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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.
HC (Home Care):
Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community):
A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
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
Covenant Living at the Samarkand is a senior living community that mainly provides services for residential living, assisted living, and skilled nursing seniors. The senior living community is dedicated to empowering all residents to live on their terms. The resort-like community boasts a relaxing and calming experience for its residents because it allows them to choose a lifestyle that matches their needs independently.
The Covenant Senior Living lifestyle is all about convenience and individuality. Many of their amenities and services are designed to ensure that a resident’s needs are met and satisfied. These include a library, wellness center, courtyard, and garden, and an arts and crafts studio, while services include housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.
Glendale Healthcare Center is a nursing home in Glendale, CA, offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. With its boutique-style setting, the community strives to keep residents comfortable and safe. Therapies, social services, and nutritious meals are also offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community also works closely with residents to provide the best possible care for their rehabilitation and recovery.
Light exercises, social gatherings, and various games provide residents with more opportunities to stay active and make friends. Top-notch rehabilitation equipment and lively common areas also ensure residents can rest and focus on their wellness. Located near shops, restaurants, and bus stops, the community ensures accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is dedicated to helping older adults live to their potential in retirement, making it a great choice for senior living in California.
Situated in the vibrant Stockton, CA, O’Connor Woods provides a safe and supportive environment where independence and personal choice are celebrated. Their mission centers on providing holistic care that enriches the lives of residents, addressing their diverse needs and preferences through independent living and assisted living. Compassion, respect, and dignity guide their approach to senior living, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.
O’Connor Woods boasts resort-style amenities, including restaurant-style dining with locally sourced cuisine and social engagement opportunities. With pet-friendly residences and 24-hour staffing, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle while receiving constant support. The community offers innovative educational, cultural, and social programs alongside spiritual care options, promoting overall well-being. Additionally, top-notch exercise classes and personalized assistance with daily activities ensure residents lead fulfilling lives tailored to their unique needs and desires through excellent assisted living.
The Almaden Health and Rehabilitation Center provides seniors an avenue for the best possible care and support in the enlivening county of Santa Clara in San Jose, California. They invest in taking care of their employees to provide seamless service and genuine care. The center offers a wide range of services, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, dietary services, social services, and assistance with daily activities. They strive to meet the unique needs of each resident and provide the necessary care and support to help them heal. They make it very clear that the safety of the residents is their top priority. The facility has implemented careful guidelines for visitation to eliminate hazards. They are proactive in preventing the spread of diseases and taking measures to ensure the well-being of their residents. Overall, the Almaden Health and Rehabilitation Center is a welcoming and supportive environment where residents can receive the care they need to thrive. Residents can definitely relax and receive the best possible care and support from a team of dedicated professionals.
When your loved ones enter the late chapter of life that needs more than just the occasional help with daily living, Arbol Residences offers more than two decades of reputable and compassionate skilled nursing care, in the Santa Rosa area. Your near and dear will be in the well-trained hands of a licensed and Medicare-certified team that caters to daily living activities in a nursing home facility with medical-grade equipment, so rest assured that residents receive the best possible care.
The newly renovated Arbol boasts living arrangements that provide comfort and security for residents, with transitioning into your loved one’s new nursing home, a process as smooth as butter. Family visits are not only welcome but encouraged, fostering a welcoming community that feels like home, with a touch of luxury thanks to chef-curated meals, various wellness program events, and lush garden areas for peaceful strolls, to stimulate and excite seniors.
Located in the heart of Davis, CA, University Retirement Community is a luxury senior living community that offers its residents an extravagant independent living environment. The community provides its residents with stunning and snug accommodations with home maintenance and other household chores taken care of for a carefree living experience. Each residence is equipped with private decks, large windows, full kitchens, and large living and dining areas that foster a comfortable and convenient living environment.
Designed to nurture residents’ overall aspect of well-being, the community also offers an array of wellness initiatives and enriching activities. Residents keep their minds sharp with the community’s excellent range of lifelong learning opportunities that help stimulate their minds and cognitive abilities. Here at University Retirement Community, residents spend less time worrying about the small things, and more time pursuing the things they love.
Villa Valencia Healthcare Center is a distinguished skilled nursing facility in Laguna Hills, California, deeply committed to enriching lives and fostering individual well-being. Their approach is deeply personalized, offering therapy services tailored to help each resident attain their highest potential in terms of ability and independence. Renowned as a top-tier 24-hour nursing home, they stand at the forefront of providing cutting-edge rehabilitation and nursing services.
Villa Valencia Healthcare Center is synonymous with premium skilled nursing and five-star rehabilitation services. When a new patient arrives at Villa Valencia, they engage in a comprehensive meeting with the rehabilitation director to create a customized therapy plan that aligns with their unique needs. Villa Valencia boasts a dedicated team of professionals, including a skilled rehabilitation and nursing staff, all driven by a shared mission of delivering top-notch care to those in need. Your loved ones’ well-being is their utmost priority.
Thousand Oaks Post Acute is a nursing home in Thousand Oaks, CA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community also promotes a nurturing and welcoming environment, dedicated to older adults’ comfort and healing. With 24-hour care, therapeutic meals, and social services, residents experience excellent services. To meet residents’ unique needs and preferences, individualized care plans are provided.
Volunteer programs, stretching exercises, and outings are just some of the activities that aim to help enhance residents’ holistic well-being. A beauty and barber shop and beautiful patio areas are also available for residents’ relaxation. Residents also experience a stress-free retirement, as it is conveniently located in the quiet residential area of Thousand Oaks. Providing high quality of care for older adults’ welfare, this nursing home is a great choice for senior living in California.
Leisure Glen Care Center is a nursing home in Glendale, CA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Fostering comfort and healing, the community ensures older adults are treated well throughout their stay. With 24-hour care, housekeeping, social services, and nutritious meals, residents receive exceptional care to live comfortably in retirement. Focusing on residents’ rehabilitation and recovery, the community strives to provide the best possible care tailored to their unique needs and habits.
Social events, stretching exercises, and games provide residents with more opportunities to live actively and make friends. Residents can also focus on their wellness and rest, with a state-of-the-art rehabilitation gym and spacious outdoors. Dignity Health – Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, restaurants, and bus stops are also located nearby, providing quick access to healthcare and leisure. This nursing home is one of the best options for senior living in California, especially with its top-notch services.
Arroyo Vista Nursing Center in San Diego, California is a welcoming and lively community that provides exceptional care to its residents. Cleanliness is a top priority at Arroyo Vista Nursing Center, as it plays a vital role in the residents’ overall health and well-being. The team includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapy assistants, speech pathologists, and other skilled professionals. Rehab therapists work on-site, allowing them to develop meaningful relationships with the residents. They feature a state-of-the-art therapy gym, where highly skilled therapists utilize both cutting-edge technology and hands-on techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for the residents. The facility also boasts outdoor spaces, including a lovely patio area, that provides a serene and lush environment to relax and unwind. The dining room is filled with natural light and the interior is adorned with beautiful artwork, creating an ambiance of comfort and elegance.
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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