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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.
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.
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.
$24.2M*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.
$11.9M*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.
49.1%*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.
$18.2M*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.
$11.1M*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.
60.9%*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.
Lake Merritt Senior Living LLC And Calson Care Oakland
$2.0M*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.
$6.0M*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.
299.8%*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
Windsor Care Center of Sacramento is a nursing home in Sacramento, CA. Nursing home care provides ongoing nursing support and assistance with daily needs, while the center’s mental health rehabilitation focus serves adults with mental health issues in a secure, therapeutic setting. The setting may be a good fit for an adult who needs ongoing nursing support and mental health rehabilitation in a secure environment.
The community is in the North Sacramento neighborhood and has 128 beds. Its 98% occupancy means nearly all beds are currently in use. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families the option to use public benefits or pay directly. Suzanne Peck serves as director.
Diablo Valley Post Acute is a distinguished community in Concord, CA, that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Residents here enjoy the highest quality of care from a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs 24/7. The community also assists with social services to help residents and their families experience a stress-free transition. Providing care in Costa County since 2005, the community promotes a cozy and nurturing environment for residents to feel at ease.
Engaging activities and stimulating programs are also conducted to promote residents’ holistic wellness. Delicious and healthy meals are served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is rated 4 stars by Medicare, proving its exceptional quality and dedication to improving residents’ quality of life.
Camino Healthcare is a highly rated nursing home in Hawthorne, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Promoting a nurturing and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults are treated well. Nutritious meals, therapies, and recreational activities are also provided, so residents can focus on recovering. Through a holistic approach to care, the community strives to provide exceptional care tailored to their unique needs and habits.
Excursions, lecture series, and arts and crafts provide residents with more opportunities to learn and live actively. High-quality rehabilitation equipment, cozy rooms, and lively gathering areas are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. Situated in the peaceful residential area of Camino, near restaurants and bus stops, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home has exceptional standards of care, making it a good option for senior living in California.
Brighton Care Center is one of Pasadena’s nursing facilities providing skilled nursing services to its residents. They boast of their top quality 24/7 skilled nursing care, ensuring that residents receive both medical care and assistance with daily living activities. Furthermore, medication management, and coordination with other healthcare providers and transportation services are offered for scheduled medical appointments, ensuring that residents medical needs are well met. Brighton values the role of food in keeping a healthy body; providing the residents with quality meals that are both tasty and nutritious, and prepared with consideration to their dietary needs and restrictions. They also offer housekeeping and laundry services to keep the residents’ environment clean and sanitized, as well as make their stay comfortable.
Live a worry-free retirement with the idyllic senior living community of Antelope Valley Care Center set in charming Lancaster, CA, focusing on skilled nursing and rehabilitation. With its dedication to improving seniors’ well-being, the community provides a team of kind and well-trained professionals to care for their needs. Cozy and elegant accommodations are also available to ensure seniors’ comfort and convenience.
The community also offers social services to guide residents with their other needs. Moreover, fun activities and enriching events accompany residents as they try out new things and lead meaningful lives. Antelope Valley Care Center is ideally situated near local amenities and healthcare providers, giving residents easy access to their necessities and desires.
Garden City Healthcare Center is a senior living community that offers skilled nursing services to its residents, and is located in the serene city of Modesto, CA. This nursing home for the elderly provides medication management, 24/7 nursing care, as well as assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing up, toileting, transfering, and dining.
The long-term care residents of Garden City Healthcare Center are also provided meals which are prepared with consideration to their specific dietary needs and restrictions. Furthermore, to ensure that the environment is always spotless, as well as free from disease spreading viruses and bacterias, housekeeping, sanitation, and laundry services are also provided.
Experience vibrant living at Lake Park Senior Living in Oakland, CA, where personalized care meets endless opportunities for joy and independence. Specializing in assisted living, independent living, and respite care, this community features 55+ active adult apartments, including an entire floor dedicated to assisted living. Residents can choose from spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as cozy alcoves, ensuring a perfect fit for every lifestyle.
With a serene and inspiring indoor setting, you’ll have endless options to have fun, make friends, and relax. The best part? You or your loved one can rest easy, knowing there’s a plan in place in case their needs change in the future. This community offers the perfect balance of independence and support, ensuring residents can manage daily activities with dignity and ease. With a wide array of services and amenities, life here is enjoyable, fulfilling, active, and worry-free.
Overview of Eureka Rehabilitation & Wellness Center
Elevate your retirement with the astounding senior living community of Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center on 23rd Street, Eureka, CA, specializing in long- and short-term care including occupational, speech, physical, and respiratory therapy. With the community helping with daily living activities and personal needs, seniors have more time to focus on the things they want. A team of kind and responsible professionals is available 24/7 to ensure seniors are well-cared for.
The community also provides a local hospice agency to support residents and their families to ensure their well-being at a difficult stage in their lives. Fostering a vibrant and friendly environment, Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center strives to provide a safe place for seniors to spend retirement while receiving top-tier care and assistance.
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.
Del Rosa Villa Post Acute, located in San Bernardino, CA, is a CMS 5-star rated skilled nursing facility that offers high quality care and medical services to its residents. Their 99 bed facility provides the residents with 24/7 medical care that is personalized depending on the residents’ needs. Their services include skilled nursing care, rehabilitative care, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as nutrition services among others.
Del Rosa Villa also values the residents’ need for socialization and entertainment, providing stimulating activities that help boost their cognitive and physical functioning, and promote overall fitness. They also take care of the residents safety within the facility, through assistance with daily living activities as needed, as well as regular housekeeping and laundry, for sanitation and health security.
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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