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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.
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 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.
Overview of Victoria Haven Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center
Victoria Haven Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing in Norwood, MA, is a family-owned and operated nursing home that offers long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Promoting a nurturing and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults have a comfortable stay. 24-hour nursing care, comprehensive therapies, and counseling services are among the exceptional services dedicated to residents’ welfare. The community also goes above and beyond to provide the best possible care for residents’ recovery and rehabilitation.
Light exercises and social events ensure residents can live actively and maintain their holistic wellness. Spacious living areas and well-maintained amenities are also available, so residents can relax and connect with their surroundings. Residents also have a stress-free retirement, as it is ideally situated in the peaceful residential area of Norwood. This nursing home is a great option for senior living in Massachusetts, especially with its exceptional quality of care.
Overview of The Ellis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
The Ellis Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing is a family-owned and operated nursing home in Norwood, MA, offering long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. Promoting an inclusive and supportive setting, the community ensures older adults are well-cared for. Residents also experience a worry-free lifestyle with round-the-clock care, pain management, and well-balanced menus. Through individualized care plans, residents receive high-quality care tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Fitness programs and a variety of recreational activities ensure residents can maintain their holistic wellness and gain meaningful experiences. A hair salon, a pub, and a non-denominational chapel are among the top-notch amenities dedicated to residents’ relaxation and peace of mind. Located in the quiet residential area of Norwood, near Ellis Gardens Playground, restaurants, and shops, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This nursing home is a trusted choice for senior living in Massachusetts, especially with its commitment to older adults’ welfare.
Based in North Falmouth, MA, Royal Megansett Nursing Home is a renowned senior living community that offers exceptional skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Boasting 28 excellently designed private rooms, the community warrants for a truly personalized care and focused attention to its residents. Residents enjoy relaxing views and compassionate assistance from a team of highly-skilled care professionals available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
With a strong dedication to nurturing its residents’ well-being, Royal Megansett Nursing Home also provides a wide array of life-enriching activities designed based on residents’ interests and current capabilities. Residents’ nutrition is monitored and considered when preparing their meals, ensuring they always eat balanced and delicious meals. Here, residents are treated like royalties within an enriching environment that encourages them to lead a vibrant retirement life.
Overview of East Longmeadow Memory Care Assisted Living
East Longmeadow Memory Care Assisted Living residence unfolds as a beautifully renovated haven in Massachusetts, devoted to providing unwavering care day after day. With its intimate setting of 20 specialized memory care units, this community stands as a testament to the art of holistic memory care, embracing residents within an engaging and inclusive environment. Skilled nursing and rehabilitation services stand poised to provide short-term care and support, while specialist memory care ensures personalized attention that honors each resident’s unique journey. Convenient local transportation stands ready to whisk residents away to appointments, ensuring seamless access to essential services. The home boasts a vibrant tapestry of enriching activities, ranging from the creative allure of arts and crafts to invigorating exercise classes, captivating movies, therapeutic encounters, and intergenerational connections that foster profound bonds. As residents gather around the dining table, it is not just sustenance they savor, but a harmonious blend of nutrition and culinary delight, tailored to their individual preferences. With their steadfast commitment to fostering a genuine sense of belonging, this not-for-profit community offers a transparent experience, accompanied by a one-time assessment fee that underscores their unwavering dedication to the well-being and happiness of every resident.
Overview of Pilgrim Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center
Pilgrim Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center is a nursing home in Peabody, MA, offering long-term care, hospice care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. Promoting a nurturing and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults are treated well. Exceptional services, including 24-hour care, well-balanced meals, and regular wellness checks, are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. Through personalized care plans, the community strives to provide the best possible care according to residents’ physicians to ensure their recovery.
Creative exercises, brain games, and intergenerational programming ensure residents continue learning and gain meaningful experiences. Residents can also focus on their wellness and rest comfortably with thoughtfully furnished private and semi-private rooms, and a beauty/ barber shop. Lahey Medical Center, Peabody, Salem Country Club, and the Yankee Division Highway are located in the area, providing residents with quick access to necessities and leisure. This nursing home has high standards of care, making it a great choice for senior living in Massachusetts.
The Highlands is a nursing home in Fitchburg, MA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community also ensures older adults are treated well in a supportive and home-like setting. With 24/7 nursing care, dietitian-approved meals, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation, residents experience a maintenance-free lifestyle. To meet residents’ unique needs and preferences, personalized care plans are also provided for their recovery.
Pet visits, light exercises, and various recreational opportunities foster interactions and encourage residents to live actively. Courtyards, a library, a beauty salon, and a barber shop are among the top-notch amenities dedicated to residents’ relaxation and wellness. Nestled near Mass Audubon’s Flat Rock Wildlife Sanctuary, Mount Wachusett Community College, and Crocker Conservation Area in Fitchburg, the community ensures accessibility and convenience. As one of the best options for senior living in Massachusetts, this nursing home continuously provides excellent services for older adults’ welfare.
