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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 333 nursing homes in NJ using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in NJ
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Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.3/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey. 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 New Jersey. 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 NJ Dept. of Health (NJDOH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our 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.
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.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine score. It is not a government rating. A dash means we do not publish a grade for that facility: either its public record is too thin to be fair, or we hold nothing for it at all.
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 New Jersey 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.
Forest Hills Center For Rehabilitation And Healing
$15.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility$15.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
NJ AVG$17.9M
Rank#157 / 256
$7.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility$7.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
NJ AVG$8.7M
Rank#132 / 256
51.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility51.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
NJ AVG51.1%
Rank#94 / 256
315375
Rank badges are statewide: each nursing home is ranked against every NJ nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 333 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Overview of Hamilton Grove Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
Based in the area of Mercerville, NJ, Hamilton Grove Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is a dependable senior care provider, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. The community provides its residents with a beautiful healing environment with carefully curated accommodations and thoughtful amenities. Here, residents are provided with a wide array of healthcare services, including rehabilitative therapy, skilled nursing care, post-surgical care, long-term care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, as well as respite and palliative care.
The community guarantees a comfortable and a quick recovery process with the support of various activities, designed to provide the stimulation and engagement that residents need to flourish and thrive. An excellent culinary team is also available to offer a great selection of delicious and health-conscious meals that provides them the strength they need during their healing journey. With comprehensive support and convenient services, the community warrants residents a truly improved quality of life.
Optima Care Castle Hill sits at 615 23rd St in Union City, New Jersey, Hudson County, not far from the Hudson River and a short drive from Manhattan. The neighborhood earns a Walk Score of 97, which is as urban as it gets for a nursing home setting: residents’ families can walk to shops, transit, and services without needing a car. Mount Sinai West is about 2.5 miles out.
The 215-bed mid-rise is operated by Optima Care Union City, LLC, and functions primarily as a short-stay rehab destination. Medicare covers 76% of new admissions, with a typical Medicare stay running around 18 days. The clinical lineup built around that model is substantial: short-term and orthopedic rehab, stroke and cardiac rehabilitation, wound care, IV therapy, pulmonary rehab for COPD, trach rehab, LifeVest care, and a dedicated veterans care program. Long-term nursing, hospice and palliative care, memory care, and respite care are also available. A physician is on call around the clock.
Staffing runs at 4 hours of total nursing care per resident per day, with RNs providing 50 minutes of that, nurse aides providing 2 hours and 3 minutes, and LPNs contributing 24 minutes. The facility uses no contract staffing; all 130 employees are direct hires.
Occupancy sits at 60%, with 130 of the 215 beds currently filled. The average length of stay across all residents is 146 days. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted.
On the amenity side, the facility offers beauty services, concierge and pastoral services, pet therapy, therapeutic recreation, and religious services. An active Resident Council, confirmed through CMS records, meets regularly to discuss care and quality of life. Margot Domingo M.A. RD, LNHA serves as Administrator.
For families seeking post-acute rehabilitation or longer-term nursing care in the urban Hudson County corridor, Optima Care Castle Hill offers a clinically dense service menu, a walkable urban address, and all three major payer pathways.
Overview of Grove Park Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
Situated in the tranquility of East Orange, NJ, the Grove Park Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is a vibrant community that offers subacute rehab, long-term care, and respite care services. With Allaire Health Services, a well-known institution for transformational health care, this community is led to revolutionize care delivery for its residents. The community is a premier 185-bed nursing home that is very accessible to the residents of New Jersey.
Residents can enjoy a wide range of amenities and services, including well-appointed private and semi-private suites, large flat-screen televisions, complimentary cable and wifi, spacious lounges and family areas, restaurant-style dining, dedicated patient concierge, outdoor patio, beauty and barber services, onsite laundry, religious services, monthly resident council, a full calendar of activities, and transportation and medical appointments. Thus, residents can surely acquire exceptional care and support.
Elmwood Hills Healthcare Center is a 300-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located at 425 Woodbury-Turnersville Road in Blackwood, New Jersey. Managed by administrator Moshe Weissman and owned by the Mdf Family 2015 Trust, the Camden County home accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. For visitors, the surrounding neighborhood holds a walkability score of 64 out of 100, meaning some local errands can be done on foot, though most trips require a short drive.
A near-capacity resident population marks the daily operations here, with individuals staying for about 164 days on average. Around-the-clock staffing delivers an average of 3 hours and 16 minutes of daily nursing care per resident to cover this high volume. This care time splits into 18 minutes from registered nurses, 54 minutes from licensed practical nurses, and 2 hours and 3 minutes from nurse aides. This clinical team handles short-term rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, respite, and palliative care, alongside a secure memory care unit designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
When reviewing the facility’s regulatory history, past New Jersey Department of Health surveys show initial challenges with care planning, medication handling, infection control, and life safety rules, followed by a steady trend toward improvement. Looking at the broader data, the center holds an overall citations-per-inspection rate of zero.
