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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.
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.
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.
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.
$8.8M*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$4.5M*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
50.5%*Fiscal year ending 09/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$2.7M*Fiscal year ending 2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$2.1M*Fiscal year ending 2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
78%*Fiscal year ending 2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
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Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every NC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 89 on this page.
Thrive in your golden years with The Stewart Health Center, an excellent community in Charlotte, NC, offering short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and memory care. Their excellent care team consists of nurses, doctors, specialists, and support team members to ensure residents receive well-rounded care and support. The community features 67 private rooms & 6 shared rooms that foster privacy and safety, alongside an outstanding staff-to-resident ratio that guarantees personalized care and high-level supervision.
With the help of their dedicated recreation specialist, the community provides residents with a wide selection of fun and engaging activities to enjoy and participate in. To ensure residents are receiving proper nourishment, the community has a talented culinary team to serve residents delicious and nutritionally balanced meals. The community also has access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy, ensuring residents recovering from hospitalization can get back on their feet as quickly as possible. The Stewart Health Center provides a relaxing, healing environment with plenty of opportunities for fun and recreation.
Located in Burlington Road, McLeansville, NC, Ashton Health and Rehabilitation is a blissful senior living community offering a wide array of care services including rehabilitation, long-term care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound and skin care, and nutritional care. With its dedication to providing the highest quality of care and assistance, the community features a team of kind and highly skilled professionals.
Live without worries for medical assistance with Ashton Health and Rehabilitation. Ashton Health and Rehabilitation fosters a warm and friendly environment, creating opportunities for residents to meet different people. The community ensures not only seniors’ well-being but also its team’s wellness, providing a wonderful working environment for its team. Ashton Health and Rehabilitation is committed to enhancing residents’ quality of life while retaining their independence.
Trinity Elms is a 104-bed community at 3750 Harper Road in Clemmons, North Carolina. Accordius Health At Clemmons, LLC operates it. The building holds licensure for nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing, which is a wide span for one address. A resident whose needs change does not necessarily have to move.
The surrounding area carries a Walk Score of 56, which places it in moderately walkable territory. Some errands work on foot, and some do not.
Short-term rehab and general rehabilitation services are both offered, alongside respite care for families managing a caregiving gap at home. The mix suggests a census divided between people recovering from a hospitalization and people who have settled in for longer stays.
Total nursing care runs four hours and six minutes per resident per day. Nurse aides account for two hours and 49 minutes of that, licensed practical nurses for 56 minutes, and registered nurses for 32 minutes.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted here, which covers the funding routes most families end up using. Trinity Elms is built for older adults who need skilled nursing or memory care, with enough licensure range that a change in condition does not automatically mean a change in address.
Situated along Shamrock Drive, Givens Aldersgate is a life plan community in Charlotte, NC, that offers assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. With a 230-acre campus, this 120-bed community provides a variety of accommodations, including private suites for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Daily housekeeping, personal laundry, chef-prepared meals, and personal transportation are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. Nursing assistance is also available 24/7, along with physician services, to ensure accessibility of care at all times.
Enrichment activities, gardening, and spiritual support promote holistic wellness and encourage residents to live actively. Physical & speech therapy, as well as medication management, are also provided for residents’ welfare. Its location is also relatively walkable, with a walkability score of 40, indicating that some services can be reached on foot. Currently, the community has 93.8% occupancy, with an average length of stay of 50 days.
The Oaks at Whitaker Glen situated in the peaceful community of Raleigh, NC offers a seamless blend of expert care and refined living. In partnership with PruittHealth, the community provides a comprehensive range of healthcare services designed to meet diverse needs with personalized and attentive support. Residents can choose from well-designed floor plans, including open one-bedroom units and two-bedroom options with an additional spare room, ensuring comfort and flexibility.
