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 89 nursing homes in NC using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in NC
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.8/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in North Carolina. 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:2.7/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina. 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 NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS), 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.
IL (Independent Living):
Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
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 North Carolina average is: 58.6% 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.
Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall is a luxury retirement home in Wilmington. With an emphasis on memory care living, the premier home provides a comfortable environment for assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing residents. The upscale home offers a professional care staff that ensures that residents can create memorable moments through the elevated lifestyle and experiences provided in the community. A home that encourages, empowers, and elevates the lifestyles of its seniors for an enhanced aging experience.
Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall has designed residential living to help fulfill a sense of independence and individuality for each resident. Community accommodations offer all-inclusive services, including spacious common areas, recreational rooms, housekeeping, assisted living for Alzheimer’s and dementia, and transportation services.
Overview of Perry Creek Health & Rehabilitation Center
Perry Creek Health & Rehabilitation Center is a nursing home in Raleigh, NC, offering long-term care and rehabilitation. Dedicated to older adults’ comfort and healing, the community continuously promotes a supportive and welcoming environment. With scheduled therapy daily, restaurant-style dining, and 24-hour care, residents can focus on their rehabilitation and recovery. Along with a highly trained team and top-tier therapy technology, personalized care plans are also provided to improve residents’ quality of life.
With an on-site activities director, residents are encouraged to participate in various recreational activities and social events to maintain their holistic well-being. A state-of-the-art gym and equipment, and spacious rooms also ensure residents’ relaxation and wellness. Residents also experience a stress-free retirement, as it is conveniently located near bus stops and shops in the quiet neighborhood of Raleigh. As one of the best choices for senior living in North Carolina, this nursing home provides the best possible care for older adults’ welfare.
Overview of College Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center
Built for residents needing skilled nursing care and rehabilitation, College Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 100-bed nursing home in Connelly Springs, near Raleigh, North Carolina. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted to create flexible payment options for short-term rehabilitation stays and longer-term care. Averaging a stay length of 98 days, the home serves occupants in early recovery and those requiring continuous nursing support.
The facility is staffed with nursing professionals committed to daily diligent care. Total nursing support averages roughly 3 hours 59 minutes per resident day, combining registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing aides. The registered nurse component totals 34 minutes per resident daily, ensuring clinical oversight of resident care. Therapy services form a central part of College Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center’s rehabilitation focus. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists work with occupants to bolster recovery and functional improvement. The home maintains an active resident council where residents meet regularly to discuss facility policies, life quality, and activities, giving them a voice in community decisions. Connelly Springs is car-dependent, with limited nearby walkable options, so visiting family and friends must plan for a brief drive. The facility runs at high occupancy, typically around 92 percent, denoting stable demand for its services in the area.
Overview of Maple Grove Health & Rehabilitation Center
With a dedicated memory care program, Maple Grove Health & Rehabilitation Center is a one-story nursing home in Greensboro, North Carolina. The 210-bed facility is built on a single floor, which means occupants and family members navigate rooms, dining areas, and care spaces without needing elevators. For people with changing mobility, such a layout matters.
With a Walk Score of 51, the neighborhood is averagely walkable. Some errands can be finished on foot, while others need a car. The area suits visiting families planning regular trips. The average resident stay is about 231 days, roughly seven and a half months. This blend of shorter-term and longer-term residents, including those in memory care, mirrors the facility’s role in post-acute recovery and active skilled care for people whose needs have deepened over time. Nursing care here averages 3 hours 49 minutes per resident day, with about 45 minutes of that time coming from a registered nurse and the remainder from nursing aides and licensed practical nurses. That stable, hands-on support is the backbone of daily care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted to give families several ways to cover rehabilitation and longer-term care. Occupants benefit from on-site therapy services, social support programs, and structured activities.
Overview of Unc Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center of Raleigh
A nursing home on Lake Boone Trail in the Lake Boone area of Raleigh is the Unc Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center of Raleigh. As part of UNC Health, it operates a 120-bed nursing home that highlights skilled nursing and rehabilitation care.
The community provides significant daily nursing support, averaging 4 hours 40 minutes of nursing care per resident day. This staffing includes 55 minutes of registered nurse time, 2 hours 22 minutes from nurse aides, and 1 hour 8 minutes from licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses. This level of attentive care mirrors a dedication to supporting residents’ daily medical and personal needs. The neighborhood where the home sits scores 66 on the Walk Score scale. This means some errands and activities are walkable, with a mix of nearby amenities. Families and visiting companions will find the area reasonably walkable, but most trips may need quick drives.
The facility’s size and nursing staffing hours are vital, practical factors to think of when touring and comparing options, noteworthy for residents and families assessing skilled nursing care in Raleigh.
Residents at Carolina Village stay for an average of 84 days, meaning the facility mostly focuses on short-term rehab alongside some long-term care. Located in North Carolina, this 60-bed home runs at about 71 percent occupancy and accepts both Medicare and private pay. If you’re planning a visit, the neighborhood is very pedestrian-friendly, with a walkability score of 82 out of 100, so family members can easily run most errands on foot.
