We arrange tours, appointments, and even moving support so you don’t have to
2
Ranked on Data, Not Dollars
We rank communities on objective measures like inspection records, quality scores, and care data, so you can find trusted options without the guesswork.
3
Personalized Guidance
From lifestyle matching to help with insurance and financial assistance, we make sure the community is the right fit
Explore Open Rooms
1Contact details
2What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4How soon do you need to find care?
5Additional details
Thank you for your interest!
Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.
Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 103 nursing homes in MA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in MA
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.9/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts. 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.
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the MA Executive Office of Elder Affairs, 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.
RESC (Residential Care):
Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting.
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.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
ADC (Adult Day Care):
Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
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 Massachusetts average is: 66.2% 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.
$4.7M*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.
$12.2M*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.
258.6%*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.
Enjoy a combination of comfort and quality care with The Leonard Florence Center, a compassionate community in Chelsea, MA, offering excellent short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. They cater to an intimate number of residents to guarantee focused and personalized care. In addition to daily living assistance and nursing care, residents here have access to regular in-house physician and nurse visits for added comfort and care. Therapy services and treatment plans are tailor-made to match residents’ unique needs and requirements to ensure they effectively improve their conditions.
Residents also enjoy the comfort of having cozy and spacious accommodations with private baths for their convenience. To ensure residents maintain healthy diets and proper nutrition, they consistently serve them delicious and well-balanced meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences. Amenities like a salon, library, cafe, spa, and outdoor patios are also available to enhance residents’ comforts and living conditions. At The Leonard Florence Center, residents are well-equipped to thrive against their conditions in a warm and nurturing environment.
Considerably only one of its kind, The Boston home is the prime nursing home for seniors with progressive neurological disorders; they have been recognized as the ‘Center for Excellence in Long-Term Care’ by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Boston Home prides itself in being one of the inspirations in the lives of its residents which have extended to the seniors’ families. The Boston Home has a list of exclusive programs and services that have make them special; naming a few of these include B.Fit! which is a health and wellness program to keep residents active; The Wheelchair Enhancement Program that focuses on the cost-effective solution to wheelchair users; their rehabilitation program that offers therapies, VitalStim neuromuscular electrical stimulation for swallowing, and an augmentative and alternative communication device assessments.
Overview of Spaulding Nursing and Therapy Center in Brighton
At Spaulding Nursing and Therapy Center in Brighton, the commitment to excellence is an ongoing journey, marked by their dedication to collaboration and the continuous refinement of their supportive team. Situated in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, this establishment boasts a stellar reputation in the realm of senior care. Their unwavering focus lies in delivering an unparalleled experience, brought to life by their seasoned nursing, therapy, and clinical staff.
With a profound emphasis on personalization, they craft rehabilitation and recovery plans that harness the power of evidence-based approaches. This encompassing approach spans a wide spectrum, encompassing amputations, burns, heart conditions, spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, and beyond. Recognized for their exceptional standards, this award-winning facility stands out in the realm of skilled nursing, setting a remarkable benchmark for comprehensive care. Moreover, their expertise extends to specialized programs and services catering to individuals facing challenges such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and more, affirming their dedication to addressing diverse needs with utmost proficiency.
Overview of South Cove Manor at Quincy Point Rehabilitation Center
South Cove Manor at Quincy Point Rehabilitation Center was established in 1985 by a group of passionate community advocates, envisioning a nursing center tailored to the specific needs of the growing Asian elderly population. In 2014, South Cove Manor transitioned to a new, state-of-the-art campus in Quincy from its original location on Shawmut Avenue in Boston. This strategic move enabled the center to introduce innovative care models and significantly expand its rehabilitation services. South Cove Manor’s steadfast dedication to delivering exceptionally high-quality care and fostering innovation has led to outstanding regulatory ratings.
Recognizing the challenges faced by this community due to language and cultural barriers in traditional care facilities, the founders aspired to create a welcoming home that honored its residents’ cultural backgrounds and traditions. Despite its strong roots in the Asian community, South Cove Manor embraces and serves individuals from diverse backgrounds. This inclusive approach is reflected in its multicultural staff, various activities, and varied menus, fostering an environment that warmly welcomes everyone. The center proudly boasts the highest Five-Star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It consistently earns deficiency-free survey ratings from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These accolades position South Cove Manor among the top nursing facilities in Massachusetts and across the nation.
The Lillie Mansion at Lutheran is an independent living community. The home offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for seniors to feel more comfortable and have a sense of belonging.
