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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 8 nursing homes in Oakland, CA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CA
Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Oakland, California.
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Avg Overall CMS Rating:4.5/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Oakland, CA. 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:3.8/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Oakland, CA. 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:4.2/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Oakland, CA. 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
Compare Nursing Homes around Oakland
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), 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.
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.
The ALM Inspection Grade — our own 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. 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 California average is: 61.1% 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.
Lake Merritt Senior Living LLC And Calson Care Oakland
$2.0M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$6.0M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
299.8%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These 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 nursing home is ranked against every CA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 8 analyzed for Oakland. See how we rank facilities
Experience award-winning care and support from Piedmont Gardens, which is ideally located in the charming neighborhood of Oakland, CA, offering a continuum of care services, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-stay rehabilitation. The community works hard to meet seniors’ needs and preferences with round-the-clock care from a compassionate care team. Piedmont Gardens was awarded the Best Continuing Care Community in 2024 by U.S. News, proving its exceptional quality.
With its dedication to improving seniors’ quality of life, the community conducts a lot of fun activities and exciting events. Piedmont Gardens perfectly fuses the city bustle with its serene campus, ensuring residents can easily access their needs and desires.
Enjoy a worry-free retirement at St. Paul’s Towers, a dedicated life-plan community in Oaklanc, CA, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Featuring beautifully designed and spacious studio to two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can keep their peace of mind with the community’s weekly housekeeping, linen services, and round-the-clock security.
With a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs, residents are encouraged to live actively and make new friends. Delightful and well-balanced meals are also served in different dining venues to foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs and preferences. The community is equipped with libraries, an art studio, a game room, a hair salon, a community store, and a rooftop garden, creating the ideal setting for residents’ recreation and wellness.
Overview of Oakland Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation
Make every moment of your best years count with Oakland Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation in East 29th Street, Oakland, CA, which focuses on skilled care and rehabilitation. These include dementia care, specialized wound care, pain management, diabetic management, hospice programs, and respite stays. The community also provides mental health services to ensure residents’ well-being.
With fun activities and engaging programs, residents are encouraged to do the things they truly enjoy and interact with various people. Here, delightful and healthy meals await residents every mealtime, ensuring they have the finest dining experience. Oakland Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation strives to provide a haven where seniors are cared for while retaining their independence.
Belinda Leung serves as the administrator for Bellaken Garden, an established 58-bed nursing home run by Bellaken Health Group, Inc., on 26th Avenue in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood. The building has been open for 26 years and is full. Resident stays average 325 days, showing that the daily operation handles a mix of permanent long-term care and temporary rehab for people transitioning back home after a hospital stay. To clear care bills, the front office accepts private funds, Medicare, and Medicaid.
The facility sits in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with a walk score of 95 out of 100, so visiting relatives can run quick errands on foot or take local public transit. Inside the building, residents receive an average of 3 hours and 58 minutes of hands-on attention every day. This direct care is split among a 24-hour team of registered nurses, practical nurses, and assistants who focus on short-term physical therapy and structured restorative care programs.
Government health inspectors keep tabs on the property through routine compliance audits to make sure clinical staffing and building safety stay up to code.
Prospective residents can call the main office to see how the waiting list works for incoming patients, ask about the admissions process, or coordinate a good afternoon to walk through the therapy areas.
Mercy Retirement and Care Center, with a rich history dating back to 1872, is a trusted community offering a spectrum of services, including assisted living apartments, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Renowned for its commitment to compassion and excellence, this award-winning center guarantees maintenance-free living and long-term health care. They prioritize building personal relationships with residents, creating a secure environment that enhances the overall well-being of seniors and their families. Beyond the assurance of top-notch care, Mercy Retirement and Care Center provides homelike amenities, restaurant-quality dining, and engaging activities. The community’s vibrant spaces, adorned with panoramic views of the Oakland hills and San Francisco Bay, offer an elevated living experience. Residents can choose from private deluxe and dual studio apartments, emphasizing the center’s dedication to creating a residential assisted living atmosphere that truly prioritizes the comfort and satisfaction of senior living.
Experience vibrant living at Lake Park Senior Living in Oakland, CA, where personalized care meets endless opportunities for joy and independence. Specializing in assisted living, independent living, and respite care, this community features 55+ active adult apartments, including an entire floor dedicated to assisted living. Residents can choose from spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as cozy alcoves, ensuring a perfect fit for every lifestyle.
With a serene and inspiring indoor setting, you’ll have endless options to have fun, make friends, and relax. The best part? You or your loved one can rest easy, knowing there’s a plan in place in case their needs change in the future. This community offers the perfect balance of independence and support, ensuring residents can manage daily activities with dignity and ease. With a wide array of services and amenities, life here is enjoyable, fulfilling, active, and worry-free.
Make the most out of your best years with Bay Marina Post Acute, a one-of-a-kind community situated in the vibrant residential area of Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, CA, that offers nursing care and rehabilitation. A respectful and highly trained team attends to residents 24/7, utilizing holistic care tailored to their unique needs. The community also promotes a bright and friendly environment, ensuring residents feel a sense of belonging.
With a carefully curated calendar of fun recreational activities and exciting social events, residents have more opportunities to meet new friends and gain meaningful experiences. Here, residents enjoy dietitian-approved meals catering to their nutritional needs and preferences. Transportation services, spiritual services, and visiting beauticians are also available for residents’ convenience. The community is great for those who need additional care to improve their quality of life, especially with its serene setting.
With 24-hour staffing, a doctor on staff, and a secured perimeter, Oakland Heights Senior Living is an assisted living, independent living, and memory care community at 2361 E 29th Street in Oakland, California. Oakland Heights Senior Living serves Alameda County residents with respite care, religious services, and pet-friendly accommodations. The two-story building offers private apartment homes with full kitchens. Private bathrooms, wheelchair-accessible showers, and utilities are also offered.
A spa, movie theater, fitness center, and garden with patio are some of the amenities. Every day, chef-prepared meals are served in an elegant dining room. Residents participate in daily activities, exercise classes, and art classes. Oakland Heights Senior Living has received recognition as one of the best assisted living communities in Oakland.
The facility is ideal for older adults who require independent living, assisted living, or memory care in Oakland. Serving residents across East Bay, the community features a full amenity profile and on-site physician access in Alameda County. Families seeking regulatory history should contact the California Department of Social Services using the RCFE license.
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 Oakland, CA
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in California?
Assisted living in California 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 California Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — California 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 8 nursing homes in Oakland, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Oakland, CA?
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 Oakland, CA, 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 Oakland, CA?
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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