Amenities include a dining area with delicious meals, recreation and fitness programs, spa services, and a pharmacy. The community features a theater, art studio, billiards and card room, and various leisure spaces for relaxation and enjoyment. The Oaks at Whitaker Glen combines exceptional care with a vibrant community, creating a place where every day is enriching and fulfilling.
Brightmore of South Charlotte is an exceptional retirement community that celebrates individuality and offers a full-service rental retirement home experience. Step into a vibrant atmosphere where beautifully designed independent living floor plans await, providing the perfect balance of comfort and independence. Brightmore is committed to accommodating diverse needs, offering a range of amenity options catering to residents seeking independent living, memory care units, and residential assisted living.
Indulge in distinctive dining experiences tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs. Immerse yourself in an array of amenities, including a library for literary adventures, an indoor heated pool for invigorating swims, and a beauty salon and barber for personal grooming. Brightmore also welcomes pets, ensuring that residents can cherish the companionship of their furry friends throughout their stay. With conveniences such as storage spaces, building elevators, concierge services, and 24-hour emergency response, every aspect of senior living is meticulously cared for.
Enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle at Brookdale Robinwood, a welcoming senior living community in Gastonia, North Carolina, offering assisted living. The community provides personalized assistance with daily tasks such as dressing and bathing, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their day. The cozy campus, designed for comfort and privacy, boasts excellent on-site amenities and a diverse social events calendar. Pet-friendly private apartments and inviting areas for socializing, dining, and entertaining enhance the living experience. At Brookdale Robinwood, residents benefit from a range of lifestyle services tailored to individual needs.
The community emphasizes health and wellness through activities like B-Fit fitness classes and Flex Your Brain exercises. With spacious private apartments featuring walk-in closets and large windows, residents enjoy a bright and welcoming atmosphere. A variety of activities, including art classes, trivia games, and yoga, foster a sense of camaraderie and engagement. Dining here is a delightful experience, with menus crafted from residents’ favorite recipes and seasonal ingredients, ensuring every meal is both healthy and enjoyable.
Hayes Barton Place is a luxurious life plan community in Raleigh, NC, that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. The community’s upscale amenities ensure older adults live their retirement like a vacation. With world-class services, including weekly housekeeping, concierge services, and restaurant-style dining, residents experience maintenance-free living. Dedicated to residents’ whole being, the community provides personalized care plans tailored to their ever-changing needs and preferences.
Educational programs, group exercises, and live music are among the many life enrichment programs dedicated to helping residents live actively and happily. A clubhouse with a library, a media room, and an art studio, as well as a beautiful garden and pickleball courts, are also available for residents’ recreation and wellness. Bus stops and other local amenities also surround the area, providing residents with convenient access to their needs and leisure. This life plan community has exceptional standards of care and top-notch amenities, making it one of the best options for senior living in North Carolina.
Searstone Retirement Community, located in Cary, NC, is a senior living community offering a range of services from assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing services. Their professional caring staff works closely with the residents as well as their families, in creating individualized care plans, in order to determine and meet the residents’ specific care needs.
Their First class skilled nursing services provides residents with 24/7 staff availability for supervision and assistance, round the clock personalized care, medication administration and management, and access to medical care on site as well as other professional services. Additionally their amenities like concierge and transportation services, meal provision and housekeeping and linen service, as well as 24/hr security and emergency call response, enhances the residents experiences during their stay at Searstone.
Serving the senior community for over 76 years, Pennybyrn is a paradisal senior living community in Guilford County, High Point, NC, offering retirement living, assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation. The community provides a team of licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, and medical technicians available 24/7 to assist residents with various things. Residents can live comfortably with assistance with daily living activities, dining assistance, and access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Wellness classes are designed to meet varying fitness levels and needs of residents, ensuring everyone is able to improve or maintain their well-being. A team of hardworking activity coordinators is available to carefully curate an array of social and educational events both on-site and off-site. Registered dietitians and chefs work together to prepare three nutritious and delicious meals and dietary planning to accommodate specific medical and health 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 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
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