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Best Nursing Homes in Lancaster, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 4 nursing homes in Lancaster, CA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CA
Reviewed by
Jordan Weiss, PhD
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Lancaster, CA our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Lancaster, CA.
4 homes
Other senior care options in Lancaster:
Assisted Living Memory Care Independent Living

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

Watch this Video to see Lancaster's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 1.7/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Lancaster, 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: 2.7/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster

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.

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 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. 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.
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.
A composite 0–100 score combining this facility's inspections, citations, complaints, and enforcement actions relative to the California state average. See the benchmark below for the typical California score; higher is better. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine score.
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: 61.2% 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.
Desert Canyon Post Acute ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
NH
SNF
J Lancaster (West Avenue J)
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 103
Rank #724 / 1,645
88.1%
Facility 88.1%
CA AVG 75.9
Rank #399 / 1,452
+16%
4.07
Facility 4.07
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #138 / 288
 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ -61%-4%
$0
Facility $0
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #1 / 293
-
98
Facility 98
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #272 / 290
3.8
Facility 3.8
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #128 / 290
487- 58 Abby Gl LLC
$12.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $12.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG $15.7M
Rank #151 / 259
$7.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG $9.0M
Rank #153 / 259
56.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 56.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
CA AVG 61.2%
Rank #101 / 259
55307
Antelope Valley Care Center ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Lancaster
199
Facility 199
CA AVG 103
Rank #166 / 1,645
99.5%
Facility 99.5%
CA AVG 75.9
Rank #150 / 1,452
+31%
4.04
Facility 4.04
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #151 / 288
 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ -42%-4%
$124.7k
Facility $124.7k
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #287 / 293
-
169
Facility 169
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #289 / 290
3.7
Facility 3.7
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #114 / 290
6198A+ 48 -$18.2M*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.$11.1M*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.60.9%*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.555456
Mirage Post Acute ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
NH
SNF
W Lancaster
299
Facility 299
CA AVG 103
Rank #58 / 1,645
89.5%
Facility 89.5%
CA AVG 75.9
Rank #359 / 1,452
+18%
4.27
Facility 4.27
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #108 / 288
 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ -20%+1%
$154.0k
Facility $154.0k
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #291 / 293
-
251
Facility 251
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #290 / 290
4.2
Facility 4.2
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #156 / 290
5268- 53 Spencer Jack$21.3M*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.$13.5M*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.63.5%*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.56039

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 4 analyzed for Lancaster.

Nursing Home Explorer
Desert Canyon Post Acute
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Overview of Desert Canyon Post Acute
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Desert Canyon Post Acute is a nursing home in Lancaster, CA, offering comprehensive nursing services and rehabilitation. Here, older adults are well-cared for, especially with its supportive and home-like environment. Aside from high-quality care options, personal laundry, daily housekeeping, dietitian-approved meals, and social services are also provided, so residents experience a maintenance-free living. Dedicated to residents’ holistic well-being, personalized care plans are also provided to meet their needs and preferences.

Memory programs, musical performances, and stretching exercises aim to enhance residents’ cognition and encourage them to have fun. A beauty and barber shop and patio areas also help lift residents’ moods and rest comfortably. Situated next to the Antelope Valley Medical Center, as well as bus stops in Lancaster, the community provides convenient access to their medical needs and travel. With excellent services and top-notch amenities, this nursing home is a good option for senior living in California.

Phone: (661) 942-8463

Contact Desert Canyon Post Acute

Exterior view of Antelope Valley Care Center entrance
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Overview of Antelope Valley Care Center

Live a worry-free retirement with the idyllic senior living community of Antelope Valley Care Center set in charming Lancaster, CA, focusing on skilled nursing and rehabilitation. With its dedication to improving seniors’ well-being, the community provides a team of kind and well-trained professionals to care for their needs. Cozy and elegant accommodations are also available to ensure seniors’ comfort and convenience.

The community also offers social services to guide residents with their other needs. Moreover, fun activities and enriching events accompany residents as they try out new things and lead meaningful lives. Antelope Valley Care Center is ideally situated near local amenities and healthcare providers, giving residents easy access to their necessities and desires.

Phone: (661) 949-5524

Contact Antelope Valley Care Center

Exterior view of a senior living facility with landscaped entryway
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Overview of Mirage Post Acute

Mirage Post Acute is a top-rated nursing home in Lancaster, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. With a nurturing and home-like environment, the community ensures older adults are treated well. Residents also receive exceptional services, including 24-hour care, social services, and transportation, ensuring they experience a worry-free retirement. Personalized care plans are also provided to meet residents’ needs and habits, dedicated to helping them recover and live to their potential.

Stretching exercises, gardening, and field trips are just some of the activities that aim to help residents live actively and gain meaningful experiences. Residents’ relaxation is also guaranteed with top-notch amenities and spacious communal areas. With bus stops, restaurants, and the Antelope Valley Medical Center nearby, residents can easily access their necessities and leisure. This nursing home is a trusted choice for senior living in California, as it has high standards of care.

Phone: (661) 948-7501

Contact Mirage Post Acute

Exterior view of a nursing facility building
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Overview of Alderbrook Skilled Nursing Facility

Alderbrook Skilled Nursing Facility is a highly regarded nursing home in Lancaster, CA, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. With its compassionate, home-like setting, the community strives to keep older adults comfortable and well-cared for. Meals based on residents’ dietary needs, wound care, and therapy services are also provided to improve residents’ quality of life. Operated by a team with extensive medical experiences, the community ensures residents receive high-quality care tailored to their unique needs and habits.

Fun gatherings, light exercises, and various recreational opportunities foster social interactions and encourage an active lifestyle. Residents can also rest with its spacious, private rooms and cozy communal spaces. Situated in the peaceful residential area of Lancaster, near bus stops, residents experience a laid-back retirement. This nursing home is a leading choice for senior living in California, especially with its exceptional services that aim to help older adults thrive in retirement.

Email: Admin@Alderbrookhealth.com
Phone: (661) 723-0201

Contact Alderbrook Skilled Nursing Facility

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
Full methodology →
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
Data source Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
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 Lancaster, 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 4 nursing homes in Lancaster, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, 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.

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