We arrange tours, appointments, and even moving support so you don’t have to
2
Ranked on Data, Not Dollars
We rank communities on objective measures like inspection records, quality scores, and care data, so you can find trusted options without the guesswork.
3
Personalized Guidance
From lifestyle matching to help with insurance and financial assistance, we make sure the community is the right fit
Explore Open Rooms
1Contact details
2What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4How soon do you need to find care?
5Additional details
Thank you for your interest!
Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.
Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 333 nursing homes in NJ using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in NJ
Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in New Jersey.
Watch this Video to see New Jersey's Top-rated Senior Communities
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 TableNH (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.
ADC (Adult Day Care):
Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
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.
Whiting Gardens Rehabilitation And Nursing Ctr LLC
$12.4M*Fiscal year ending 10/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$5.7M*Fiscal year ending 10/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
45.6%*Fiscal year ending 10/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$13.4M*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.
$8.3M*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.
61.9%*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.
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 Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County stands as a state-of-the-art nursing center at the scenic South Jersey farmland. Their recently-renovated facility boasts modern private and semi-private rooms, a lobby, and a therapy room that fosters wellness and recovery. Apart from sub-acute rehabilitation, this skilled nursing community is renowned for its excellence in long-term care, offering round-the-clock skilled nursing for a diverse range of complex medical conditions.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County accepts Medicare, Medicaid, most insurances, and private pay, ensuring flexibility and support for its residents and their families. Experience compassionate care and exceptional services in the heart of South Jersey with Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County is an independently owned and operated healthcare center that is licensed to use the Autumn Lake Healthcare name and receive non-healthcare related services. All healthcare-related services are provided solely by Autumn Lake Healthcare at Salem County.
Overview of Waterfront Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
Waterfront Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center sits in Raritan, New Jersey. It’s a nursing home with 138 beds, and right now 91% of those beds are filled. The area isn’t very walkable (Walk Score 31), so most people drive to run errands or visit. The center offers both short respite stays and longer-term nursing care.
Rehab is a big part of what happens here. People come for short-term rehab or subacute rehab after surgery, an illness, or an injury, working to get back on their feet.
There’s also clinical care and recreation programs to round out the day. Nurses and staff are on hand around the clock. On average, registered nurses spend about 23 minutes with each resident every day.
Meals are home-cooked, and staff handle housekeeping and laundry. Every room has a personal emergency call button. Rooms come as private or semi-private suites, and each one has a walk-in shower.
If a resident needs to see an outside doctor, the center arranges transportation. There’s even an in-house cosmetologist for haircuts, so residents don’t have to leave the building for that. Religious services are held on-site too.
The center takes Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay. As for state inspections, they’ve mostly focused on staffing and staff credentials, documentation and care planning, and fire safety and emergency preparedness. Housekeeping and upkeep come up as well.
Put simply, Waterfront looks built for two kinds of residents: people passing through on the way back to independence after rehab, and people who need steady nursing care over the long run.
Overview of Autumn Lake Healthcare at Memorial Bridge
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Memorial Bridge provides nursing home, hospice care, memory care, palliative care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Carneys Point Township, NJ. Nursing home services include short-term rehabilitation and long-term living, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care for residents who need ongoing clinical support. Memory care offers a secure setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time away.
The community has 161 beds. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies address different rehabilitation needs, including recovery after a stroke, while pain management and comprehensive wound care focus on specific clinical concerns. A secure memory care unit and a mental health unit are also available, and hospice and palliative care support residents who need comfort-focused care or symptom management.
Families can pay through Medicaid, Medicare, or private pay. Medicare applies to short-term skilled care rather than long-term residence, while private pay means the resident or family pays directly for care. Mr. Moshe Lapa serves as the administrator, and a doctor is on staff.
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Memorial Bridge may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may range from rehabilitation to ongoing nursing support or secure memory care, as well as for a family seeking a short-term respite stay.
The Meadows at Lawrence shines as the definition of innovation and compassionate senior living. The clinical services offered at The Meadows at Lawrence are exceptional. From specialized wound care to bariatric care, diabetic care to pain management, and a range of nutritional and therapeutic support, residents receive top-notch care that prioritizes their well-being. Moreover, the modern cottage living and long-term care options provide residents with a comfortable and secure environment where residents can flourish.
The library is a haven for book lovers, while the inviting dining area is a hub of delicious meals and lively conversations. The patio and fireplace, state-of-the-art kitchen, and spa area also ensure residents feel rejuvenated and in their best selves. The Family Matters program keeps families updated and engaged in the care of their loved ones as well, fostering a strong and healthy connection despite being away from home.
Set back from Route 202-206 North in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Complete Care at Green Knoll is a 176-bed skilled nursing facility about a third of a mile from the town center. Getting there by car is the norm. The Walk Score sits at 10, marking it car-dependent, with few errands manageable on foot. Occupancy runs at 84%, with 148 of the 176 beds currently filled.
Complete Care at Green Knoll names specific tracks for orthopedic and post-surgical care, cardiac care, neuro and stroke care, pulmonary care, and bariatric care, plus psychology and psychiatric services for residents who need that layer of support. Respite stays are available too, alongside round-the-clock staffing. On paper, nursing staff deliver 3 hours and 20 minutes of total care per resident each day; registered nurses account for 24 minutes of that, licensed practical nurses for 53.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted, which matters for families weighing how a stay gets paid for over time. State inspection themes at this facility have tended to touch on medication management and infection control, along with staffing credentials and emergency preparedness planning.
