Page 26 of Best Nursing Homes in California

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
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We analyzed These are the facilities in California our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in California.
346 homes
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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 Table AL (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.
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.
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.
Southland Living
NH
AL
MC
RC
SNF
Norwalk
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 148
Rank #236 / 328
--
3.96
Facility 3.96
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #151 / 289
-14%-6%
$38.4k
Facility $38.4k
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #243 / 294
92
Facility 92
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #269 / 290
4.2
Facility 4.2
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #151 / 290
3114-
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 60
Rank #51 / 354
Southland Management LLC
$23.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $23.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG $15.7M
Rank #44 / 260
$11.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $11.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG $8.9M
Rank #51 / 260
51.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 51.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG 61.1%
Rank #156 / 260
555070
Twilight Haven-
NH
AL
SNF
Fresno
166
Facility 166
CA AVG 148
Rank #79 / 328
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2
Facility 2
CA AVG 60
Rank #350 / 354
Raymond Goertzen$6.3M*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.$4.8M*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.75.9%*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.55658

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

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Overview of Southland Living

Barry Port owns Southland Living, a 75-bed nursing home that has operated under administrator Victoria Tran on Studebaker Road in Norwalk, California, for 10 years. Southland Management LLC manages the property, which runs at a 94 percent occupancy rate. Stays average just 66 days, indicating that the daily operational focus leans heavily toward short-term post-hospital therapy and recovery rather than long-term stays. To handle treatment and room costs, the business coordinates payments through private funds, traditional Medicare, and state Medicaid.

Residents receive an average of 4 hours and 42 minutes of direct care every day from the on-site clinical team. This hands-on time splits into 3 hours and 13 minutes from nurse aides, 1 hour and 15 minutes from licensed practical nurses, and 29 minutes from registered nurses who guide the physical rehabilitation routines.

Outside the building, the neighborhood has a walk score of 86 out of 100, letting visiting families walk to nearby amenities without relying on a vehicle. Government health inspectors evaluate the facility through routine licensing checks to ensure clinical records match local health codes.

Prospective representatives can check on open beds by calling the front office, where they can also request info on intake guidelines or pick a day to look around the rehabilitation areas.

Contact Southland Living

The Carlotta

41505 Carlotta Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Overview of The Carlotta

The Carlotta offers nursing home care, memory care and skilled nursing in Palm Desert, CA. Nursing home and skilled nursing care include licensed nursing support on site around the clock, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

The community may be a good fit for someone living with dementia who needs a secure, supervised setting. With 250 beds, The Carlotta is a larger community setting with more residents, staff and programming.

Its post acute care program and rehabilitation services support recovery focused care within the facility. A Walk Score of 95 out of 100 places the area in the walker’s paradise band, meaning daily errands do not require a car, so a resident who no longer drives can still handle those errands independently. Medicare and private pay are accepted, and John Brennan serves as the administrator.

Contact The Carlotta

Overview of The Grove Care and Wellness

Ideally located in Riverside, CA, The Grove Care and Wellness is a peaceful oasis for those needing short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Their team of excellent care experts carefully curates individual care plans that effectively address residents’ unique needs. Peace of mind and well-being is guaranteed by highly skilled nurses available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The community uses advanced therapeutic approaches and a state-of-the-art therapy center managed by excellent therapists to help residents maintain their highest level of function. With its wide array of engaging activities, the community ensures there are no boring moments for residents. At The Grove Care and Wellness, you are bound to achieve your care and recovery goals while enjoying your life to the fullest.

Contact The Grove Care and Wellness

Overview of Bella Vista

Bella Vista is a nursing home in Hayward, CA, offering hospice care, nursing care, respite care, and skilled nursing. Nursing and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care around the clock, while hospice supports end of life needs and respite care offers a short term stay for someone whose usual caregiver is traveling or recovering.

With 42 beds, Bella Vista is a smaller community. That may suit someone who prefers a setting where staff and residents can get to know each other, although occupancy is 95%, so most beds are occupied at a given time.

Bella Vista accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicare covers short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid can help when savings may not cover a long stay, and private pay means the family pays directly; Haidie Bautista serves as administrator, and Ark Angel Ii operates the community. Residents have access to a pool and restaurant, providing places for swimming and dining on site.

