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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.
$13.5M*Fiscal year ending 11/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$8.5M*Fiscal year ending 11/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
63.1%*Fiscal year ending 11/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
Set in the neighborhood of Revere, MA, Lighthouse Nursing Care Center is an exceptional senior care provider that offers skilled nursing, transitional care, and rehabilitation services. The community strives to help recovering residents return to their homes as soon as possible through its excellent medical and therapy services provided by a dependable team of care professionals. Residents’ accommodations are tailored to foster a home-like environment while allowing for convenient delivery of care and navigation.
Apart from its exceptional services, the community also prioritizes the ambiance of their campus and makes sure residents also enjoy opportunities for socialization and enjoyment. Hence, residents are offered a variety of fun and engaging activities and thoughtful amenities. Gourmet dining, airy lounges, beautifully-maintained grounds, and salon services are also offered to enhance residents’ comfort and convenience.
Peacefully surrounded by lush trees in Boston Road, North Billerica, MA, Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley is an outstanding community that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Here, residents keep peace of mind with the community’s comprehensive care services tailored to their unique needs and preferences. With a compassionate and highly trained team available 24/7, residents receive the highest quality of care and assistance, ensuring their comfort and safety.
Residents are also encouraged to enjoy a variety of recreational activities and social events to keep them active and socially engaged. The community also offers fall prevention, wound care, medication management, post-surgical care, and therapy services, to meet residents’ ever-changing needs. Mealtimes also foster comfort and meet dietary needs, with delightful and nutritious meals. Make the most out of your best years surrounded by the community’s state-of-the-art amenities and cozy spaces.
Overview of Leominster Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Leominster Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is a nursing home in Leominster, MA, offering long-term care, palliative care, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. With a cozy and home-like setting, the community ensures older adults are treated well. Residents also experience a worry-free lifestyle with 24-hour care, beauty and barber services, and recreational activities. Through personalized care plans, residents receive the best possible care tailored to their unique needs and habits.
Light exercises, social gatherings, and various enrichment activities ensure residents can live actively and gain meaningful experiences. Residents can also move around safely and rest in the garden and spacious lounges. Located near shops, churches, a school, and recreation sites in Leominster, the community ensures accessibility and convenience. This nursing home has exceptional standards of care, making it a good option for senior living in Massachusetts.
Overview of Parsons Hill Rehabilitation and Health Care Center
Parsons Hill Rehabilitation and Health Care Center is a remarkably skilled nursing and rehab facility in Worcester that is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. The warm and inviting atmosphere is uniquely designed to provide comfort and peace of mind. With physicians, nurses, clinical staff, rehabilitation therapists, and other team members on standby, residents have access to everything they need, any time of day.
Their post-hospital care and recovery programs include a wide range of specialties and facilities, such as central venous catheter management, Lasix IV push, blood draws, oxygen therapy, and nutritional management. They also provide post-surgical care and a behavioral management unit to meet the needs of all residents. Moreover, Parsons Hill offers 24-hour supervision, restorative care programs, registered dietitian services, and a selective menu dining program to promote overall well-being. They also provide family counseling and support groups to ensure that families are supported in their loved one’s care.
Prescott House is a nursing home in North Andover, MA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community’s warm and nurturing environment ensures older adults are treated well throughout their stay. Social services, nutritious meals, and laundry services are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. The community also works closely with residents to get to know their needs and habits to provide the best possible care for their recovery.
Musical entertainment, weekly dog therapy visits, and various recreational activities encourage residents to maintain holistic wellness and gain meaningful experiences. Spacious dayrooms and a beauty salon also ensure residents can freely interact with friends and relax. Lake Cochichewick, Osgood Hill Trails, restaurants, and shops are also available in the peaceful residential area of North Andover, ensuring a laid-back lifestyle. This nursing home has excellent services for older adults’ welfare, making it one of the best options for senior living in Massachusetts.
CareOne at Newton is an award-winning nursing home in Newton, MA, that offers long-term care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. Dedicated to older adults’ comfort and healing, the community continuously promotes a nurturing and welcoming environment. A maintenance-free lifestyle is also guaranteed with 24-hour care, healthy meals, and comprehensive therapies. Through a person-centered approach to care, the community strives to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences.
Light exercises, social gatherings, and games provide residents with more opportunities to explore new interests and have fun. With spacious common areas and top-notch amenities, residents can rest and move around safely. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Charles River Reservation, and Cochituate Aqueduct Trail are also located nearby, providing quick access to necessities and leisure. This nursing home is one of the trusted choices for senior living in Massachusetts, especially with its commitment to older adults’ well-being.
