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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 114 nursing homes in NC using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in NC
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-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.
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.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community):
A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
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 grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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: 59.2% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other NC nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 114 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Arbor Acres offers nursing home care, skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Winston-Salem, NC. Independent living provides private living without daily care, while assisted living helps with daily tasks and memory care provides a supervised setting for someone at risk of wandering. The range of care levels can suit a resident whose needs change over time without requiring a move to a different community.
With six beds, Arbor Acres is a small community where residents and staff can get to know one another. Housing includes studios and one-bedroom residences, each offering private living space for one resident, and pets are allowed, so a resident can bring a companion animal when moving in. Payment options include Medicare for short-term skilled care after a hospital stay and private pay for direct payment of care costs, with named programs including the Advantage Program, Living with Assistance, Continuing Care, assisted living Care, Fountain Hill Home Care, Arts, and Living Artfully.
Located at the core of Chapel Hill, NC, Signature HealthCARE of Chapel Hill is a respected senior living community, offering an array of clinical services to help residents recover from their conditions or hospitalization. The community features excellent rehabilitation services and skilled nursing care tailored to residents’ needs and goals, making sure they are given the services that best work for them. Snug and stunning accommodations are also offered to give residents the space they need to comfortably relax and rest.
Committed to helping residents continue living their lives to the fullest, the community offers a wide array of activities, including regular outings, hobby clubs, and their annual Signature Olympics events and resident art shows. Residents also benefit from having access to additional amenities, such as an on-site chaplain, transportation, and volunteer opportunities for a fulfilling living experience. Here, residents are empowered to enjoy their golden years vibrantly and comfortably.
The Sharon at SouthPark is a continuing care retirement community in Charlotte, NC, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.
Because several care levels are available, a resident whose needs grow can move to a different level of care without leaving the community or starting over socially. The community has 19 beds, making it a smaller setting that may be a good fit for someone who prefers a place where staff and residents can get to know each other.
Housing options include studios, one-bedroom residences, and two-bedroom residences. A studio is a single private space, while a two-bedroom can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.
The community is in the Beverly Woods neighborhood, where a Walk Score of 49 out of 100 indicates a car-dependent setting and most errands require a car or a ride. Total nurse staffing is 11 hours and 26 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nurse staffing time assigned per resident. Medicare and private pay are accepted, and pets are allowed.
WhiteStone is a blissful senior living community in Guilford County, Greensboro, NC, offering a vibrant independent living environment. Residents are provided plenty of options for their living space, including spacious apartments, cozy cottages, and free standing single residences, set in beautifully maintained 42-acre ground. In addition to a maintenance-free living, residents are also given access to an array of healthcare services, such as routine checkups, rehabilitation therapy, short- and long-term skilled nursing, and memory care should they need it.
Without the worries of housekeeping, maintenance, and meal preparation, residents can focus on living their life to the fullest. Hence, the community offers plenty of beautiful amenities and enriching activities. Here, residents are free to pursue their hobbies, explore new interests, make new friends, or visit all those places they’ve always wanted to explore.
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 Briar Creek Health Center at the Barclay at SouthPark
Enjoy a seamless transition between care levels in Briar Creek Health Center at the Barclay at SouthPark, a distinguished community in Charlotte, NC offering an array of care services. They provide access to assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing under one campus. The community also offers respite care to help family caregivers who need a break from caring for their loved ones, giving them their much-deserved rest and vacation.
With personalized care plans, daily living assistance, and personal care support, residents find plenty of free time to enjoy their passions and make new friends. Housekeeping services are also offered so residents can fully enjoy the community’s vibrant activities and thoughtful amenities like a salon and cozy sun room. At Briar Creek Health Center at the Barclay at SouthPark, residents are inspired and equipped to live their golden years fully.
With 82 beds, The Shaire Center is a nursing home, assisted living, memory care, palliative care, and skilled nursing community in Lenoir, NC. A doctor is available on-site to provide clinical support. Moreover, specialized care is provided for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Aside from assistance with daily tasks, housekeeping and linen services are also provided for convenience.
Residents receive a total of 5 hours and 6 minutes of nursing care daily. Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are also accepted, giving families several ways to cover eligible care and services. Rehabilitation services can support recovery or help a resident maintain function after illness or injury, while hospice services provide end-of-life care.
Additionally, outdoor spaces include sidewalks, gazebos, and benches, giving residents places to walk or sit outside. Meanwhile, a Walk Score of 76 places the area in the very walkable band, meaning most errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Transportation to medical and dental providers also helps residents attend those appointments.
The Raleigh Rehabilitation Center empowers its residents to push their limits and achieve their full potential. The facility offers both short-term and in-patient stays, with an impressive range of services to ensure residents receive the highest quality of care. These services include dedicated physicians, pastoral care providers, social workers, wound care specialists, dieticians, and pharmacists. In addition to these services, hospice and respite care are also available for those who require it.
Privacy and comfort are a top priority at the Raleigh Rehabilitation Center. The center provides private suites and semi-private rooms that are cozy and inviting. Residents can also enjoy the resident spa and fully equipped rehabilitation gym to help them relax and stay active. The center’s dining options are exceptional as well, with delicious and nutritious meals catering to all dietary requirements. The chefs prepare each meal with care to ensure that residents can savor every bite.
Accordius Health at Charlotte, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a reputable senior living provider offering comprehensive Nursing Home services. With a focus on providing exceptional care, Accordius Health caters to both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care needs.
As a medium-sized facility with 116 beds, they ensure a personalized and attentive approach to each resident’s well-being. They actively participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs, emphasizing their commitment to accessibility and quality care for individuals in need.
The Cardinal at North Hills offers nursing home, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Raleigh, NC. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment; Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, while nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock.
Several care levels are available in one community. That can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, because moving to a different level of care does not require leaving the community. With 15 beds, The Cardinal at North Hills is a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other.
Medicare and private pay are accepted, giving families two payment options for covered care or residence costs. Pets are allowed, so a resident can keep a pet as part of the move. The community has a Walk Score of 62, making the area somewhat walkable: some errands can be done on foot, which can let a resident who no longer drives reach nearby destinations independently.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.
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 114 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
Nursing Homes in North Carolina at a glance
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.9/ 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:2.9/ 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.
National Average:3.0/ 5
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