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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 TableNH (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.
RESC (Residential Care):
Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting.
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.
$10.9M*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.
$5.6M*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.
51.7%*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 346 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Sunnyvale Post-Acute Center is a highly-rated nursing home in Sunnyvale, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. The community also continuously promotes a warm and inviting environment, ensuring older adults live comfortably in retirement. Residents also receive high-quality services, including 24-hour care, well-balanced meals, and therapy services. With a well-trained, multi-disciplinary team, the community strives to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences.
Social events, light exercises, and a variety of activities help residents maintain their holistic wellness. Residents can also connect with friends and relax in its spacious courtyards and lively common areas. Situated near a major highway and healthcare providers in the serene neighborhood of Sunnyvale, the community is easily accessible. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in California, especially with its exceptional quality of care.
Noble Care Center, located in Stockton, California, is a facility that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. With a compassionate approach to healthcare, Noble Care Center specializes in a range of services, including wound care, restorative nursing, memory care, and diabetes management. Their dedicated team of professionals is well-equipped to provide expert medication management and personalized assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), ensuring residents receive the highest standard of care and support. The facility prides itself on its comprehensive dementia care program, designed to meet the unique needs of individuals facing memory-related challenges. With 24-hour supervision and a responsive call system, residents at Noble Care Center benefit from round-the-clock support and security. The facility offers 12-16 hour nursing services, providing continuous medical care, including specialized pain management techniques, enhancing the residents’ overall quality of life. In addition to the attentive healthcare services, Noble Care Center also provides essential housekeeping, creating a clean and comfortable living environment. Furthermore, the facility offers hospice and respite services, ensuring that residents and their families have access to comprehensive end-of-life care and temporary relief, emphasizing the facility’s commitment to holistic well-being. Noble Care Center stands as a center with compassion as its main mission, offering a nurturing atmosphere where residents can heal, thrive, and live their lives with dignity and grace.
Alameda Care Center is a nursing home in Burbank, CA, specializing in memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Here, older adults can keep their peace of mind, especially with its compassionate and supportive environment. Exceptional services, including 24-hour care, medication administration, and assistance with daily living activities, are also provided to help residents maintain their independence with ease. The community also follows a resident-focused approach to meet residents’ needs and preferences.
Sensory-stimulating games, light exercises, and recreational programs help enhance residents’ memory and encourage them to live actively. A spacious dining room, top-notch rehabilitation equipment, and cozy common areas are also available, so residents can relax and focus on their recovery. With a variety of restaurants and shops nearby, residents experience a convenient lifestyle. This nursing home has high standards of care, making it one of the best options for senior living in California.
A distinct senior living community settled in the harmonious neighborhood of Del Rey, Capistrano Beach, CA, Capistrano Beach Care Center provides long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. With seniors’ comfort and wellness in mind, the community features 93 comfortable and warm accommodations. Keep peace of mind with a team of compassionate and specially trained professionals taking care of your needs and aspirations.
As a Medicare and Medicaid-certified community, Capistrano Beach Care Center strives to ease financial constraints so that seniors can enjoy a better quality of life. Moreover, the community is conveniently located near hospitals, ensuring easy access to medical needs whenever necessary. Capistrano Beach Care Center ensures residents retain their independence while providing the right care and assistance.
Experience the welcoming atmosphere of Novato Healthcare Center, located in Novato, CA, a top-quality community where vibrant living is paired with exceptional care. With skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, this community provides residents with personalized support tailored to their unique needs. Residents can enjoy stylish and comfortable private and semi-private rooms. Conveniently located near shopping and recreation areas, the community offers an ideal blend of peace and accessibility.
Novato Healthcare Center features a variety of enriching amenities, including a spacious outdoor dining area with nutritious meals and inviting recreational spaces. Residents can also enjoy a wide selection of activities that align with their interests and foster a sense of community. Here, each day brings joy, comfort, and a commitment to high-quality living.
Kern River Transitional Care is a dedicated nursing home in Bakersfield, CA, that offers skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation. The community promotes a nurturing and welcoming environment, ensuring older adults are well-cared for. Residents also receive the right care for their needs with 24-hour care, assistance with personal hygiene, and social services. Through a resident-centered approach, the community strives to provide exceptional standards of care to help improve residents’ quality of life.
Themed events, light exercises, and various games provide residents with more opportunities to interact with friends and gain meaningful experiences. An expansive rehabilitation gym, spacious courtyards, and cozy communal spaces also help enrich residents’ living experiences. With its ideal location near the 99 freeway and Olive Drive in Bakersfield, residents have convenient travel access. This nursing home is one of the best options for senior living in California, especially with its high-quality care.
A food pantry, a drop-in center, transitional housing, and apartments are not the usual program list for a nursing home. New Bethany in Los Banos, California, offers quite a range of programs. On the community side, there’s the Southside Drop‑In Center, the Choice Food Pantry, transitional housing, a representative payee program, single‑room occupancy, the Wyandotte Apartments, and Advocacy & Action. Together, those reach into food, housing, financial representation, and advocacy, sitting alongside the clinical care.
That clinical care includes nursing home and skilled nursing services, with licensed nurses on site around the clock. Memory care is provided in a secured, supervised setting for residents who might be at risk of wandering. Residential care covers the everyday help; things like meals, bathing, and other daily tasks that keep life moving. Needs can grow here without a move elsewhere.
Thirty-eight of 76 beds were occupied when measured, half the building. Nursing time reaches 4 hours and 51 minutes per resident daily, spread across residents rather than reserved individually.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted, covering skilled care after a hospital stay, longer stays where savings fall short, and direct payment. At 89 out of 100, the walk score marks the area very walkable, with most errands doable on foot. Basuny Eldaouch serves as administrator, and Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters Of The I.c. operates New Bethany.
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.
Delano District Skilled Nursing is a top-rated nursing home in Delano, CA, that specializes in nursing care. With its clean and thoughtfully designed setting, the community ensures older adults are comfortable and safe. Housekeeping, three well-balanced meals, and social services are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community also focuses on residents’ holistic wellness, providing care plans tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Monthly trips, creative activities, and fitness programs allow residents to connect with friends and explore new interests. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy also help residents recover and return to their routines with ease. Adventist Health Delano, Delano Heritage Park, and public transportation are also located nearby, ensuring convenient access to healthcare and leisure. As one of the best choices for senior living in California, this nursing home continuously provides exceptional care to help older adults thrive in retirement.
Corona Health Care Center is a 125 bed nursing home in Corona, California, offering skilled nursing care. Licensed nurses are on site around the clock, giving residents ongoing nursing oversight within a residential setting. The center may suit someone who needs that level of continuing support.
Nursing staff provide 4 hours and 13 minutes of hands on care per resident each day. That figure reflects the daily nursing time allocated to each resident, which can help families understand the staffing commitment behind the care.
Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicaid may help when savings do not cover a long stay, while Medicare can cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than a long term residence. Private pay allows direct payment.
Pets are allowed, so residents may be able to keep a pet with them. Aharon Striks serves as administrator, and Corona Health Care Center is operated by Corona Residential Care Center in the Jasmine Springs neighborhood.
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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