Best Nursing Homes in Kern County, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 3 nursing homes in Kern County, CA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Feb 2026
We analyzed
3 homes

Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Kern County, California.

Watch this Video to see Kern County's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 1.0/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Kern County, CA. 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: 1.7/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Kern County, CA. 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: 1.0/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Kern County, CA. 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 Kern County

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 to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Delano District Skilled Nursing
NH
SNF
Delano (Tokay Street)
141
Facility 141
CA AVG 104
Rank #417 / 1644
90.9%
Facility 90.9%
CA AVG 73.9
Rank #320 / 1492
+23%- --
$18.0k
Facility $18.0k
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #244 / 334
-
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #250 / 327
1.9
Facility 1.9
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #6 / 327
2128-
48
Facility 48
CA AVG 57
Rank #1390 / 2087
Bradford Barker
$26.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $26.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
CA AVG $17.0M
Rank #56 / 327
$18.7MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $18.7MFiscal year ending 06/2024
CA AVG $7.0M
Rank #7 / 327
70.7%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 70.7%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
CA AVG 45.2%
Rank #35 / 327
555479
Valley Healthcare
NH
SNF
Bakersfield (Oleander/Sunset)
87
Facility 87
CA AVG 104
Rank #869 / 1644
94.4%
Facility 94.4%
CA AVG 73.9
Rank #226 / 1492
+28%
3.30
Facility 3.30
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #301 / 327
-26%-22%
$116.9k
Facility $116.9k
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #324 / 334
-
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #299 / 327
3.3
Facility 3.3
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #81 / 327
382-
81
Facility 81
CA AVG 57
Rank #383 / 2087
Bradley Steege
$8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG $17.0M
Rank #297 / 327
$4.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG $7.0M
Rank #287 / 327
56.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 56.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG 45.2%
Rank #53 / 327
555229
Parkview Julian Nursing & Rehab
NH
SNF
Bakersfield (Wible Orchard)
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 104
Rank #724 / 1644
78.5%
Facility 78.5%
CA AVG 73.9
Rank #709 / 1492
+6%
3.36
Facility 3.36
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #291 / 327
-39%-20%
$59.6k
Facility $59.6k
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #295 / 334
-
94
Facility 94
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #303 / 327
2.8
Facility 2.8
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #45 / 327
478-
64
Facility 64
CA AVG 57
Rank #922 / 2087
Unison Healthcare, LLC
$13.3MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $13.3MFiscal year ending 09/2023
CA AVG $17.0M
Rank #189 / 327
$6.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $6.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
CA AVG $7.0M
Rank #232 / 327
49.2%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 49.2%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
CA AVG 45.2%
Rank #242 / 327
55601
Overview of Delano District Skilled Nursing

Delano District Skilled Nursing is a top-rated nursing home in Delano, CA, that specializes in nursing care. With its clean and thoughtfully designed setting, the community ensures older adults are comfortable and safe. Housekeeping, three well-balanced meals, and social services are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community also focuses on residents’ holistic wellness, providing care plans tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

Monthly trips, creative activities, and fitness programs allow residents to connect with friends and explore new interests. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy also help residents recover and return to their routines with ease. Adventist Health Delano, Delano Heritage Park, and public transportation are also located nearby, ensuring convenient access to healthcare and leisure. As one of the best choices for senior living in California, this nursing home continuously provides exceptional care to help older adults thrive in retirement.

Contact Delano District Skilled Nursing

Overview of Valley Healthcare

Valley Healthcare in Bakersfield, CA, is a nursing home that has comprehensive care options, including short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The community fosters comfort and healing with its warm and supportive environment. With 24-hour assistance, well-balanced meals, and therapy services, residents have a worry-free living. Here, residents’ needs are prioritized, so personalized care is created dedicated to improving their quality of life.

Residents can make friends and explore interests through social events, light exercises, and recreational activities. Thoughtfully designed living spaces and accessible communal areas ensure residents can move around and rest without hassles. Situated in the quiet residential area in Bakersfield, near restaurants and shops, the community ensures residents have quick access to their necessities and leisure. This nursing home is ideal for senior living in California, as it has high-quality services that aim to help older adults live to their potential in retirement.

Contact Valley Healthcare

Overview of Parkview Julian Nursing & Rehab

Parkview Julian Nursing & Rehab is a compassionate nursing home in Bakersfield, CA, that offers short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. With its supportive environment, the community ensures older adults can keep their peace of mind during their stay. Restaurant-style dining, 24-hour assistance, and transportation services are among the high-quality services offered to improve residents’ quality of life. Through personalized care plans, the community strives to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences.

Light exercises, social events, and games help residents try new hobbies and make friends. Cozy living spaces and lively gathering areas are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. The area is also filled with bus stops, parks, and other shops, ensuring residents have easy access to their needs and leisure. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in California, especially with its dedicated services and well-maintained amenities.

Contact Parkview Julian Nursing & Rehab

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.

  • 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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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Kern County, CA

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 3 nursing homes in Kern County, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Kern County, CA?

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 Kern County, CA, 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 Kern County, CA?

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.