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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.
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.
$23.1M*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.
$10.4M*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.
45.1%*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.
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
Enjoy a worry-free retirement at Kennedy Care Center, an exceptional community in Los Angeles, CA, offering nursing care and rehabilitation. The community strives to meet residents’ health care needs, providing top-notch care around the clock. Residents enjoy a hassle-free living with a kind and highly trained team helping with their chores and maintenance.
A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and stimulating programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delightful and well-balanced dining options are served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. This Medicare-certified community is a good option for those needing top-notch care, especially with its nurturing and welcoming environment.
San Francisco Health Care is a renowned nursing home in San Francisco, CA, that offers nursing services, therapy, mental health services, and other medical services. With 24-hour care options, older adults receive the utmost attention for their comfort and safety. X-ray, housekeeping, and pharmacy services are just some of the community’s unique offerings, dedicated to improving older adults’ quality of life. The community also strives to promote diversity and inclusivity with a multilingual team and a welcoming setting, ensuring older adults feel a sense of belonging during their stay.
Parties, light exercises, and community events are conducted to encourage residents to make new friends and have fun. A restaurant-style dining is also provided, so residents have a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. Occupational, speech, and physical therapy are also provided to help residents go back to their routines. As one of San Francisco’s trusted nursing homes, this senior living community makes a good option for those seeking a wide range of care for their healthcare needs.
Burrowed within a charming area in Bakersfield, CA, The Orchards Post-Acute is a dependable senior care provider, offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. This care community features 150 units of thoughtfully designed accommodations tailored to accommodate its residents’ unique needs. Featuring a reliable team of care experts, the community ensures residents are provided with the services they need to recover quickly from their conditions or hospitalization.
Individualized care plans are made based on residents’ care requirements and preferences to make sure they receive the appropriate care and support throughout their healing journey. Skilled nurses are available day and night to provide immediate attention should residents need them, giving them ease and peace of mind. Here, everyone is provided with an all-encompassing care so they can get back to doing the things they love as soon as possible.
Situated on the renowned Sunset Boulevard, Brier Oak on Sunset is recognized for its expertise in offering both short-term and long-term care to its patients. It recently underwent a complete renovation, resulting in an interior that is cozy and welcoming, providing patients with a homely atmosphere. Their staff is committed to utilizing the most effective methods to accelerate the recovery of their patients. They also feature exceptional psycho-social support, and a recreation specialist is available to develop and implement meaningful programs that can benefit the patients in a multitude of ways.
Brier Oak on Sunset offers a range of top-class amenities to ensure that the patients’ needs are met. Fully air-conditioned rooms, lounge areas, private dining rooms for family events, a garden, courtyard, salon, and barber services, housekeeping and laundry facilities, and pharmaceutical delivery services are all available on-site. At Brier Oak on Sunset, patients can expect to receive the highest level of care from the dedicated healthcare professionals on staff. They are passionate about providing an environment that promotes healing and encourages patients to engage in their recovery actively.
Owned by Stockton Nursing and Rehab Center, LLC, Stockton Nursing Center is a skilled nursing facility in Stockton, California, offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care. Matthew Taylor serves as the administrator. Families can choose from Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay to cover both rehabilitation and ongoing care.
The 119-bed facility has an occupancy rate of about 88%. Residents stay for an average of 224 days, which is a mix of residents in short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care. Physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech-language therapists help residents recover after an illness, injury, or hospital stay. Nursing staff provides care around the clock. Total nursing care averages about 4 hours and 34 minutes per resident daily.
Residents take part in an active resident council that meets regularly to discuss community policies, quality of care, and daily activities. Residents can share feedback and participate in decisions that affect life in the community.
State health inspections have most often focused on quality of care, resident rights, pharmacy services, and infection control. Families considering Stockton Nursing Center should ask how these areas are monitored and managed daily.
The walkable area has a Walk Score of 71 out of 100, so many everyday errands can be completed on foot. The community has been serving residents for 7 years. Its established presence and consistently high occupancy may give families more confidence as they compare skilled nursing options in the Stockton area.
Chino Valley Healthcare Center, located in Pomona, CA, is a healthcare facility that offers quality skilled nursing services and rehabilitative services. As part of those services, they provide 24/7 skilled nursing care, diabetic care management, wound care, and assistance with daily activities. They also have specialized programs for psychological care and Alzheimer’s.
Chino Valley Healthcare Center also offers Complex Care which includes a variety of services that helps improve the residents’ overall well being such as physical, respiratory, and speech therapy. Additionally, fall management and IV therapy are also offered.
Overview of Burbank Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
Burbank Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Burbank, CA, is a nursing home that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Fostering comfort and healing, the community features upscale amenities in a nurturing setting. With 24-hour care, social services, and scheduled transportation, residents receive exceptional care to live comfortably in retirement. Combining a resident-centered and family-inclusive approach to care, the community strives to understand residents’ needs and habits to help them recover.
Fun gatherings, fitness programs, and sensory games ensure residents can interact with friends and gain meaningful experiences. Residents can also relax, especially with its lively gathering areas and cozy rooms. Surrounded by restaurants and shops in the serene residential area of Burbank, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home has exceptional standards of care, making it one of the trusted options for senior living in California.
New Orange Hills is a well-recognized nursing home in Orange, CA, offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Here, older adults can ease their worries in a nurturing, welcoming environment. Residents also experience worry-free living, with 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and recreational activities. Working closely with residents, their families, and physicians, the community provides top-notch care tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Arts and crafts, lecture series, and ice cream socials provide residents with more opportunities to continue learning and stay active. Well-lit spaces, innovative rehabilitation equipment, and thoughtfully curated amenities also ensure residents can focus on their recovery. Situated in the quiet residential area of Orange, near bus stops, the community guarantees a laid-back lifestyle. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in California, especially with its dedicated services and top-notch amenities.
ManorCare Health Services-Palm Desert, situated in the peaceful city of Palm Desert, CA, blends lively living with exceptional care. Offering independent living, skilled nursing, respite care, and rehabilitation, this community is dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life with compassionate, individualized support. The team conducts thorough assessments to tailor care to each resident’s specific needs, fostering a warm and supportive environment. Residents can choose from well-designed, comfortable apartments that provide both relaxation and personal space.
The community features top-tier amenities such as fitness centers and stretching classes to encourage wellness and an active lifestyle. Thoughtfully arranged social areas and engaging activities ensure that every day is filled with meaningful experiences and happiness. Every aspect of ManorCare Health Services-Palm Desert is designed to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the joy of life.
Overview of The Villas at Saratoga Skilled Nursing & Asst Lvg
In Saratoga, CA, the license at The Villas at Saratoga Skilled Nursing & Asst Lvg covers assisted living and skilled nursing. Licensed nursing does not stop, and it is inside the building, which makes it a fixture rather than a service called in. Assisted living takes on medication, bathing and dressing, and growing needs can be met by moving up instead of moving out.
Seventy-four beds fall under it. Each resident is assigned 3 hours and 46 minutes of nursing time per day.
Three payment options exist here, Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, and the real question they answer is how long rather than whether. Medicare applies to skilled care for a limited period after a hospital stay. Medicaid may help where savings fall short of a long stay, and the third option is the resident’s or the family’s own money.
Rehabilitation services make therapy part of the care rather than an errand. A beauty salon, outings and clubs are named. Ryan Williams is the administrator, and Strands LLC is the company behind it.
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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