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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 200 nursing homes in PA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in PA
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.0/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Pennsylvania. 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:3.4/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania. 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 PA Depts. of Human Services & Health, 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.
RESC (Residential Care):
Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting.
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.
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 Pennsylvania average is: 69.2% 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.
Settling on 83 acres of scenic land in West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA, Dunwoody Village is an astounding continuing care retirement community that provides personal care, skilled nursing, and memory support. The community strives to foster comfort and familiarity by providing a wide array of cozy and well-built studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Moreover, residents receive 24/7 care and support from a team of competent and highly skilled professionals committed to helping them with their daily lives.
Promoting a lively and inviting environment, Dunwoody Village encourages residents to mingle with friends and create lasting moments. To ensure residents are given the right attention and care, the community also features physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies within its premises. With its long history of caring since 1974, Dunwoody Village continues its unwavering dedication to improving seniors’ quality of life.
Messiah Lifeways is a non-profit organization that offers a range of senior community services and residential living communities designed to embrace life to the fullest. With roots dating back to 1896, when Messiah Home was established in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, by the Brethren in Christ Church, an organization that has a longstanding commitment to providing compassionate care and support to older adults. For those facing the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, Messiah Lifeways offers specialized memory care programs in Mechanicsburg, PA. These programs provide tailored assistance, including Nursing Care, Adult Day services, access to in-house physicians, and comprehensive psychological and behavioral health services. With a focus on nurturing a supportive environment, Messiah Lifeways ensures the well-being and dignity of each resident. Their dedicated team is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with memory impairments, providing personalized care, and promoting a sense of belonging within the community.
Located on East Jamestown Road, The Heritage at St. Paul Homes is a skilled nursing home in Greenville, Pennsylvania, operated by St. Paul Homes and owned by Brian Mailliard. The facility provides post-acute rehabilitation and long-term nursing care for adults seeking full-day skilled support. Families can choose from Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay to fund either short-term recovery or extended stays.
The Heritage has 125 beds, and 65% are occupied, creating space in a mid-sized community. Residents stay for around 159 days, which is mostly post-hospital rehabilitation cases and those seeking ongoing skilled care. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 41 minutes per resident and is supported by dedicated nurse aides who provide 3 hours and 56 minutes of daily care.
The home clinically focuses on rehabilitation and recovery. It offers short-term rehab for patients stepping down from acute care, respite services for temporary relief care, and a home-based services program for residents planning to transition back to community living. On-site skilled nursing care and personal care services are also available for residents who require long-term nursing care.
Its Greenville location has a walkability score of 66. Some errands and destinations are within walking distance, though most trips require driving. Families visiting will find the moderately walkable area quite reasonable with foot traffic and nearby amenities.
State inspections identified periodic deficiencies related to documentation practices, equipment security, and medication administration. However, the facility implemented corrective action plans in response to these findings.
Part of the broader Willow Valley Communities retirement system, The Glen at Willow Valley is a 76-bed nonprofit community managed by operator Margaret Donegan. The facility coordinates skilled nursing, memory support, short-term rehab, and respite care. The building operates on a private-pay dominant model with zero Medicaid integration; new admissions split into 72% private-pay and 28% Medicare clients, yielding a long-term average length of stay of 410 days. The community runs a 78% occupancy rate and recorded a highly stable financial year, posting a 2023 net income of $5.7 million backed by a $101.1 million overall revenue base.
Public health tracking records reveal an exceptional regulatory and staffing profile, highlighted by an inspection history that tracks 83% below the Pennsylvania deficiency average. The home’s latest unannounced evaluation in September 2024 resulted in zero deficiencies, while its lifetime citation-per-inspection rate stands at zero critical violations, alongside zero recorded consumer complaints or federal fines.
