Page 29 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 The Orchards Health Center

Operated by The Orchards HC LLC, The Orchards Health Center is a nursing home in Mission Viejo, California, offering assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and respite care in one community. Kelly Conk serves as the administrator. The community has been operating for more than 5 years. It has 90 beds, with current occupancy at 57%. The several levels of care allow residents to remain in the community as their needs change over time.

Daily support includes oversight from an on-call medical director, along with weekly housekeeping and personal laundry services. Restaurant-style meals are served daily. Residents who need memory support live in a dedicated memory care neighborhood with studio and one-bedroom apartments and shared gathering spaces. Recreational programs and mentally stimulating activities are part of the daily schedule, so residents can stay active, engaged, and socially connected.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 6, which is car-dependent. Most errands and outings require a vehicle. Residents and visiting family should plan on driving when leaving the community.

State inspections have shown The Orchards Health Center has been consistently compliant with regulatory standards over time. Families comparing senior living options should ask how the memory care neighborhood is staffed throughout the day and how care is tailored to residents with changing cognitive needs.

Contact The Orchards Health Center

Overview of Yannica Guest Home III

Maintain your well-being and independence with Yannica Guest Home III, a compassionate assisted living community in Stockton, CA. Residents can sit back and relax with reliable assistance for their daily living activities, including personal care, medication management, and companionship. The community also provides a maintenance-free lifestyle, making sure residents never have to worry about cooking, cleaning, and other tedious tasks.

With more free time on their hands, residents can freely engage in vibrant community events and activities tailored to their interests and mobility. A friendly care team is available 24/7 to ensure residents have peace of mind as they enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. Therapy services like occupational and physical therapy are also available to help residents maintain their strength and continue doing the things they love.

Contact Yannica Guest Home III

Overview of Huntington Retirement Hotel

Huntington Retirement Hotel offers nursing home, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Torrance, CA. Assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication while the resident keeps a private living space. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

The community has 155 beds. Room options include a Small Alcove, Large Alcove, and One Bedroom, giving a resident the choice of an alcove style room or a layout with a separate bedroom. The combination of care settings may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since multiple levels of support are available within the same community.

A Walk Score of 79 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot. A resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently. The community also has a salon, chapel, and outdoor patios with furniture, gardens, barbecue areas, and a golfing green for personal grooming, religious services, outdoor sitting, barbecuing, and golf practice.

Rehabilitation services are available at the community, so a resident can receive rehabilitation without arranging separate off site services. Heather Argueta serves as the administrator, and Adf Investments operates Huntington Retirement Hotel.

Contact Huntington Retirement Hotel

Overview of Eskaton Granite Bay

Eskaton Granite Bay is a well-regarded retirement community in Granite Bay, CA, that offers comprehensive care options, ranging from independent living to respite care. Focusing on older adults’ comfort and familiarity, the community fosters a sense of belonging with its vibrant and supportive environment. Here, residents also receive high-quality services, including weekly housekeeping, transportation services, and restaurant-style dining. Through a holistic approach, the community ensures residents can live their retirement to the fullest.

A variety of classes, group outings, and educational presentations provide residents with opportunities to explore new interests and have fun. Residents can also relax and interact with friends at some of the community’s beautiful communal spaces, including the game lounge, garden, and courtyard. The area is nestled in the peaceful residential area of Granite Bay, ensuring residents have a stress-free retirement. This independent living community is a great choice for senior living in California, as it has a wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

Contact Eskaton Granite Bay

Overview of Pleasant Valley Memory Care

Pleasant Valley Memory Care offers nursing home care, memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Modesto, California. Skilled nursing and nursing home care include licensed nursing care around the clock. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for a resident at risk of wandering.

Respite care is a short stay for someone whose usual caregiver needs time to travel or recover, so the community may be a good fit for a family needing temporary support or for a resident who needs supervised memory care. The home has 90 beds. A Walk Score of 75 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, allowing a resident who no longer drives to get out independently.

A salon and spa provide grooming services within the community, while the covered outdoor patio and private courtyard offer outdoor areas to use. Pets are allowed, so residents can keep a pet with them, and registered dietitians prepare meals for residents with specific dietary needs. Rehabilitation services are also available as part of the community’s care, and Jennifer Whiteley serves as the administrator.