Overview of Fairhaven Healthcare Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
Fairhaven Healthcare Center sits in Lowell’s Pawtucketville neighborhood, a 169-bed nonprofit skilled nursing home founded in 1984 and now led by Michael Takesian. The facility hosts 125 current residents, the majority on Medicaid (59.2%), with meaningful private-pay (38.4%) and scant Medicare (2.4%) populations. Average stays stretch to 172 days, yet occupancy has fallen to 61.4%, nearly a quarter below state averages and ranking 82nd of 92 Massachusetts facilities.
The facility’s 2-star CMS rating lands 37.7% below state performance, driven primarily by quality measure deficits running 39.2% worse than state baselines. Nursing hours average 4 hours 14 minutes daily per resident, marginally below the 4-hour 18-minute state average but the facility’s single below-average metric.
Payroll investment stands at 56.6% of revenue, which is a healthy position within the 54–65% range typical of well-managed operations and with minimal agency dependence at 8.8% contractor hours.
Six inspections across three years (above-average frequency) identified 41 citations and ranked 67th of 89 facilities. Of critical importance: zero critical citations emerged (100% better than state baseline), and only one serious citation (33% better than state norm). Deficiency clusters centered on Quality of Life & Care (41%), Resident Rights (15%), and Pharmacy Services (12%).
The facility’s single federal penalty of $15K issued November 2023 fell 79% below the Massachusetts average, suggesting enforcement action concentrated on lower-severity violations.
Weight loss at 9.1% tracks 75% above state rates. Antipsychotic use reaches 29.9%, 48% worse than state average. Walking ability decline and functional decline both exceed state norms by 18–32%.
Conversely, depressive symptoms remain exceptionally managed at 3.9% (63% better than state), and short-stay antipsychotic new-use hits zero; 100% above state performance. Fall injury rates improved 11% above baseline.
Financial trajectory reversed sharply after a $398K 2022 loss; the facility posted $605K net income in 2023. Yet occupancy collapsed from 73.1% to 61.4%.
Fairhaven Healthcare combines nonprofit governance with strengthened finances but carries persistent quality gaps in nutritional management and functional preservation unsuitable for residents with high dependency needs.
Palm Center is a nursing home ideal for residents who seek to relax and recover. Specializing in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, the multi-awarded community provides professional and compassionate service for its residents. The nursing home cultivates the holistic needs of its residents in a home-like setting. The services are multidisciplinary for both skilled nursing and rehabilitation– focusing on post-surgical care, on-site therapy (physical, occupational, speech), strength conditioning, mobility improvement; colostomy care, dementia care, pain management, wound care; and medical professionals are on-call– medical directors, nurse practitioners, and physicians.
Adviniacare Salem is a nursing home in Salem, MA, that offers long-term care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. The community’s nurturing and welcoming environment ensures older adults can live comfortably. With round-the-clock nursing care, nutritious meals, and a wide range of care options, residents receive exceptional care to recover and return to their routines. Prioritizing residents’ holistic wellness, individualized care plans are also developed.
Card games, lectures, and trips encourage residents to explore interests and make friends. Accessible common areas, a library, and a cinema are among the well-maintained amenities dedicated to residents’ relaxation and wellness. Restaurants, shops, recreation sites, and public transportation are also available in the area, providing residents with quick access to necessities and leisure. Committed to helping older adults thrive in retirement, this nursing home is a great choice for senior living in Massachusetts.
Overview of Watertown Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
The Watertown Rehabilitation and Nursing Center stands as a 163-bed haven of skilled nursing excellence. Its strategic location places it near both Cambridge and downtown Boston, granting residents easy access to a plethora of local conveniences and recreational offerings. The establishment offers private and semi-private rooms adorned with sweeping views that enhance the living experience.
Beyond the captivating vistas, the center boasts inviting meeting spaces, splendid outdoor patios, and generously proportioned dining areas. This carefully curated environment serves as an idyllic backdrop for recovery, fostering a sense of comfort and wellness. A registered dietitian is at the helm, ensuring comprehensive and tailored nutritional support. Among the services, palliative and hospice care, pain management, short-term rehab, and long-term care are seamlessly integrated, catering to a diverse spectrum of needs. Welcoming various insurance options, including Medicare, Medicaid, private pay, UHC One Care, and more, this establishment is committed to providing top-notch care that transcends expectations.
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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