They ensure that, as a senior living community, The Little Mansion at Lutheran deeply emphasizes and guarantees that independence is maintained for their residents.
Burrowed in the inviting neighborhood of Lincoln, MA, The Commons in Lincoln is an enticing senior living community offering professional care services. This community is accessible to Boston and its restaurants, music, museums and more. Spacious apartments and cottages are available for its residents tailore to their preferences and needs.
With its exceptional amenities and services, residents can enjoy a fine dining and housekeeping and linen services. Rejuvenate your body through its heated indoor pool and spa. Further self-care efforts by going to an on-site salon and barbershop. Meet new people and create enjoyable experiences at the walking trails and paths. Participate in various wellness and other social activities to boost endurance and engagement. With The Commons in Lincoln, seniors are assured of a classic retirement.
Experience the finest things in retirement living with Carleton-Willard Village, a non-profit community in Bedford, MA, dedicated to offering skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and assisted living. Residents enjoy utmost comfort and safety in their well-appointed accommodations with easy access to cozy common areas and amenities like their hair salon, auditorium, and the Victoria Café. Dedicated to helping residents live their best lives without worries, the community provides them with comprehensive care services, including daily living assistance, therapy services, and more.
Those living with memory conditions will thrive in a safe and secure environment with access to a multi-level activity program designed to give them enriching experiences that nurture their overall well-being. Dining is a cozy and satisfying experience in the community with its flexible dining options and well-prepared meals that suit residents’ individual dietary needs and preferences.
Overview of Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a warm and inviting senior living facility located in Worcester. Their compassionate and skilled staff provide exceptional long-term care and rehabilitation services to help seniors regain their independence and improve their quality of life. They offer state-of-the-art equipment and a spacious gym for rehabilitation services, with staff trained in various techniques such as diathermy, ultrasound, and massage therapy to help improve strength, control edema, and much more.
In addition to their rehabilitation services, Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center also provides medical management and assistance with daily living for long-term care residents. They offer on-site services such as podiatry, optometry, audiology, and dental care, as well as respite care for those who need short-term care in a safe and supportive community setting. Moreover, the center provides counseling and therapy for emotional support, including post-traumatic stress disorder management, to help residents cope with any challenges they may face. Their pharmacy services and dietary therapy also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of residents. With Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, seniors can rest easy knowing that they are in the best possible hands.
Just a few minutes away from Boston, The Bostonian Nursing Care and Rehabilitation in Dorherster is a community focused on creating an efficient rehabilitative approach to skilled nursing and rehab in order while enhancing their quality of life. They have a team of well-trained care staff who deliver a multidisciplinary approach to nursing when providing tailored care– ensuring to deliver service with compassion, kindness, and professionalism. The Bostonian is guaranteed to create connections and provide engaging experiences among members of the community while maintaining a balance of independence and extra comprehensive assistance. The Bostonian offers a range of services such as short-term and sub-acute care, skilled nursing, rehabilitative services, and long-term care. They boast their exclusive BaneCare Day program that creates engaging social activities such as fitness exercises, religious services, theater and movie outings, visits to local shops, and full-service hair dressing– all included to stimulate and enrich the wellness of its residents.
Hebrew SeniorLife offers nursing home, assisted living, home care, hospice care, independent living, memory care, palliative care, and skilled nursing in Boston’s Roslindale neighborhood. With 50 beds, the community may suit someone who prefers a smaller setting. Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while the resident keeps a private apartment. Memory care provides a secured, supervised setting for someone at risk of wandering.
Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care. Nursing home and skilled nursing care have licensed nurses on site around the clock. Hospice and palliative care focus on comfort, while home care brings assistance to a person’s home. Respite care supports a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.
Short term rehabilitation provides a temporary, recovery focused stay after illness or injury. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 39 minutes per resident per day, including 1 hour and 59 minutes of licensed nurse staffing from registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. The Wolk Center for Memory Health supports memory related care, and expressive art therapies give residents structured creative activities.
Rehabilitation services are available, and transportation can help residents who need a ride. Pets are allowed. A Walk Score of 38 out of 100 is classified as car dependent, meaning most errands require a car or a ride, so a resident who no longer drives would generally need transportation for routine outings.
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 Massachusetts
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Massachusetts?
Assisted living in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Massachusetts 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 103 nursing homes in Massachusetts. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?
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
Need Help?
Let us help you or a loved one find the perfect senior home.
