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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 217 nursing homes in PA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in PA
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-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.
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.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community):
A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
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.
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.
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.
Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other PA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 217 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Trillium Place offers independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Lancaster, PA. Independent living gives residents private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.
Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, and having several care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs grow over time without requiring a move elsewhere. Rehabilitation services are also available as part of the community’s care services.
With 85 beds, Trillium Place has a mid sized setting, although that number does not indicate a particular level of staff or resident interaction. The community is operated by The Mennonite Home, and total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 6 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. A Walk Score of 52 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete some nearby errands independently.
The Glen at Willow Valley provides nursing home, memory care, and skilled nursing care in Lancaster, PA. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while Memory Support serves residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs specialized memory support for a cognitive disorder.
The community has 76 beds. Total nurse staffing is 5h 40m per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time assigned to each resident. Short-term rehabilitation and therapy services support recovery after surgery or illness, and Medicare can help cover eligible short-term skilled care after a hospital stay; private pay is also accepted.
A fully equipped country kitchen lets residents grab a snack or cook a meal, while the beauty salon provides an on-site personal-care service. Pets are allowed, and Willow Valley Communities operates the community.
In Elizabethtown, PA, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown carries a license covering independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home and skilled nursing care, home care, and hospice care. Independent living means a private home of one’s own, with community services available and no daily care attached. Assisted living adds the helping hand a person needs with bathing, dressing, and medication, and stops there.
Memory care is delivered in a secured setting with supervision. Nursing home and skilled nursing services keep licensed nursing present on every shift, the overnight shift included.
Home care goes in the other direction, bringing the help to a person’s own home instead of bringing the person here. Hospice care turns the work toward comfort in a person’s last stretch. Respite care is a short stay, and what makes it respite rather than a move is that its end is decided before it starts. Needs that change over time do not automatically mean leaving the community.
The license covers 135 beds. One resident’s share of nursing across a day here is 5 hours and 30 minutes. Masonic Villages of The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania operates the community.
Pools, a fitness center, a garden, a wellness center, and clubs fill out the amenities list, and dining is another one. Pets are allowed, which means a resident does not have to give up an animal companion in order to move in.
Medicaid, Medicaid, and private pay all can work here. The question worth asking about the three is how long each will last. Medicare is for short courses after a hospital discharge. Medicaid takes over for a longer stay when private funds can’t cover the cost, and private funds will last as long as they do when they have to.
The Walk Score of the area is 79, very walkable, so a non-driving resident keeps more of an ordinary week under their own management.
Bask in the sunlight with the esteemed senior living community of Freedom Village at Brandywine which is situated in the lively neighborhood of Freedom Boulevard, Coatesville, PA, offering independent living, memory care, personal care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. With its commitment to providing a safe place for seniors to rest and safely spend their golden years, the community features a variety of cozy and elegant one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Gain meaningful experiences with the compassionate and specially-trained team that strives to lend extra hands for seniors’ everyday living.
Create wonderful moments with friends and join enjoyable activities and exciting events for an active and well-engaged lifestyle. Focusing on residents’ tastes and nutritional needs, the community meticulously prepares delightful meals for the finest dining experience. Freedom Village at Brandywine is a good place for seniors who want to experience the best things in their golden years. As proof of its unwavering dedication to seniors’ welfare, the community was awarded the Best Nursing Homes for Short-Term Rehabilitation from 2022 to 2023 and Long-Term Care in 2024 by US News and World Report.
Conveniently located in the harmonious neighborhood of Ambler, PA, Ambler Extended Care Center is a distinguished community that offers rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care. The community is committed to improving residents’ living conditions, providing exceptional care and assistance tailored to their special needs and preferences. Proving its top-notch quality, the community was awarded by the American Health Care Association as part of the 2020 Quality Initiative Recognition Program.
The community works closely with residents and family members, prioritizing their comfort and needs. To satisfy residents’ nutritional needs and preferences, delightful and healthy meals are served. Residents enjoy the highest quality of life with the community’s dedicated care and state-of-the-art amenities.
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.
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.
The Heritage at St. Paul Homes in Greenville, PA offers independent living, memory care, respite care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock, and respite care offers a short stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs temporary relief.
The range of care levels can suit a resident whose needs may change over time or a family caregiver who needs temporary support. The community has 125 beds, with total nurse staffing of 4 hours and 29 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time available for each resident.
Rehab Services and short-term rehabilitation support a limited recovery period, while Home-Based Services extend support to care delivered in a resident’s home. Pets are allowed, so a resident can keep a pet with them.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment paths for eligible care. St. Paul Homes operates the community. A Walk Score of 66 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete some errands independently.
White Horse Village in Newtown Square, PA, offers independent living, memory care, home care, hospice care, respite care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing services. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Nursing home and skilled nursing services provide licensed nursing care around the clock, home care supports residents in their own living spaces, and hospice care addresses end of life needs. Respite care provides a short stay when a family’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.
The range of living and care options may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving between care levels can occur without leaving the community. White Horse Village has 79 beds, giving families a clear sense of the community’s residential capacity without indicating how care is delivered. Total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 51 minutes per resident per day, representing the amount of nursing staff time assigned to each resident across a day.
Medicare and private pay are accepted. Medicare applies to short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence, while private pay allows a family to fund care directly. Studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom residences are available, including layouts suitable for a single resident or a couple moving together.
Dining options include multiple venues and sample menus, so residents can review meal offerings and use different dining settings. Rehabilitation services and short term rehabilitation support temporary recovery needs, and pets are allowed so a resident may continue living with a pet. A Walk Score of 73 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby destinations independently.
Make the Most of Every Stage of Life at Elm Terrace Gardens
Elm Terrace Gardens, a not-for-profit senior living community in Lansdale, PA, offers a full continuum of care designed to meet residents’ needs today and in the future. Whether you are seeking the independence and convenience of maintenance-free living, the support of personal care, specialized memory care, short-term rehabilitation, long-term nursing care, or a respite stay, Elm Terrace provides compassionate services in a vibrant, community setting.
Residents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24-hour security, an emergency call system in every apartment, and access to comprehensive healthcare services right on campus. Our professional team is here to provide support when needed—so residents can focus on living life to the fullest.
Life at Elm Terrace also includes chef-prepared dining, housekeeping, transportation, and beautifully maintained grounds. With a full calendar of recreational activities, exercise programs, and opportunities for enrichment, residents have endless ways to stay active, engaged, and connected.
At Elm Terrace Gardens, residents and their families find comfort knowing that quality care and a supportive community are always close at hand.
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
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.
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 217 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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