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Best Nursing Homes in Merrilleville, IN

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 3 nursing homes in Merrilleville, IN using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IN
Reviewed by
Jordan Weiss, PhD
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Merrilleville, IN our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Merrilleville, IN.
3 homes
Other senior care options in Merrilleville:
Assisted Living Memory Care Independent Living
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 1.0/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Merrilleville, IN. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 1.5/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Merrilleville, IN. 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 Merrilleville, IN. 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 Merrilleville

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the IN Dept. of Health (IDOH), 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.
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 Indiana average is: 51.1% 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.
Golden LivingCenter ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
NH
SNF
Merrillville
164
Facility 164
IN AVG 116
Rank #64 / 431
92.6%
Facility 92.6%
IN AVG 66.9%
Rank #20 / 410
+39%
3.09
Facility 3.09
IN AVG 3.44
Rank #177 / 275
 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ -6%-10%
$0
Facility $0
IN AVG $31.4k
Rank #1 / 278
42
Facility 42
IN AVG 25.0
Rank #233 / 278
4.7
Facility 4.7
IN AVG 4.1
Rank #189 / 278
1152-
5
Facility 5
IN AVG 40
Rank #517 / 551
Merrillville Operating LLC
$17.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $17.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IN AVG $10.5M
Rank #21 / 268
$7.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IN AVG $5.2M
Rank #42 / 268
42.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 42.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IN AVG 51.1%
Rank #212 / 268
155362
Lincolnshire Health Care Center ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Merrillville
100
Facility 100
IN AVG 116
Rank #234 / 431
74.0%
Facility 74.0%
IN AVG 66.9%
Rank #155 / 410
+11%
2.99
Facility 2.99
IN AVG 3.44
Rank #193 / 275
 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ -29%-13%
$3.4k
Facility $3.4k
IN AVG $31.4k
Rank #233 / 278
51
Facility 51
IN AVG 25.0
Rank #258 / 278
5.1
Facility 5.1
IN AVG 4.1
Rank #202 / 278
-74-
33
Facility 33
IN AVG 40
Rank #312 / 551
Lincolnshire Health & Rehabilitation Center LLC
$7.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IN AVG $10.5M
Rank #187 / 268
$4.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IN AVG $5.2M
Rank #159 / 268
56.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 56.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IN AVG 51.1%
Rank #62 / 268
155650

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IN community we track that reports that metric, not just the 3 analyzed for Merrilleville.

Nursing Home Explorer
Golden LivingCenter
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Overview of Golden LivingCenter

Located near shopping, restaurants, banks, and parks in Merrillville, Indiana, Golden LivingCenter is a nursing home and skilled nursing community. The community is owned by Merrillville Operating LLC. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to help cover the cost of care.
The 164-bed community has been serving residents for 18 years. The area is car-dependent, so residents and visiting family will usually need a vehicle for errands and outings.

Golden LivingCenter provides a wide range of healthcare services in one location, including skilled nursing, hospice care, palliative care, rehabilitation therapy, cardiac care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. On-site pharmacy, dental, dialysis, and podiatry services are also available. Residents receive an average of about 3 hours and 6 minutes of nursing care each day, reflecting the hands-on support provided as part of daily care.

Residents also have access to a fitness center, spiritual services, and a variety of recreational and social activities that help keep daily life active and balanced.

State inspections conducted by the Indiana Department of Health have most often identified findings related to quality of life and care practices, pharmacy services, infection control, and building maintenance. These were the areas that most often came up during inspections and were not one-time issues.

Phone: (219) 736-1310

Contact Golden LivingCenter

Exterior sign of Lincolnshire Health Care Center
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Overview of Lincolnshire Health Care Center
Facebook

Situated in Merrillville, Indiana, the Lincolnshire Health Care Center is a center for specialized services and rehabilitation, providing a personalized approach to each individual. Renowned for its reliability, the center is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving independence and improved functioning through a hands-on approach. The culture at Lincolnshire Health Care Center is deeply rooted in empowerment, emphasizing the value of independence to enhance residents’ outlook on life and foster a strong sense of community.
In addition to the best care and nursing home activities, the center offers a range of amenities to enhance residents’ overall experience. Electric beds, flatscreen televisions, and Wi-Fi availability contribute to a comfortable living environment. The facility also features an enclosed patio terrace, a beauty salon, and a barber shop. Residents can enjoy daily newspaper delivery, engaging activities, community outings, and more, creating a holistic care approach that fosters a vibrant and supportive senior living community.

Phone: (219) 769-9009

Contact Lincolnshire Health Care Center

Outdoor garden with seating and pavilion
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Overview of Merrillville Care Center

Located in Indiana, the Merrillville Care Center offers a comprehensive range of services, making it a prime destination for those seeking long-term care, outpatient therapy, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, memory care, and various therapeutic interventions. Boasting a spacious and well-maintained facility, it caters to both short and long-term residency needs, providing specialized care for conditions such as dialysis, stroke, and diabetes. The center excels in discharge planning, pain management, cognitive training, and offers IV therapy, ensuring a holistic approach to residents’ well-being.
In addition to its reliability in various aspects of care, Merrillville Care Center extends its services to include amenities like pharmacy services, dental care, and eye care. This makes it a versatile and dependable choice for those seeking a long-term care home, Alzheimer’s and nursing home, or senior living facility. Seniors choosing this center can be confident in their decision, knowing they have access to a facility that prioritizes their health and well-being in a spacious and caring environment.

Phone: (219) 736-1310

Contact Merrillville Care Center

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 Merrilleville, IN

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Indiana?

Assisted living in Indiana 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 Indiana Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — Indiana Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 3 nursing homes in Merrilleville, IN. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Merrilleville, IN?

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 Merrilleville, IN, 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 Merrilleville, IN?

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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