Daily nursing attention is deep, averaging 5 hours and 38 minutes per resident to rank 20th statewide. This internal staff base includes an expansive therapy framework and 165 direct care nurse aides, keeping outside agency contractor usage at a low 0.2%. Clinical quality summaries show strong numbers across almost all sectors, including a 0.1% resident depression rate and excellent vaccination updates, though the tracking files note that serious injuries from long-stay falls run 78% higher than the state baseline.
Prospective residents seeking permanent memory support or advanced nursing care can review these official tracking reports to evaluate the operator’s clinical baseline. Since the state archives confirm near-perfect inspection scores, top-tier daily care hours, and outstanding behavioral health metrics alongside comprehensive campus amenities like art studios and fitness areas, the documentation shows a highly organized, premium environment.
Situated on Bethlehem Pike in Ambler, Pennsylvania, Artman Lutheran Home is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation community operated by Artman Lutheran Home under owner Paul Engstrom. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care.
The 136-bed community has an occupancy rate of 73%. Residents stay an average of 35 days. The population is a mix of people recovering through short-term post-acute rehabilitation and those needing ongoing skilled nursing support.
Nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 26 minutes of nursing care each day. This includes 1 hour and 13 minutes of care from registered nurses. The level of staffing supports direct clinical oversight and hands-on daily care.
Rehabilitation services, respite care, short-term rehabilitation programs, and personal care support are offered in the facility. These services make the home a great option for residents recovering from surgery, illness, or a hospital stay.
State inspections by the Pennsylvania Department of Health have identified areas involving safety, staffing requirements, sanitary conditions, and care quality. The facility is working through these findings as part of its plan of correction process. Families visiting the community should ask how these areas are managed and how they track improvements.
The home is located in a very walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 90. Visiting family members can easily get around the surrounding area while walking.
Operating within a broader continuing care retirement community, White Horse Village is a 79-bed nonprofit nursing facility managed by operator Len Weiser. The campus structures its services across several specialized tracks, including Canterbury skilled nursing, Bridlewood personal care, and the Four Seasons secured 20-bed memory support wing. Business files show a private-pay dominant setup with zero Medicaid integration; new admissions break down into 70% private-pay and 30% Medicare clients, resulting in an average resident stay of 114 days. The property runs a 76% occupancy rate in a walkable neighborhood carrying a Walk Score of 73, and it registered a 2023 net income of $6.2 million on $45.4 million in revenue.
Public health databases show exceptional daily attention, with overall nursing care averaging 6 hours and 16 minutes per resident to rank ninth across Pennsylvania. This layout delivers extensive registered nurse coverage on both weekdays and weekends, helping to balance a lower local LPN presence. Clinical tracking records note very strong short-term rehabilitation markers, featuring a zero percent rate for major short-stay fall injuries alongside favorable scores for rehospitalization prevention and self-care independence. Long-stay summaries are also positive for physical mobility and skin integrity, though long-term pneumococcal vaccination rates run slightly behind state baselines.
On the regulatory side, oversight logs document compliance challenges, with 50 total deficiencies since 2021 despite a clean three-year federal fine history. Recent late-2024 state evaluations flagged 18 combined deficiencies involving medication administration errors, loose narcotic documentation, unlocked hazardous materials, and historical staff training gaps related to internal abuse reporting.
Interested individuals evaluating local post-acute or memory care options can look over these public tracking files to analyze the provider’s overall trends. Since the state summaries verify top-tier daily care hours and excellent physical rehab outcomes alongside recurring administrative paperwork and safety-culture marks, the documentation highlights an environment with strong clinical resources but a need for tighter structural oversight.
The Philadelphia Protestant Home is a senior living community that offers independent living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services– all with personalized care programs. Residents of the independent living community maintain an active and maintenance-free lifestyle while receiving comprehensive and attentive care. The Pathways Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center residents receive top-notch care. The Philadelphia Protestant Home maintains a professional and compassionate service that aims to offer the necessary support for the residents to maintain a level of independence. PPH residents are able to choose from a list of engaging activities to choose from such as social events, enriching programs, and recreational activities. From entertainment to comfort, management ensures that residents are able to maintain well-balanced well-being. Other community services include intensive therapy, health and wellness programs, and wound care.