The overall shape of the place points toward short-term, procedure-specific rehab: orthopedic recovery, cardiac events, stroke, and similar acute needs, layered on top of a longer-term skilled nursing base for residents who need it.
A nursing home on Old Freehold Road in Toms River, New Jersey, is Complete Care at Bey Lea. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted to give families several ways to cover care, whether a resident stays for short-term rehabilitation or longer-term nursing support. The average stay length here runs to about 64 days, indicating a mix of post-acute recovery occupants and those in ongoing care.
Clinically, Complete Care at Bey Lea provides solid daily nursing support, with total nursing care averaging roughly 3 hours 9 minutes per resident day. That level of attentive care comprises registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse aides working all day. The staffing model ensures consistent attention to medication management, wound care, and the daily medical needs that come with nursing-level care. The setting in a car-dependent part of Toms River has a Walk Score of 20, which means visiting families drive most errands and nearby services.
Families thinking of choosing the home may want to inquire about transportation options for occupants wishing to visit local medical appointments or community activities.
Overview of Avalon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
Avalon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center sits at 1059 Edinburg Road in Hamilton, New Jersey, a 180-bed nursing and skilled nursing facility in a moderately walkable pocket of town (Walk Score 67). Some errands can be handled on foot here. The facility runs at 82% occupancy, with 148 of its 180 beds currently filled.
Residents can access short-term rehab, subacute rehab, and general rehabilitation services, all supported by 24-hour staffing. Two clinical specialties stand out on the profile: cardiac care and pulmonary rehab. Avalon also runs Urgent SNF™, a fast-track skilled nursing pathway, alongside a care navigation service and a Family Matters Program built around supporting residents’ families through the process. Respite care rounds out the offering for families who need a short-term stay rather than a permanent placement.
Nursing coverage totals about 3 hours and 15 minutes of care per resident each day, a figure that folds together RN, LPN, and nurse aide hours. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted, which opens up several ways for families to structure payment.
Inside, residents have a choice of private or semi-private rooms, and the building includes landscaped courtyards and concierge service, with gourmet dining rounding out daily life. State inspections have tended to center on staffing and staff credentials, along with care planning and documentation. Taken with its rehab-heavy service line and coordinated family support programs, Avalon reads as a facility built for residents cycling through short-term recovery alongside those settling in for longer-term nursing care.
AristaCare at Manchester is a compassionate nursing home in Manchester Township, NJ, that offers a wide range of care, including long-term care, post-hospital rehabilitation, and memory care. The community is dedicated to treating older adults like family, ensuring their comfort and safety during their stay. With 24-hour care, recreational activities, and nutritious meals, residents have a worry-free living. The community also follows a resident-centered approach to help residents maintain holistic wellness and recover with ease.
Creative arts, light exercises, and outings provide residents with more opportunities for leisure and interactions with friends. Residents can also use state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment, a beauty salon, and a barber for their wellness. With its peaceful setting surrounded by trees and local amenities in Manchester Township, the community ensures residents have a laid-back retirement. This nursing home’s comprehensive care options make it an ideal option for senior living in New Jersey.
Overview of Crystal Lake Healthcare and Rehabilitation
Crystal Lake Healthcare and Rehabilitation provides skilled nursing care and short-term post-acute rehabilitation in Bayville, NJ. The community has 235 beds, making it a larger setting with more residents, staff, and usually more programming.
Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while short-term post-acute rehabilitation gives residents a setting for recovery-focused care after acute medical treatment. The combination may suit a resident whose needs range from ongoing nursing support to short-term rehabilitation.
Clinical services include IV therapy, cardiac care, pulmonary care, behavioral management, and a certified dementia unit, giving residents access to care addressing these specific needs within the facility. A DDD Program and Veterans Program are also available, while therapeutic activities and special outings provide structured activities and planned opportunities to leave the community.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted; Medicare can cover short-term skilled care after a hospital stay, while Medicaid may help when savings do not cover a long stay. Total nurse staffing is 4h 43m per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time allocated to each resident.
Ms. Kelly Krzeczkowski serves as administrator, and Crystal Spring Center operates the community. Bilingual staff can support communication for residents and families who prefer to use another language.
Allaire Rehab & Nursing is a nursing home in Allaire, NJ, offering long-term care, palliative care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. With a home-like and supportive environment, the community ensures older adults are treated well throughout their stay. Exceptional services, including round-the-clock care, housekeeping, laundry, and home-cooked meals, are also provided to improve residents’ quality of life. Residents can also focus on their recovery and rehabilitation with individualized care plans dedicated to their holistic well-being.
Fun gatherings and recreational activities ensure residents can explore new interests and have fun. An outdoor patio, cozy lounges, and gardens also provide residents with more spaces for interactions and relaxation. Located in the peaceful residential area of Allaire, the community guarantees a laid-back lifestyle. This nursing home also ensures residents can live to their potential in retirement, making it one of the best options for senior living in New Jersey.
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
Need Help?
Let us help you or a loved one find the perfect senior home.
