Page 32 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 Rossmoor Post Acute

Rossmoor Post Acute is a highly rated nursing home in Walnut Creek, CA, offering a wide range of care options, including long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, and respite care. Promoting a compassionate and supportive environment, the community ensures older adults are well-cared for. Residents also receive excellent services, including 24-hour care, social services, and transportation, to live comfortably in retirement. Through individualized care plans, residents receive the best possible care for their needs and habits.

Games, field trips, and special events provide residents with more opportunities to explore and have fun. Residents’ comfort and wellness are also prioritized, especially with its spacious living areas and state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment. Situated near Old Oak Park, Rossmoor Shopping Center, and public transportation in Walnut Creek, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home has high standards of care and top-tier amenities, making it one of the best choices for senior living in California.

Contact Rossmoor Post Acute

Overview of Garnsey Garden

Settled with a residential neighborhood in Bakersfield, CA, Garnsey Garden is a blissful senior living community that offers a safe and secure environment for residents who live with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. Residents here are provided with compassionate memory care services to help them maintain their current cognitive skills and keep on living the lifestyle they want for as long as possible. The community designed their accommodations to cater to its residents’ unique safety and care needs, allowing them to safely and confidently enjoy their retirement years.

Apart from extensive support with daily living activities, residents are also offered a vibrant schedule of daily activities to keep them engaged and stimulated. Meals are prepared with utmost care and attention to detail to ensure residents are getting the proper nutrition. Featuring security gates, monitored alarm system, and locked perimeters, the community warrants a safe living environment where residents can freely enjoy their surroundings and golden years.

Contact Garnsey Garden

Overview of Oakwood Gardens Care Center

Oakwood Gardens Care Center is a skilled nursing home that focuses on conducting results-driven programs that cater to the varying needs of the residents. With safety, wellness, and recovery in mind, the staff gives 24/7 care and supervision. Seniors can feel confident and comfortable and know they belong in a home that prioritizes their needs. Oakwood Gardens welcomes its new residents with open arms and treats them like family in a nurturing environment. 
The nursing home is conveniently located nearby shops and medical centers for additional needs that they may encounter. In the community, seniors can access the in-house rehabilitation gym, relax in the spacious courtyard and garden, or socialize in the lounge areas.

Contact Oakwood Gardens Care Center

Overview of Del Sol Residential Care

Set amidst the serene area of Moreno Valley, CA, Del Sol Residential Care is a respected senior living community designed to cater to residents in need of assisted living options. The community helps its residents live comfortable lives by offering services, such as assistance with daily living activities, personal care assistance, and companionship. Residents are also offered access to home health care and hospice care through third-party providers, as well as physical and occupational therapy services to help them maintain their optimal mobility.

A brimming calendar of activities are also offered to ensure residents enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling everyday life. Residents never have to worry about meal preparation with delicious and nutritious meals served daily with accommodations for special dietary preferences and needs. Various safety features are also installed in every accommodation to ensure residents are safe and secure.

Contact Del Sol Residential Care

Overview of Yannica Guest Home I

Yannica Guest Home I is a haven for older adults set in the quiet neighborhood of Diamond Oaks Street, Stockton, CA, providing assisted living. Receive the utmost care and support from a dedicated and well-trained team attending to your special needs 24/7, ensuring a blissful retirement. The community strives to provide top-tier care for up to six residents with its quaint and purposely designed amenities.

With daily activities conducted, residents are encouraged to maintain social connections and live actively. Meals, laundry, and housekeeping are handled by the community for residents’ convenience. Residents will surely thrive and live their lives to the fullest surrounded by purposely built amenities.

Contact Yannica Guest Home I

Overview of Genesis Healthcare

Genesis Healthcare in Fremont manages a nursing home that delivers short-term rehabilitation and full-time residential services. The medical staff accommodates specialized treatments including post-surgical care, wound management, dementia care, and pain regulation. On-call doctors and nurse practitioners supply clinical oversight, while everyday care charts account for an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes of direct nursing time per resident. This total time breaks down to 2 hours from nurse aides, 53 minutes from licensed practical nurses, and 31 minutes from registered nurses.