Kendal at Longwood is a 78-bed nursing home in Kennett Square, in the rolling farm country of Chester County, Pennsylvania. It accepts Medicare and private pay, giving families various routes to cover care. Operated by Kendal-Crosslands Communities, Inc, under owner Edward Plasha, the home typically runs at around 53 percent occupancy, averaging a stay length of 129 days. This reflects a blend of short-term rehabilitation and active nursing care stays.
The facility emphasizes skilled rehabilitation services, respite care, and long-term nursing support. With a doctor on staff and 24-hour staffing, the community supports residents through recovery and daily care needs. Overall, residents receive roughly 7 hours and 24 minutes of nursing care each day, denoting consistent access to clinical support and hands-on help with daily activities. The setting is notable for its breadth of amenities and lifestyle options that transcend typical nursing home offerings. Inside, the community features a full dining room and cafe, a library, art studios, a well-equipped fitness center with instructors, and an indoor pool. The grounds include an accredited arboretum, a certified wildlife habitat, 6 miles of walking trails, a fenced dog park, and courts for tennis and pickleball. There’s also a meditation room, computer lab, bank, gift shop, and community gardens. The location’s walkability rates 83 out of 100, so most errands can be handled on foot, and family visitors will find the surrounding area easy to navigate.
Health department state inspections have confirmed the home’s management responsiveness. Surprise monitoring visits have found no deficiencies, and renewal inspections have documented corrections to food protection and medical evaluation processes. This pattern portrays an active commitment to maintaining care standards.
Seeing the physical space firsthand and conversing with current residents and families can be especially beneficial for residents and families weighing a nursing home choice. Doing so helps them obtain a sense of daily life and the programming breadth that distinguishes one community from another.
Operated by Homestead Village Inc. under the ownership of Douglas Motter, Homestead Village is a 100-bed skilled nursing community located on Village Circle in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The single-story community provides private rooms that promote comfort and privacy for older adults. With 57% occupancy and an average resident stay of 134 days, it serves individuals receiving both short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care.
Additionally, residents receive an average of 5 hours and 20 minutes of nursing care each day from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides working together to provide comprehensive clinical support. Rehabilitation services, respite care, secure personal care, memory support, and wellness programs further address a wide range of recovery and long-term care needs.
The surrounding neighborhood is primarily car-dependent, making most errands and appointments easier to reach by vehicle. However, the community is well equipped to support residents’ daily living through its clinical services and therapeutic programs.
Furthermore, state inspections have consistently evaluated safety practices and documentation standards. Over time, the community has implemented accepted corrective action plans and maintained improvements in regulatory compliance, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to quality care and operational standards.
Moravian Manor is a 40-bed personal care community operated by Unitas Communities, a non-profit, at 300 West Lemon Street in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Private pay is accepted. A Life Plan Community, the facility offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, 24-hour staffing, respite care, and an in-home care program.
CMS rates Moravian Manor 5 stars, with nurse hours at 5h 43m per resident daily, 25 percent above Pennsylvania average’s and placing it 18th of 203 state SNFs. The compliance record shows improvement: a September 2023 renewal inspection cited 16 deficiencies involving unqualified staff providing unsupervised care, missed fire drills, and outdated resident assessments, as well as systemic gaps with no resident-harm findings, while the September 2024 renewal came back with four, all documentation-related. No complaints, fines, or enforcement actions exist.
Occupancy stands at 73 percent, modestly below Pennsylvania’s 78.7 percent average, indicating some availability. The Life Plan structure, from independent apartments through skilled care, suits residents planning for a continuum rather than a single level.
Situated in Lancaster County, the community fits older adults seeking a non-profit Life Plan campus, with strength in staffing and flexibility across care levels.
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 Pennsylvania
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Pennsylvania?
Assisted living in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Pennsylvania 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 200 nursing homes in Pennsylvania. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?
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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