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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 7 nursing homes in Gainesville, FL using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in FL
Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Gainesville, Florida.
Watch this Video to see Gainesville's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.5/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Gainesville, FL. 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:3.0/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Gainesville, FL. 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:2.7/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Gainesville, FL. 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
Compare Nursing Homes around Gainesville (Metro Area)
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the FL Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking 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.
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 Florida average is: 72.3% 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.
$13.3M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$5.4M*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.
40.2%*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: each community is ranked against every FL community we track that reports that metric, not just the 7 analyzed for Gainesville.
Overview of Oak Hammock at the University of Florida
Peacefully nestled near Serenola Forest Preserve in Gainesville, FL, Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is an idyllic retreat that offers independent living. The community features a variety of accommodations, ranging from studio to three-bedroom floor plans, designed for residents’ comfort and safety. Weekly housekeeping and home maintenance are also taken care of, ensuring residents have more time to do the things they love.
Residents gain meaningful experiences and interact with their surroundings with plenty of recreational and wellness opportunities. Delightful restaurants and shops are also available nearby, providing residents with various dining options for their dietary needs and preferences. With its vibrant and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.
Overview of Terrace Health & Rehabilitation Center
Found amidst Gainesville, Florida, the Terrace Health & Rehabilitation Center presents itself as a haven of skilled rehabilitation and nursing care. With a spacious and welcoming atmosphere, this center prioritizes the comfort and well-being of its senior residents. Its strategic location near renowned hospitals adds to the convenience, ensuring easy access to medical facilities and expert healthcare.
Beyond providing top-notch medical services, the center fosters a warm environment of companionship and support. They seamlessly offer both short-term and long-term rehabilitation solutions, catering to the diverse needs of their residents. Whether it’s hospice, palliative care, or respite care, they handle each service with professionalism and compassion, making it an exceptional long-term care facility. Moreover, the center prides itself on an array of engaging activities, from games, movies, and crafts to light exercise classes.
Palm Garden of Gainesville offers seniors a premier living experience, whether they require short-term, long-term, or rehabilitation care. This distinguished home boasts a team of professionals in senior care, each employing an interdisciplinary approach to ensure comprehensive support. Residents benefit from a range of activities and licensed therapists, tailored to meet their diverse needs. The primary goal here is to empower residents, fostering their maximum independence and ensuring a safe return home.
Beyond their expert care, Palm Garden provides an array of services and amenities designed for residents’ well-being. These include specialized support such as pain management, diabetes care, psychosocial assistance, as well as palliative and hospice services. The community boasts spacious outdoor areas for residents to enjoy, enhancing their overall quality of life. Additionally, Palm Garden offers unique resources like a registered dietitian, therapy services, a professional barber, and even VitalStim, a specialized program addressing swallowing difficulties.
Tucked in Gainesville, Florida, Parklands Care Center offers a range of private and semi-private suites, they provide not just accommodation, but a haven of premium comfort and rehabilitation. Their commitment to quality shines through in their top-tier skilled rehab and nursing services, ensuring residents receive the best care possible.
Situated near various hospitals and community amenities, it offers a truly convenient stay for its residents. Beyond medical care, they prioritize companionship, fostering genuine connections with their residents. Whether it’s hospice, palliative care, short-term, or long-term nursing home solutions, Parklands Care Center excels, understanding the unique challenges seniors face. Their community boasts a registered dietitian, a plethora of social activities, on-site transportation, and a private enclosed courtyard—making it an ideal choice for those seeking comprehensive, caring, and engaging nursing home facilities.
Overview of Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center
Set in Gainesville, Florida, Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center provides a comforting and healing approach to care. They provide an array of equipment, services, and surroundings that enhance the daily lives of seniors, catering to their medical needs, rehabilitation requirements, and the need for companionship. The community also features amenities like a private enclosed courtyard, providing residents a serene space to unwind.
Additionally, their commitment to convenience is reflected in services such as complimentary transportation and a modern rehabilitation gym. Engaging activities, ranging from games to arts and crafts, as well as light exercise classes like chair yoga, ensure that residents stay active and involved. Families can rest assured knowing that Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center provides the best care in nursing homes, a fact echoed by glowing nursing home reviews.
Signature HealthCARE of Gainesville is a cherished healthcare haven in Florida. Rooted in family values, this organization seamlessly delivers resident-centered care, making it a true gem among skilled nursing facilities. Boasting a capacity of 120 beds, its strategic location offers convenient access to hospitals, ensuring prompt medical attention when needed.
At this facility, quality is not just a promise—it’s a guarantee. With round-the-clock nursing care of the highest standard, Signature HealthCARE of Gainesville goes above and beyond. Their comprehensive approach covers short-term and long-term needs, providing top-notch therapies including physical, occupational, and speech therapies. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to resident well-being. From closely monitoring diabetes patients’ insulin levels to offering a range of engaging nursing home activities, they prioritize healthy lifestyles.
Overview of Oak Hammock at the University of Florida
Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is an 80-bed, non-profit senior community offering assisted living, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation. The campus provides wellness programming, special interest groups, and university-affiliated learning opportunities designed to support personal and educational engagement for residents.
State records compiled over a 10-year period show a total of 15 deficiencies across 17 separate evaluations. This tracks out to 1.5 citations per year, which is 68% better than the Florida state baseline. Because 16 of the 17 visits turned up at least one minor infraction, the property has a low historical zero citations-per-inspection rate for completely flawless reviews. Most past citations involved physical plant upkeep, administrative paperwork, or emergency planning, and the facility has systematically resolved these issues under a “Deficiencies Corrected” status.
The latest inspection from January 2025 flagged minor infractions that currently have corrective actions underway. Over its operational history, the community has never faced severe enforcement actions and has been penalized a total of $1,750 in state fines.
Families evaluating regional elder care options can view this long-term dataset as evidence of consistent, average-beating compliance. Since the early 2025 report indicates that a few routine building or administrative fixes are currently being resolved by the team, asking the admissions director for an update on these specific corrections is a helpful step. Planning a walkthrough of the campus will also allow you to examine the rehabilitation facilities firsthand and see how the community structures its daily educational activities.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
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 Gainesville, FL
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Florida?
Assisted living in Florida 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 Florida Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Florida 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 7 nursing homes in Gainesville, FL. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Gainesville, FL?
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 Gainesville, FL, 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 Gainesville, FL?
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
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