CareOne at Lowell prides itself on achieving a safe and secure community for residents to experience rejuvenation and recovery in a nurturing home. Residents from different living options offer personalized care that allows them to receive the necessary care while promoting an active lifestyle. The results-driven community ensures only the best approach to senior recovery; they have been one of the city’s trusted and affordable nursing homes with independent living, assisted living, and memory care homes. CareOne specializes in post-hospital rehabilitation, other services include therapy (speech, occupational, physical), blood transfusions, respiratory care, post-stroke rehabilitation, diabetes management, and advanced wound care.
St. Patrick’s Manor is a non-profit nursing home in Framingham, MA, offering long-term care, memory care, rehabilitation, respite care, and hospice care. The community’s home-like and supportive environment ensures older adults are treated well throughout their stay. With 24/7 care, well-balanced meals, and recreational activities, residents experience maintenance-free living. Individualized care plans are also provided to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences, ensuring they can recover and return to their routines with ease.
Arts and crafts, cooking, and exercises help residents live actively and gain meaningful experiences. Residents can also rest and move around comfortably in the spacious outdoors and thoughtfully furnished amenities. Nestled in the tree-lined residential area of Framingham, near restaurants and local amenities, the community guarantees a stress-free retirement. As one of the trusted options for senior living in Massachusetts, this nursing home ensures older adults can live to their potential in retirement.
Situated amidst Quincy’s marina, Alliance Health at Marina Bay has undergone a recent transformative renovation, evolving into a state-of-the-art 167-bed rehabilitation facility that upholds residents’ dignity and well-being. The center is committed to providing a secure, comfortable environment with comprehensive medical care, ensuring each resident’s stay is safe, enjoyable, and dignified. Marina Bay stands at the forefront of innovation, employing cutting-edge techniques and advanced equipment to elevate resident care. At Alliance Health at Marina Bay, the core belief revolves around nurturing every facet of the resident experience. With licensed therapists offering personalized evaluation and treatment plans, the focus remains on fostering the highest level of independence for those recuperating from illness or injury. The facility houses an on-site Outpatient Rehab Gym and proudly holds a prestigious 5-star rating from the Department of Health. Recognized for excellence, it has been honored with the 2023 Silver Award from AHCA/NCAL and holds esteemed JCAHO certification.
Overview of St. Joseph Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Housed at 321 Centre St in Dorchester’s heart, just half a mile from the neighborhood center, St. Joseph Rehabilitation and Nursing Center operates as a 123-bed skilled nursing facility under Landmark Health Solutions, LLC. The community holds Joint Commission accreditation and centers on short-term Medicare-covered rehabilitation for post-acute patients.
Between 2022 and early 2025, the facility documented 50 citations; averaging 10.8 annually, more than triple Massachusetts’ typical rate of 3.5 per year.
The February 2025 inspection cataloged 13 deficiencies across multiple care domains: staff failed to maintain resident dignity during meals, medication carts sat unlocked and unattended, prescribed physician orders went unimplemented, call bells malfunctioned, and infection control protocols broke down.
Two substantiated complaint investigations uncovered serious medication errors. In July 2024, overmedication with Eliquis required a resident to be hospitalized for blood transfusions. In February 2023, a resident went nine days without anticonvulsant medication, triggering seizures that led to emergency transfer.
The citation landscape includes six serious-level violations alongside 44 moderate deficiencies, with no critical citations recorded.
The facility incurred $138,000 in federal fines since 2024; nearly double the state average.
Staffing runs 3 hours 54 minutes of nursing care per resident daily, slightly below the 4-hour-18-minute state benchmark. The facility employs 145 staff: 26 nurses, 19 licensed practical nurses, and 60 aides.
Physical therapy stands as a distinct strength at 8 minutes per resident per day, twice the state average. Post-acute rehabilitation outcomes are strong. Short-stay residents returning successfully to home or community reached 65.8%, exceeding the state average by 30%. Self-care ability at discharge sits at 62.3%, 16% above state norms.
Current occupancy of 31.7% ranks 90th among 92 Massachusetts nursing homes and runs 61% below state average, a steep decline from 92.6% occupancy in 2022. The 2023 operating loss reached $2.0 million, with a negative profit margin of 9.4%. The facility sits in a highly walkable Dorchester location accessible by foot to nearby services and hospitals.
The inspection record reveals persistent operational vulnerabilities, and the facility faces acute financial and occupancy pressure, positioning it for residents who can tolerate uncertainty.
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
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