The Walnut Avenue neighborhood secures a walkability score of 83 out of 100, which means the layout is very walkable and allows visitors and staff to handle tasks on foot without relying heavily on a vehicle. Financial coverage options remain flexible, as the home accepts payments from Medicare and Medicaid along with standard private funding.

Prospective residents or family representatives researching local physical therapy tracks or ongoing medical care can call the front desk at Genesis Healthcare in Fremont to verify current room availability and look over payment methods.

Contact Genesis Healthcare

Overview of Lincoln Square

Lincoln Square, seated in Stockton, CA, is a skilled nursing facility that offers a comprehensive range of services designed to cater to various healthcare needs. With a focus on rehabilitation and long-term/end-of-life care, Lincoln Square provides a nurturing environment where residents receive top-notch medical attention and support. The facility’s dedicated team of professionals delivers personalized nursing services, ensuring residents’ well-being through expert medication management and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

At Lincoln Square, residents benefit from specialized dementia care, tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with memory impairments. The facility boasts 24-hour supervision and a responsive 24-hour call system, always ensuring the residents’ safety. With 12–16-hour nursing services, residents receive continuous medical care, further enhancing their peace of mind. Lincoln Square prioritizes residents’ comfort with essential housekeeping services, maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment. Additionally, the facility offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, including diabetes diets and accommodation for special dietary restrictions. Residents indulge in restaurant-style dining, relishing carefully prepared meals served with care and attention, enriching their overall dining experience and quality of life.

Contact Lincoln Square

Overview of Las Colinas Post Acute

Las Colinas Post Acute is a nursing home in Ontario, CA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Promoting a warm and supportive environment, the community ensures older adults are well-cared for. Exceptional services, including 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and social services, are also offered to improve residents’ quality of life. Through individualized care plans, residents receive the utmost attention and care tailored to their unique needs and habits.

Field trips, stretching, and special events foster engagement and encourage residents to live actively. Residents can also focus on their recovery with state-of-the-art amenities, like the rehabilitation gym and spacious courtyards. Located near Interstate 10 in the quiet neighborhood of Ontario, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is one of the best options for senior living in California, especially with its exceptional care.

Contact Las Colinas Post Acute

Overview of Bay Marina Post Acute

Make the most out of your best years with Bay Marina Post Acute, a one-of-a-kind community situated in the vibrant residential area of Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, CA, that offers nursing care and rehabilitation. A respectful and highly trained team attends to residents 24/7, utilizing holistic care tailored to their unique needs. The community also promotes a bright and friendly environment, ensuring residents feel a sense of belonging.

With a carefully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and exciting social events, residents have more opportunities to meet new friends and gain meaningful experiences. Here, residents enjoy dietitian-approved meals catering to their nutritional needs and preferences. Transportation services, spiritual services, and visiting beauticians are also available for residents’ convenience. The community is great for those who need additional care to improve their quality of life, especially with its serene setting.

Contact Bay Marina Post Acute

Overview of Pacific Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation

Pacific Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 188-bed nursing home in Fresno, California, accommodating long-term residents and post-hospital therapy patients. The community operates with an 86 percent occupancy rate, accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Typical resident stays an average 49 days, with Medicare primarily covering short-term rehabilitation following surgery or medical events.

Daily care routines are supported by a 24-hour staffing setup. Residents receive an average of 3 hours and 54 minutes of direct nursing attention daily, with nurse aides contributing 2 hours and 44 minutes, while registered nurses and licensed practical nurses provide the remaining time. Clinical services include speech, occupational, and physical therapies alongside respite care options.

The local neighborhood has a walkability score of 43 out of 100, which means that while some nearby destinations are within walking distance, a vehicle is usually required for outside errands.

Prospective residents looking to arrange short-term recovery or ongoing skilled nursing care can connect with the admissions department at Pacific Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation directly to verify bed availability or discuss funding pathways.

Contact Pacific Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation

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