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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 346 nursing homes in CA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CA
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This TableAL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
MC (Memory Care):
Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
$13.6M*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.
$6.1M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
44.9%*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.
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
Angels Nursing Health Center is situated in a tranquil location at South Union Avenue and is a highly reputed healthcare provider. The center prides itself on creating a unique and welcoming environment among staff and residents, promoting a sense of familial warmth. They offer round-the-clock services, such as skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, pharmacy services, wound management, complex IV, special diet meals, recreation programs, diagnostics, and X-ray facilities.
What makes Angels Nursing Health Center different is they endeavor to foster a sense of community among the residents and ensure that each person’s unique qualities are recognized and celebrated. Residents are treated with the utmost care and respect, as cherished individuals rather than just patients. Their philosophy has made them a trusted partner in the journey towards wellness, providing a beacon of comfort in the healthcare industry.
Harvard Creek Post Acute is a nursing home in Covina, CA, offering nursing services and rehabilitation. With a welcoming, spa-like environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at ease during their stay. Therapy services, 24-hour care, and case management are just some of the excellent services dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life. The community also works closely with residents to meet their unique needs and preferences, ensuring they can recover with ease.
Social gatherings, light exercises, and various recreational programs ensure residents can stay active and make friends. Residents can also rest and move around comfortably in its spacious rooms and cozy common areas. Set in the lively neighborhood of Covina, near dental clinics, churches, a bus stop, and other local amenities, the community ensures accessibility and convenience. This nursing home continuously provides exceptional services and top-notch amenities for older adults’ welfare, making it a great choice for senior living in California.
Overview of The Springs Healthcare Center at the Carlotta
The Springs Healthcare Center at the Carlotta is a well-regarded 59-bed nursing home in Palm Desert, CA, offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and a wide range of nursing services. The community also promotes a nurturing and inviting environment, ensuring older adults are well-cared for. Social services, therapies, and well-balanced meals are among the exceptional services provided to meet residents’ quality of life. Through personalized care plans, residents also receive the utmost attention and care for their recovery and wellness.
Social events, family visits, and a variety of recreational activities foster engagement and active living. Cozy rooms and lively gathering areas also provide residents with more spaces to rest and connect with friends. Located near the Lakes Country Club and Indian Ridge Country Club, the community ensures residents have a stress-free retirement. As one of the trusted options for senior living in Canada, this nursing home has high standards of care and a clean setting.
Waterman Canyon Post Acute is San Bernardino’s premier nursing center. The dedicated team of professionals approaches their service with the understanding that their residents need a sense of safety and wellness– both physically and emotionally. They inspire residents to grow as better individuals through their enhanced lifestyle in a vibrant and positive environment. Waterman Canyon is the place to experience effective care.
Waterman Canyon’s nursing and rehab experience is centered on skilled nursing, wellness, and therapy. Residents can feel confident knowing it is filled with safe, comfortable, and therapeutic service. Seniors are encouraged to maintain independence and individuality by staying active and engaged with social, recreational, and stimulating activities.
Enjoy a worry-free retirement with Arrowhead Springs Healthcare Center, a distinct community in San Bernardino, CA, that offers long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. Here, residents experience the highest quality of care and support based on their needs and preferences with a compassionate and highly trained team available around the clock. The community also accepts Medicare and Medicaid to help ease residents’ financial challenges.
Aside from their healthcare needs, the community also strives to keep residents happy and socially engaged with a carefully curated calendar of fun activities and enriching programs. With innovative and state-of-the-art approaches, residents can keep peace of mind and live comfortably in their golden years. The community is ideal for those who need supplementary care, especially with its dedicated services and nurturing environment.
Highland Palms Healthcare Center is a trusted community situated near Loma Linda Medical Center in Highland, CA, that offers nursing care and rehabilitation. With top-notch care and assistance around the clock, residents receive personalized care tailored to their needs and preferences. As a Medicare and Medicaid-certified community, the community strives to provide the highest quality of life while staying on a budget.
Families are also welcome to visit their loved ones, especially with the community’s cozy and beautiful communal spaces. Here, residents enjoy delicious and healthy meals that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is 4-star rated by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, ensuring a trustworthy and exceptional quality of care.
Palazzo Post Acute is a top-rated community in Los Angeles, CA, offering nursing care and rehabilitation. Residents can ease their worries with a compassionate and well-trained team helping with their healthcare needs. The community also accepts Medicare and Medicaid to ease financial burdens.
To enhance residents’ living experiences, a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted that highlight their interests and capabilities. Pain management, diabetic care, and wound care are also provided to meet residents’ healthcare needs. The community also provides physical, occupational therapy, and medical equipment for residents’ convenience. Residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience amidst the community’s nurturing and inviting environment.
Arrowhead Healthcare Center offers nursing home, memory care, and skilled nursing care in San Bernardino, CA. Its nursing home and skilled nursing services support short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, with licensed nursing care on site around the clock. In-house therapy gives residents access to rehabilitation services within the community rather than requiring arrangements with an outside therapy provider. The community may be a good fit for someone living with dementia who needs the secured, supervised setting provided by memory care.
With 58 beds, Arrowhead Healthcare Center is a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other. Medicare can help cover short-term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid can be relevant when savings may not cover a long stay, and private pay means paying directly. Total nurse staffing is 5h 1m per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time allocated per resident. A Walk Score of 79 places the area in the very walkable band, so most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.
Experience award-winning care and support from Piedmont Gardens, which is ideally located in the charming neighborhood of Oakland, CA, offering a continuum of care services, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-stay rehabilitation. The community works hard to meet seniors’ needs and preferences with round-the-clock care from a compassionate care team. Piedmont Gardens was awarded the Best Continuing Care Community in 2024 by U.S. News, proving its exceptional quality.
With its dedication to improving seniors’ quality of life, the community conducts a lot of fun activities and exciting events. Piedmont Gardens perfectly fuses the city bustle with its serene campus, ensuring residents can easily access their needs and desires.
Redding Post Acute provides nursing home, skilled nursing, palliative care, and respite care in Redding, CA. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide licensed nursing care, while palliative care focuses on comfort for people with serious illness and respite care offers a short stay when a family caregiver needs temporary support. The combination may suit someone who needs nursing care after a medical event, comfort-focused support, or a temporary residential stay.
The community has 89 beds, placing it in the mid-sized range without implying a particular resident experience. Redding Post Acute has 24-hour staffing, so staff are present around the clock, and total nurse staffing is 4 hours 17 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time allocated to each resident. Rehabilitation services support recovery and functional goals, while the Activities Program gives residents structured activities during their stay.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover eligible care costs based on their circumstances. Nursing Services and Post-Acute Care are also available for residents who need nursing support following an illness, injury, or hospital stay.
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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