Regarding the day-to-day routine, the facility provides standard on-site services and meals to cover regular dietary needs, though current records do not detail specific room floor plans, full activity schedules, or dining room setups.
Individuals researching local nursing homes can reach out to the administrative team to talk through these past inspection topics and see how current staff maintain safety and compliance standards today.
Masonic Village at Burlington is a senior living community located on 450 acres of beautiful wooded grounds. It offers a variety of living options including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Rehabilitation services. The community is designed for vibrant, active seniors looking to live their best lives.
Overview of Abigail House for Nursing & Rehabilitation
Abigail House for Nursing & Rehabilitation sits at 1105-1115 Linden Street in Camden, New Jersey, offering skilled nursing care alongside short-term rehab, respite stays, and hospice and palliative services. It’s a facility built around a full continuum of care, so a resident’s needs can shift over time without requiring a move elsewhere. The area is moderately walkable, with a Walk Score of 53, so getting to nearby errands on foot is realistic for visiting family, even if a car still comes in handy.
With 188 beds and 95% occupancy, the facility is nearly full, a sign that families in the area are choosing it steadily rather than occasionally. Nursing coverage totals about 3 hours and 44 minutes per resident each day, split between a registered nurse, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. That mix reflects the layered staffing model skilled nursing facilities typically rely on, where different credential levels handle different parts of daily care.
Residents have access to a recreational program and Casa De Abigail, a named program at the facility, on top of its rehabilitation, respite, and hospice and palliative offerings. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted, which opens up several ways for families to finance a stay here.
State inspections have centered on familiar ground for nursing homes: medication management, infection control, fire safety, staff credentials, care planning documentation, and food service.
Preakness Healthcare Center, a 406-bed skilled nursing facility in Wayne, New Jersey, stands as a beacon of top-quality healthcare since 1929. Owned and operated by the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, residents can trust it to meet all state and federal regulations. This center’s mission is the delivery of superior patient care, including sub-acute care, physical rehabilitation, long-term care, behavioral management, Ventilator/Respiratory Care Hospice and Palliative Care, and Respite services. Preakness Healthcare Center creates a welcoming environment with a selection of amenities like private and semi-private rooms, courtyards and patios, exercise facilities, and an on-site hair salon. Combining its reputation for high-quality healthcare with top-tier amenities and a pet-friendly approach, Preakness Healthcare Center positions itself as a trusted nursing home care provider.
Greenwood House Senior Healthcare is a non-profit organization with a storied past dating back to 1939. With a mission-based approach, they welcome people of all faiths and strive to create a warm and supportive environment where residents can feel at home. At Greenwood House, residents can access an array of services, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and assisted living. From respite care for short-term stays to specialized care for conditions like stroke and Parkinson’s disease, Greenwood House has the expertise and resources to cater to various health needs. They also offer therapies and home health aid to provide comprehensive support for their residents.
Beyond the exceptional care, Greenwood House also delivers a spectrum of conveniences to enhance the quality of life for its residents. From a library, salon, and coffee shop to a gift shop and billiard room, residents can socialize, unwind, and immerse oneself in meaningful activities. The professional staff also renders social services and health assessments to ensure that residents receive the personalized care they need whenever, wherever.
Overview of Pelican Pointe Post Acute Nursing & Rehabilitation
Pelican Pointe Post Acute Nursing & Rehabilitation is a long-term care community that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation in North Cape May, New Jersey. Maintaining a 96% occupancy rate, this 120-bed community serves older adults recovering from hospitalization or surgery, as well as those requiring long-term nursing care. With an average length of stay of 119 days, it also accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.
Residents receive approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes of nursing care each day, with registered nurses providing an average of 27 minutes per resident. Furthermore, nurse aides deliver 2 hours and 20 minutes of hands-on assistance, while licensed nurses contribute another 52 minutes of specialized care. Together, this staffing model supports a wide range of medical and personal care needs.
Located in a relatively car-dependent area, the community has limited walkable amenities nearby, so most visits and errands require transportation.
Overview of Forest Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Healing
Forest Hill for Rehabilitation and Healing is a community that proudly elevates the recovery experience of its residents. An excellent nursing home that offers a friendly atmosphere because of the staff who are able to provide empathy and compassion to its residents. Forest Hill is the ideal home for seniors or their families who are looking for an environment that is resident-friendly or can allow residents to maintain a level of individuality and conquer independence. Forest Hill management ensures that the mental, physical, and emotional needs of their residents are met and satisfied. Residents are provided a list of rehabilitative and skilled nursing services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy; long-term care such as respite care, chronic pain management, and 24-hour nursing; specialty care including orthopedic care, IV therapy, and post-op rehab needs.
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 New Jersey
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in New Jersey?
Assisted living in New Jersey 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 New Jersey Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — New Jersey 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 333 nursing homes in New Jersey. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey?
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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