Contact Bella Vista

Overview of Willow Springs

Conveniently located in the serene neighborhood of Churn Creek Road, Redding, CA, Willow Springs is an astounding community that offers memory care. With top-tier care and assistance tailored to residents’ unique needs, the community ensures comfort and safety. Technology-based tools and programs, alongside purposely designed amenities are also provided for residents’ wellness.

A robust calendar of fun activities and engaging programs are conducted based on each resident’s interests and strengths to keep them active and socially engaged. Clinical services and medical management are also available in the community to meet residents’ medical needs. Here, residents have hassle-free dining with carefully prepared menus catering to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great choice for those who need assistance to live their days comfortably without the restraints of their conditions.

Contact Willow Springs

Overview of Maple Manor

Maple Manor is a nursing home and skilled nursing community in Escondido, California, in the East Canyon neighborhood. It has 31 beds and provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other.

Rehabilitation services and subacute care support residents who need therapy or continued skilled care. A doctor on staff provides physician involvement. Medicare is accepted for eligible short term skilled care after a hospital stay, rather than for long term residence.

Pets are allowed, so residents may keep a pet while living at Maple Manor. Snezana Djukic serves as the administrator, and the community can suit someone who prefers a smaller nursing setting.

Contact Maple Manor

The Carlotta

41-505 Carlotta Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Overview of The Carlotta

The Carlotta provides skilled nursing and memory care services in Palm Desert, California. Structured memory care environments feature continuous supervision designed for residents prone to wandering. On-site recovery resources include a post-acute care program and a dedicated therapy gym where individuals complete rehabilitation without leaving the grounds.

Administrator John Brennan oversees facility operations. Residents have access to community spaces, including a fine-dining venue and an on-site movie theater for daily recreation. Payment arrangements accept Medicare coverage alongside private funding methods.

Families can reach out to The Carlotta to learn more about specific care offerings, ask about current bed space, or arrange a visit.

Contact The Carlotta

Overview of Bayshire San Dimas

At Bayshire San Dimas, where comfort meets community in a haven nestled in the heart of serene San Dimas. Our vibrant community is more than just a place to reside; it’s a place to thrive. At Bayshire San Dimas, we believe in fostering independence while providing compassionate support tailored to individual needs. Our dedicated team ensures that each resident feels cherished and valued, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of home.

With a focus on holistic well-being, Bayshire San Dimas offers a wealth of amenities and activities designed to enrich the mind, body, and soul. From chef-prepared meals crafted with care to engaging social events and wellness programs, every aspect of life here is geared towards enhancing quality of life. Whether strolling through our lush gardens, joining in a fitness class, or simply enjoying lively conversation with friends, residents are empowered to embrace each day with joy and purpose. Discover a new chapter of life at Bayshire San Dimas, where every moment is an opportunity for growth and connection.

Contact Bayshire San Dimas

Overview of The Glen at Scripps Ranch

Embrace a luxurious lifestyle in the hotel-style senior living community of The Glen at Scripps Ranch in San Diego, CA. The community strives to provide residents with a vacation-style living experience through its elegant accommodations, attractive amenities, and all-encompassing assisted living, memory care, and long-term care services. Residents can choose from an array of well-designed one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom layouts with convenient access to mainservices, such as telehealth services, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and a vaccine clinic.

The community also takes care of residents’ apartment maintenance and other chores so they can enjoy more of the things they love to do. With a dedication to maintaining residents’ wellness and overall well-being, the community provides residents with plenty of fulfilling activities, fitness classes, and health lectures. Residents’ cravings and nutritional needs are always met with satisfaction with fresh, made-to-order meals, making their living experience more enjoyable and convenient.

Contact The Glen at Scripps Ranch

Reata Glen

2 Las Estrellas Loop, Mission Viejo, CA 92694
Overview of Reata Glen

Enjoy a peaceful time in the idyllic campus of Reata Glen in Las Estrellas Loop, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, offering assisted living, memory care, and long-term care. The community features sophisticated and naturally lit accommodations to optimize comfort and convenience. With its commitment to improving seniors’ wellness, the community delivers top-notch care and assistance from a kind and highly skilled team.

Residents do not run out of things to do with meticulously curated classes and engaging clubs that highlight their interests and strengths. Eat well and feel your best with healthy and delightful meals that satisfy dietary needs and preferences. Reata Glen is great for a relaxing and active retirement with its campus filled with the perfect combination of serene amenities and a lively environment.

Contact Reata Glen

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

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.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
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
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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.

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