The Hills Post Acute is a senior community committed to service excellence, ensuring a stay that is both comfortable and conducive to therapeutic healing. Staying at the forefront of their field through ongoing education, physical and occupational therapists leverage the latest research to enhance balance and mitigate fall risks. They employ a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities and a comprehensive therapy program encompassing strengthening, balance training, pain management, wound care, urinary incontinence solutions, and expanding patients’ range of motion.
The rehabilitation journey at The Hills Post Acute is characterized by dedication, innovation, and a focus on each individual’s overall health and recovery. Their dedicated and skilled team collaborates closely with each resident, their families, and their healthcare providers. This collaborative effort results in the creation of comprehensive and highly effective care and treatment plans individually tailored to the specific needs of each senior patient.
Overview of St. Edna Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center
St. Edna Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center, located in Santa Ana, California, is a 24-hour skilled nursing facility comprising 144 beds. Under the supervision of the Medical Director and the attending physician, St. Edna Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center offers round-the-clock skilled nursing care, ensuring the provision of comprehensive, tailored treatment plans. These individualized care plans encompass progressive therapy strategies, all aimed at restoring patients to their previous levels of functioning, guided by a harmonized approach to clinical and rehabilitation care.
This dedicated healthcare establishment boasts a team of committed professionals whose primary mission is to aid patients in their recovery following surgery, injury, or severe illness. As an integrated team, their collective goal transcends mere expectations, aspiring to deliver exceptional rehabilitative therapy and nursing care standards. St. Edna Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center is steadfast in empowering patients to attain their utmost functional potential, ultimately facilitating their transition to the least restrictive care setting possible.
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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