To handle daily medical routines, clinical operations supply an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes of total nursing care per resident each day. The 24-hour scheduling structure breaks this down into 1 hour and 31 minutes from registered nurses, 1 hour and 11 minutes from licensed practical nurses, and 3 hours and 58 minutes from nurse aides. This hands-on clinical volume supports individuals recovering from surgery, stroke, or acute medical transitions.
While older inspection logs noted tracking items regarding fire safety measures and medication administration protocols, the most recent health department files confirm that the administration updated its tracking systems to resolve these past issues, requiring no further action and keeping the overall cumulative citations-per-inspection rate at zero.
Prospective representatives will find a campus equipped with an exercise pool, a therapy pool, fitness centers, a library, a woodworking shop, and an arts studio. The grounds feature nature trails with mountain and lake views, while daily social options include a book group and a Spanish club. The dining setup provides a traditional dining room with tableside service alongside fast-casual options, a bar, and a coffee nook, with base fees covering utilities, WiFi, laundry, housekeeping, and property maintenance.
Conover Nursing & Rehab Center is a family-owned nursing home in Conover, NC, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. With a compassionate and nurturing environment, the community ensures older adults have a comfortable stay. Residents also experience a worry-free lifestyle with 24-hour care, well-balanced meals, and transportation services. The community also goes above and beyond to get to know residents’ unique needs and habits to provide the best possible care for their recovery and wellness.
Sensory stimulation, light exercises, and celebrations help enhance residents’ cognition and encourage them to live actively. With spacious common areas and state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment, residents can rest and move around comfortably. Residents also experience a laid-back lifestyle, as it is conveniently located in the quiet residential area of Conover. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in North Carolina, especially with its commitment to helping older adults return to their routines.
Homestead Hills Assisted Living runs 66 beds in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Right now about 20 of those beds are filled, which puts occupancy near 30 percent. For a family weighing placement, that low a figure cuts two ways. There is room to move in without a wait. It also means the building is running well under capacity, worth sitting with as you visit.
The setting is not a walkable one. With a Walk Score of 20, most trips out mean getting in a car. Plan visits around that.
Residents have access to rehabilitation services, respite stays for caregivers who need a break, and staffing that covers all 24 hours. Total nursing care runs about 5 hours and 17 minutes per resident each day, with licensed practical nurses adding close to an hour of that. Wellness programming, dining, concierge and salon services, housekeeping, and transportation fill out the day. An emergency call system runs around the clock.
State inspections have focused on standard operational ground: medication management, infection prevention, and fire-safety systems, rather than direct resident care. Medicare and private pay are both accepted here. The place suits an older adult who needs rehabilitation-minded care and steady daily help, and whose family does not mind a quieter building with beds to spare.
At 1450 Shaire Center Drive in Lenoir, Caldwell County, The Shaire Center runs an 82-bed operation that combines nursing home, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing under one roof. The surrounding part of Lenoir scores 76 on the Walk Score index, high enough that most errands don’t require a car.
Rehabilitation services and a doctor on staff cover the medical side of daily operations. A dedicated memory care unit sits alongside hospice services, discharge planning, and care planning, the kind of structure that matters for residents whose needs shift between short-term recovery and longer-term support.
Nursing coverage averages 4 hours and 49 minutes per resident each day, drawn from registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses working in combination. Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are all accepted, which widens the field of families who can plan around the cost of a stay.
Inspections of The Shaire Center have touched on medication management, staffing and staff credentials, and resident rights and protections. Between the rehab services, the memory care unit, and the hospice and discharge planning on offer, the facility is built for residents moving through different stages of care rather than staying in one lane.
Central Care is located at 139 Apex Lane in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and it offers both nursing home and skilled care services. The owner of this home is Robert Vernon. Since the area has a Walk Score of 74, most errands are easy to reach on foot for any visitors.
There are 53 beds allowed here, but only 31 of them are currently in use. This 59 percent usage rate means the building has plenty of extra space for new people. Most of the folks living here are staying for a long time, rather than just visiting for a quick recovery.
Nurses are available all day and night, including registered nurses, practical nurses, and nursing assistants who work on the floor. Each resident receives about 4 hours of nursing care every single day, and the staff provides all skilled medical services right inside the building.
The kitchen staff prepares meals for everyone, while the cleaning and laundry teams handle all the chores, which removes these burdens from the residents and their families.
State inspectors have looked at this home, and their reports focus on things like how the staff stops germs from spreading, the qualifications of the workers, and how they prevent falls and other injuries.
Central Care takes payments from Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds, providing families with different ways to pay for the care. In short, this is a small home for people who need long-term help, featuring constant nursing care and a location that makes it simple for families to visit often.
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 North Carolina
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in North Carolina?
Assisted living in North Carolina 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 North Carolina Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — North Carolina 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 89 nursing homes in North Carolina. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
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.
