Best Nursing Homes in Fargo, ND

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 6 nursing homes in Fargo, ND using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in ND
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Fargo, ND our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Fargo, ND.
6 homes
Other senior care options in Fargo:

Compare Nursing Homes around Fargo (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the ND Dept. of Health & Human Services (NDHHS), 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. 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 North Dakota average is: 63.6% 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.
SMP Health – St. Catherine South
NH
HOS
MC
PC
SNF
Fargo (Lincoln)
98
Facility 98
ND AVG 76
Rank #6 / 24
93.7%
Facility 93.7%
ND AVG 89.7%
Rank #10 / 12
+4%
5.78
Facility 5.78
ND AVG 5.16
Rank #3 / 20
A+ +3%+12%
$0
Facility $0
ND AVG $38.3k
Rank #1 / 20
10
Facility 10
ND AVG 16.5
Rank #2 / 19
3.3
Facility 3.3
ND AVG 3.9
Rank #7 / 19
-92-
67
Facility 67
ND AVG 42
Rank #7 / 31
-
$13.4MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $13.4MFiscal year ending 09/2023
ND AVG $15.3M
Rank #9 / 18
$9.6MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $9.6MFiscal year ending 09/2023
ND AVG $9.7M
Rank #9 / 18
71.4%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 71.4%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
ND AVG 63.6%
Rank #4 / 18
355079
SMP Health – St. Catherine North
NH
HOS
MC
PC
SNF
Fargo (Horace Mann)
125
Facility 125
ND AVG 76
Rank #5 / 24
95.7%
Facility 95.7%
ND AVG 89.7%
Rank #6 / 12
+7%
5.80
Facility 5.80
ND AVG 5.16
Rank #3 / 20
A -45%+12%
$6.2k
Facility $6.2k
ND AVG $38.3k
Rank #9 / 20
12
Facility 12
ND AVG 16.5
Rank #7 / 19
3.0
Facility 3.0
ND AVG 3.9
Rank #6 / 19
1120-
42
Facility 42
ND AVG 42
Rank #15 / 31
Aaron Alton
$16.7MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $16.7MFiscal year ending 09/2023
ND AVG $15.3M
Rank #7 / 18
$12.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $12.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
ND AVG $9.7M
Rank #6 / 18
72.1%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 72.1%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
ND AVG 63.6%
Rank #2 / 18
355047
Bethany Retirement Living
NH
AL
MC
SNF
Fargo (Jefferson)
45
Facility 45
ND AVG 76
Rank #17 / 24
--
5.50
Facility 5.50
ND AVG 5.16
Rank #9 / 20
? -37%+7%
$0
Facility $0
ND AVG $38.3k
Rank #1 / 20
10
Facility 10
ND AVG 16.5
Rank #2 / 19
2.0
Facility 2.0
ND AVG 3.9
Rank #2 / 19
1164-
75
Facility 75
ND AVG 42
Rank #5 / 31
American Lutheran Home Inc
$27.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $27.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG $15.3M
Rank #3 / 18
$18.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $18.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG $9.7M
Rank #3 / 18
68%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 68%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG 63.6%
Rank #7 / 18
355086
Bethany on 42nd
NH
AL
MC
SNF
Fargo (Anderson Park)
40
Facility 40
ND AVG 76
Rank #19 / 24
--
5.14
Facility 5.14
ND AVG 5.16
Rank #11 / 20
? -51%0%
$0
Facility $0
ND AVG $38.3k
Rank #1 / 20
11
Facility 11
ND AVG 16.5
Rank #4 / 19
3.7
Facility 3.7
ND AVG 3.9
Rank #15 / 19
-114A+
29
Facility 29
ND AVG 42
Rank #17 / 31
American Lutheran Home Inc
$20.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $20.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG $15.3M
Rank #5 / 18
$12.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $12.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG $9.7M
Rank #5 / 18
59.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 59.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG 63.6%
Rank #14 / 18
355123
Elim Health Care Center
NH
AL
HOS
IL
RC
SNF
Fargo
88
Facility 88
ND AVG 76
Rank #9 / 24
96.0%
Facility 96.0%
ND AVG 89.7%
Rank #5 / 12
+7%
5.80
Facility 5.80
ND AVG 5.16
Rank #3 / 20
B+ +5%+12%
$0
Facility $0
ND AVG $38.3k
Rank #1 / 20
14
Facility 14
ND AVG 16.5
Rank #12 / 19
4.7
Facility 4.7
ND AVG 3.9
Rank #18 / 19
185-
52
Facility 52
ND AVG 42
Rank #13 / 31
-
$10.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $10.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG $15.3M
Rank #11 / 18
$7.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG $9.7M
Rank #10 / 18
73.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 73.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
ND AVG 63.6%
Rank #1 / 18
355129

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other ND nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 6 analyzed for Fargo. See how we rank facilities

Overview of Smp Health – St. Catherine South

Smp Health – St. Catherine South is a dedicated team of Catholic healthcare professionals with an impressive legacy spanning over 45 years. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, this institution embodies steadfast values and a commitment to delivering exceptional nursing home services, including skilled nursing and physical care.
Here, community ties run deep, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. This strong sense of camaraderie extends to their comprehensive range of offerings, encompassing rehabilitation services and adult daycare. With a profound focus on maintaining genuine relationships within the community, this institution is more than just a healthcare provider—it’s a cornerstone of support. For those seeking long-term nursing home services or looking for a place within long-term care facilities, Smp Health – St. Catherine South also stands as a reliable haven, adapting its care to meet the evolving needs of residents.

