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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.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The California average is: 61.1% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
$11.4M*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.
$5.7M*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.
50.3%*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.
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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
Find the care you need at Coastal View Healthcare Center, an outstanding community located in the harmonious neighborhood of Ventura, CA, that offers rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Residents here enjoy top-tier care and assistance from a responsible and highly trained team available around the clock. With a cozy and welcoming environment, residents can feel at ease and gain meaningful experiences in their later years.
Encouraging residents to live actively and interact with their surroundings, a jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs is also conducted. The community strives to enhance residents’ living experiences with occupational, physical, speech, and respiratory therapy. Dietitian-approved meals are also served to ensure residents’ well-being. Keep peace of mind with the community’s comprehensive care options dedicated to residents’ welfare.
Belmont Healthcare Center is a 74-bed nursing home in Belmont, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. The community ensures older adults are treated well during their stay, especially with its small-town setting. Exceptional services, including 24-hour care, well-balanced meals, and recreational programs, are also provided to improve residents’ quality of life. Through individualized care plans, residents receive exceptional care tailored to their unique needs and habits.
Light physical exercises, games, and social events provide residents with more opportunities for residents to try out new things and create meaningful moments. Accessible hallways and spacious living areas also ensure residents can rest and move around safely. Set near Hidden Canyon Park, walking trails, and beautiful bays in Belmont, the community guarantees a stress-free retirement. This nursing home is committed to helping older adults thrive in retirement, making it a great choice for senior living in California.
Situated in a serene area in Riverside, CA, Valencia Gardens Health Care Center is a safe retreat for those who need rehabilitation, long-term care, and skilled nursing services. They help residents get back to their routines by offering access to physical, speech, and occupational therapy services. With 24-hour care and supervision, residents can focus on their well-being without worrying about their safety and care needs.
Engaging and stimulating activities like gardening, exercise classes, and volunteer programs are also available to help residents stay active and engaged. The community also provides an array of social services and compassionate end-of-life care to make residents’ final days as comfortable as possible. With Valencia Gardens Health Care Center, residents are guaranteed to receive all the care and support they need to thrive.
Pacific Villas Post Acute in Oceanside, CA, is a nursing home that offers a wide range of skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and respite care. With its warm and nurturing environment, the community ensures older adults can keep their peace of mind in retirement. 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and social services are also offered, so residents experience a worry-free lifestyle. Alongside plenty of specialized care, personalized care plans are also provided to help residents return to their routines and live to their potential.
Musical performances, stretching, special events, and field trips are just some of the activities that residents can participate in to stay active and make friends. Cozy communal areas and thoughtfully furnished rooms are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. Residents also have quick access to healthcare and other necessities, with Tri-City Medical Park, Med-Care Plarmacy, restaurants, shops, and bus stops located in the area. Providing high standards of care and well-maintained amenities, this nursing home is one of the best options for senior living in California.
Overview of Mission Skilled Nursing & Subacute Center
The Mission Skilled Nursing and Subacute Center located in San Jose, California, is a community of compassionate individuals who provide a home-like atmosphere for residents. The staff is committed to restoring the highest level of functioning for the elderly and is dedicated to working hard to send them home whenever possible. With 133 beds, the center provides short and long-term care, residential care, and therapy services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. This home has also been awarded excellence in healthcare consistently since 2010, which is a testament to their commitment to providing high caliber care. Here, residents have access to a variety of fun activities such as arts and crafts, outings, salon and barber services, and religious events. Private rooms are also available to ensure that residents have a comfortable and private space to call their own. This home offers a myriad of opportunities to residents and their families to enjoy each day with assurance and comfort like no other.
Vista Knoll Specialized Care is a nursing home in Vista, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Promoting a supportive and welcoming environment, the community goes above and beyond to help older adults live comfortably in retirement. Excellent services, including 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and therapies, are also provided to improve residents’ living experiences. Through a collaborative effort with the residents, their families, and physicians, personalized care plans are provided to meet their needs and preferences.
Excursions, ice cream socials, and arts classes provide residents with more opportunities to learn and gain meaningful moments. Thoughtfully curated amenities and spacious common areas also ensure residents can rest and move around comfortably. The community is also easily accessible, as it is conveniently located in the serene residential area of Vista, near bus stops. This nursing home has exceptional standards of care dedicated to older adults’ well-being, making it a great choice for senior living in California.
Belinda Leung serves as the administrator for Bellaken Garden, an established 58-bed nursing home run by Bellaken Health Group, Inc., on 26th Avenue in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood. The building has been open for 26 years and is full. Resident stays average 325 days, showing that the daily operation handles a mix of permanent long-term care and temporary rehab for people transitioning back home after a hospital stay. To clear care bills, the front office accepts private funds, Medicare, and Medicaid.
The facility sits in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with a walk score of 95 out of 100, so visiting relatives can run quick errands on foot or take local public transit. Inside the building, residents receive an average of 3 hours and 58 minutes of hands-on attention every day. This direct care is split among a 24-hour team of registered nurses, practical nurses, and assistants who focus on short-term physical therapy and structured restorative care programs.
Government health inspectors keep tabs on the property through routine compliance audits to make sure clinical staffing and building safety stay up to code.
Prospective residents can call the main office to see how the waiting list works for incoming patients, ask about the admissions process, or coordinate a good afternoon to walk through the therapy areas.
Devonshire Oaks Nursing Center is a dedicated nursing home in Redwood City, CA, that offers nursing care, rehabilitation services, long-term care, and social services. This Medicare and Medicaid-certified community has an interdisciplinary team that aims to keep older adults comfortable and safe. Therapy services, medication management, and pain management are among the community’s exceptional services, designed to meet residents’ healthcare needs. The community also strives to promote a friendly and supportive environment where residents can feel at ease.
With three nutritious meals daily, residents have a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their nutritional needs. Fun activities and social engagement are also in place, so residents will not feel lonely during their stay. The community’s ideal location in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula allows residents to experience a laid-back retirement surrounded by lush trees and scenic views. As one of the trusted nursing homes in California, the community continuously provides high-quality services for older adults. Tours are also available by appointment from Monday to Friday, from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Situated in the vibrant California, Yuba City Post-Acute is a Medicare-certified facility renowned for its cheerful staff dedicated to surpassing expectations and aiding seniors in achieving their optimal functional state. With round-the-clock skilled nursing care, the facility stands out as a four-star haven with 59 beds. Yuba City Post-Acute sets itself apart by providing comprehensive nursing home care, offering services such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy. The facility’s commitment to excellence is reflected not only in its skilled nursing offerings but also in its adherence to nursing home qualifications, making it a great choice for those seeking top-tier care in a vibrant and supportive environment.
Residing in the serene neighborhood of B Street, Hayward, CA, is the astounding senior living community of Hayward Gardens Post Acute that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation. The community also provides social services to guide seniors with their retirement plans. With round-the-clock care and assistance from a team of specially trained and responsible professionals, seniors let go of their worries and live their lives to the fullest.
Aside from personalized care, the community also conducts a variety of fun activities and engaging programs to encourage residents to remain active and happy. Promoting a bright and welcoming environment, Hayward Gardens Post Acute ensures seniors have a safe place to spend their golden years blissfully while receiving the utmost care and assistance for their special needs.
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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