Contact Pleasant Valley Memory Care

Overview of Brookdale San Jose

Located on Blossom River Way in the vibrant city of San Jose, CA, Brookdale San Jose offers an exceptional senior living experience with a blend of independence, support, and specialized care. This community is conveniently positioned across the street from Westfield Oakridge Mall, providing easy access to shopping and dining. Brookdale San Jose is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by offering three levels of care: independent living assisted living, and memory care.

Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center, a serene library, and a vibrant art studio. The community also offers concierge services and surface parking for convenience. Most utilities and maintenance are included, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their daily activities and social events. For those in need of additional support, Brookdale San Jose provides compassionate assistance with daily living activities such as medication management and personal grooming. The community’s dedication to quality care and enriching experiences makes it the top choice for senior living in San Jose.

Contact Brookdale San Jose

Ararat Home of Los Angeles

15105 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills, CA 91345
Overview of Ararat Home of Los Angeles

Ararat Home of Los Angeles offers nursing home, assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing in Mission Hills, CA. Nursing home and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, so the range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time without leaving the community.

The home has 186 beds and opened in 1949. Housing includes studio and one-bedroom options: a studio provides one private space, while a one-bedroom layout separates the living and sleeping areas.

Meals include continental cuisine and Armenian favorites such as herisseh, dolma, kufte, and beoreg, along with homemade soups and pastries. A chapel and religious services allow residents to worship within the community, while rehabilitation services and short-term rehab support temporary recovery rather than a long-term stay. Rita Noravian serves as the administrator.

Contact Ararat Home of Los Angeles

Overview of The Inn on Villa Lane

The Inn on Villa Lane has only been open four years, but it’s already running near capacity. Ninety percent of its 86 beds are filled, 77 residents in total, which tells you something about local demand even before you look at anything else. It’s a nursing home in Napa, California, sitting at 3255 Villa Ln in a neighborhood that scores 61 on walkability. That’s moderately walkable: a few errands are doable on foot, the rest need a car.

Chancellor Health Care Of California XIV Inc runs the facility, and Dorla Licausi is the administrator on record. Respite care is available here too, which matters if a family needs a short-term stay covered rather than a permanent placement. Respite options are often the difference between a family reaching a breaking point and getting through a rough stretch.

On the regulatory side, state inspections at facilities like this one tend to center on medication management and staffing credentials, the same areas regulators look at across nursing homes generally, not something specific to this address.

What you’re left with is a young facility that’s already proven it can fill beds, staffed under named leadership, with respite care in its toolkit. For families in Napa weighing a nursing home with strong current occupancy and a straightforward operational picture, The Inn on Villa Lane gives a clear starting point.

Contact The Inn on Villa Lane

Overview of Yannica Guest Home II

Yannica Guest Home II is a safe community for residents in Stockton, CA in need of assisted living services. Catering to residents who could benefit from daily living assistance while maintaining their independence, the community provides services like personal care and medication management. The community also offers rehabilitation services and dementia care to ensure those in need of recovery or memory support are given appropriate care.

Residents here are given opportunities to have fun and stay active with plenty of community activities like cultural events, arts & crafts, and gardening offered. Every residence has an emergency response system for quick response during emergencies and needs, giving residents peace of mind. Meals, housekeeping, and laundry services are also offered to let residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle for a wonderful retirement experience.

Contact Yannica Guest Home II

Overview of Valley View Retirement Center

Valley View Retirement Center offers nursing home, skilled nursing, hospice care, palliative care, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Panorama City, CA. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Independent living provides a private living arrangement with community services and no daily care. Respite care offers a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

Hospice care supports end-of-life care, while palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom relief. The combination of care levels may make Valley View Retirement Center a good fit for someone whose needs grow over time and who may be able to move between services without leaving the community. The center has 116 beds. Rehabilitation services and short-term rehab are available for residents who need a defined course of therapy rather than long-term care.

Named programs include Therapeutic Recreation, Russell Rehab Short Term Therapy, and Sunrise Terrace Dementia Care. Families can discuss these programs in relation to a resident’s interests, rehabilitation plan, or memory care needs. Judith Montoya serves as the administrator, and the center operates on Woodman Ave.

A Walk Score of 66 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot. A resident who no longer drives may be able to reach certain nearby destinations independently. Families can use the available care types and named programs to determine whether the setting matches the resident’s current needs.

Contact Valley View Retirement Center

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