Contact SMP Health – St. Catherine South

Overview of Smp Health – St. Catherine North

Smp Health – St. Catherine North is an exceptional skilled nursing facility nestled in the vibrant Fargo-Moorhead area. This distinguished facility stands as a testament to uncompromising Catholic healthcare professionals who deliver both long and short-term healthcare and rehab services. The home is driven by compassionate care and adheres to ethical and religious directives, setting the stage for a commitment to excellence. This facility specializes in hospice care, tracheostomy care, wound care, and more, catering to diverse needs.
In addition to addressing immediate health concerns, this Fargo-based haven extends its dedication to long-term care, boasting a dedicated dietary management team and a spiritual care aspect that caters to residents’ holistic well-being. Smp Health – St. Catherine North invites you to explore a realm where values, qualifications, and comprehensive nursing home services merge to create a haven of health and healing.

Contact SMP Health – St. Catherine North

Bethany Retirement Living

201 S University Dr, Fargo, Nd 58103, United States ; 4255 30Th Avenue South Fargo, ND 58104
Overview of Bethany Retirement Living

Bethany Retirement Living provides assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care in Fargo, ND. Assisted living helps with daily tasks while residents keep a private living space, memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Several care levels are available. The community may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time without leaving the community. Opened in 1939, Bethany Retirement Living has 45 beds with studio and one bedroom housing, and total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 30 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident.

Rehabilitation services support residents who need therapy as part of their care. Respite care offers a short stay when a family’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The chapel, religious services and pastoral care provide access to faith based activities, while the University Café, 42nd Street Diner, hair salon and wellness center offer dining, personal care and wellness spaces.

Medicaid, Medicare and private pay are accepted. American Lutheran Home operates Bethany Retirement Living. A Walk Score of 75 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Contact Bethany Retirement Living

Overview of Bethany on 42nd

Bethany on 42nd offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Fargo, ND. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care; assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication; memory care offers a secured setting with supervision; and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site. Having these care levels in one community may suit a resident whose needs grow over time without requiring a move to a different community.

Bethany on 42nd opened in 2010 and is operated by American Lutheran Home. The community has 40 beds, making it a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other, and private rooms give residents individual sleeping spaces. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, providing families with those payment routes for eligible care and services. Total nurse staffing is 5h 8m per resident/day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time per resident.

Rehabilitation services and short-term rehab are available, allowing a resident to receive rehabilitation at the community rather than arrange transportation elsewhere. A chapel and religious services provide an on-site place for worship, while a pharmacy and gift shop offer access to those services within the community. Pets are allowed, so a resident may keep a pet at Bethany on 42nd. The smaller size may be a good fit for someone who prefers a more intimate community.

Contact Bethany on 42nd

Overview of Elim Health Care Center

Fargo Elim Health Care Center,ffers a welcoming neighborhood for retirees, fostering a sense of rich amenities and genuine hospitality. This retirement community stands as a hub for a specialized rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility. It caters to a spectrum of needs, providing residents with a comprehensive range of choices. With a dedication to adaptability and quality, Fargo Elim boasts a state-of-the-art healthcare center designed to meet the evolving needs of residents. This forward-looking approach ensures it remains a high-quality option for generations to come. 

The community also considers transitions and changing needs, providing well-designed apartments with emergency call systems for added peace of mind. Practical features like scheduled transportation, sunrooms, lounges, a beauty salon, and a barbershop enhance the convenience and comfort of residents. Additionally, the center offers outdoor patios, gardens, and a vibrant array of activities, creating an engaging environment for seniors to enjoy.

Contact Elim Health Care Center

Overview of Pioneer House Assisted Living

Pioneer House Assisted Living offers independent living, assisted living, respite care, hospice care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing in Fargo, ND. Assisted living provides help with personal care, while independent living offers community living without daily care. Nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care on site, hospice care focuses on comfort at the end of life, and respite care supports a short-term stay.

The range of care options may be a good fit for a resident whose needs change over time or for a family seeking temporary support while a usual caregiver travels or recovers. Private rooms provide individual accommodations, while semi-private rooms offer shared accommodations. Residents can bring pets, and the wheelchair-accessible setting supports residents who use wheelchairs.

A salon or spa is available on site, allowing residents to use those services within the community. The daily group exercise program gives residents a scheduled way to participate in exercise, while specialty diets can be accommodated during meal service. Par Kaur is the owner.

Contact Pioneer House Assisted Living

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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Nursing Homes in Fargo at a glance

Avg Overall CMS Rating: 4.2/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Fargo, ND. 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: 4.8/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Fargo, ND. 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: 3.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Fargo, ND. 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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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Fargo, ND

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in North Dakota?

Assisted living in North Dakota 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 North Dakota Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — North Dakota 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 6 nursing homes in Fargo, ND. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Fargo, ND?

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 Fargo, ND, 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 Fargo, ND?

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.