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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 7 nursing homes in Orange County, 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 Orange County, California.
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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.
RC (Respite Care):
Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
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 California average is: 60.8% 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.
$23.1M*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.
$10.4M*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.
45.1%*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 and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other CA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 7 analyzed for Orange County. See how we rank facilities
Villa Valencia Healthcare Center provides nursing home and skilled nursing care in Laguna Hills, CA, with licensed nursing care on site around the clock for residents who need ongoing nursing support. A 59-bed community may be a good fit for someone who prefers a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other.
The center has an 89% occupancy rate, indicating that most beds are in use while the community is not operating at full capacity. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment options for covering care. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 11 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time allocated per resident.
Orange Healthcare & Wellness Center is a nursing home in Orange, CA, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community strives to keep older adults comfortable and safe in a clean and nurturing setting. Nutritious meals, transportation, and 24-hour care are among the high-quality services dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life. Alongside a wide range of specialized care, the community also works closely with residents to provide the best possible care tailored to their unique needs and habits.
Group outings, live entertainment, and games foster interactions and encourage residents to live actively. Residents can also relax and talk to friends in the spacious outdoors and lively gathering areas. CHOC Hospital – Orange, restaurants, shops, and bus stops are also located nearby, providing residents with quick access to their necessities and leisure. As one of the trusted options for senior living in California, this nursing home continuously provides high standards of care to help older adults thrive in retirement.
Mission Palms Healthcare Center provides nursing home, skilled nursing, hospice care, and respite care in Westminster, California. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while hospice care supports residents with end of life needs. Respite care provides a short stay when someone’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, so the center may be a good fit for a family needing temporary support.
The center has 99 beds, with 3 hours and 43 minutes of nurse staffing allocated to each resident daily. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover care based on eligibility and available resources. Abegail Taburnal serves as the director.
Individualized care plans cover needs such as specialized wound care, catheter and colostomy care, enteral administration, pain management, diabetic management and education, intravenous therapy, and laboratory testing. Rehabilitation services provide therapy without requiring a resident to arrange care at another location, and transportation is available for travel outside the center. Residents can also use the salon and spa for personal care on site, and those with a companion animal may be able to keep their pet with them.
Anaheim Crest Nursing Center is a nursing home in Anaheim, CA, offering comprehensive skilled nursing and rehabilitation. With its supportive setting, the community ensures older adults are treated well during their stay. A specialized Korean care unit, therapies, and well-balanced meals are also provided to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences. Individualized care plans are also created for each resident to ensure their recovery and wellness.
Fun gatherings and recreational activities allow residents to make friends and gain meaningful experiences. Families are also encouraged to visit their loved ones to prevent loneliness. West Anaheim Medical Center, Anaheim Medical Plaza, and bus stops are also available in the area, providing residents with quick access to their necessities. Dedicated to older adults’ well-being, this nursing home is one of the best choices for senior living in California.
Two hundred fifty beds put Anaheim Healthcare Center among the large operations, and 90 percent of them were filled at the last count. The nursing home and skilled nursing facility sits in the Southwest Anaheim neighborhood, with nursing coverage running every hour of every day.
A secured unit is one of the named programs, a designated setting for residents who need that arrangement rather than an ordinary hallway.
Rehabilitation services and short-term rehab handle recovery without committing anyone to a permanent stay. Hospitals discharge on their own schedule, and a household is rarely ready on that date; these weeks close the gap.
Nursing time reaches 4 hours and 23 minutes per resident daily, assigned across the census rather than to one bedside. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay each cover eligible services and stays.
New Orange Hills is a well-recognized nursing home in Orange, CA, offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Here, older adults can ease their worries in a nurturing, welcoming environment. Residents also experience worry-free living, with 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and recreational activities. Working closely with residents, their families, and physicians, the community provides top-notch care tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Arts and crafts, lecture series, and ice cream socials provide residents with more opportunities to continue learning and stay active. Well-lit spaces, innovative rehabilitation equipment, and thoughtfully curated amenities also ensure residents can focus on their recovery. Situated in the quiet residential area of Orange, near bus stops, the community guarantees a laid-back lifestyle. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in California, especially with its dedicated services and top-notch amenities.
Operated by The Orchards HC LLC, The Orchards Health Center is a nursing home in Mission Viejo, California, offering assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and respite care in one community. Kelly Conk serves as the administrator. The community has been operating for more than 5 years. It has 90 beds, with current occupancy at 57%. The several levels of care allow residents to remain in the community as their needs change over time.
Daily support includes oversight from an on-call medical director, along with weekly housekeeping and personal laundry services. Restaurant-style meals are served daily. Residents who need memory support live in a dedicated memory care neighborhood with studio and one-bedroom apartments and shared gathering spaces. Recreational programs and mentally stimulating activities are part of the daily schedule, so residents can stay active, engaged, and socially connected.
The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 6, which is car-dependent. Most errands and outings require a vehicle. Residents and visiting family should plan on driving when leaving the community.
State inspections have shown The Orchards Health Center has been consistently compliant with regulatory standards over time. Families comparing senior living options should ask how the memory care neighborhood is staffed throughout the day and how care is tailored to residents with changing cognitive needs.
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 Orange County, 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 7 nursing homes in Orange County, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Orange County, 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 Orange County, 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 Orange County, 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
Nursing Homes in Orange County at a glance
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.8/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Orange County, 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:2.7/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Orange County, 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:2.5/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Orange County, 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
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