Best Nursing Homes in Salisbury, MD

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 4 nursing homes in Salisbury, MD using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in MD
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We analyzed These are the facilities in Salisbury, MD our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Salisbury, MD.
4 homes
Other senior care options in Salisbury:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 2.7/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Salisbury, MD. 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: 3.7/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Salisbury, MD. 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: 2.3/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Salisbury, MD. 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 Salisbury (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the MD Dept. of Health (OHCQ), 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 Table 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. 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.
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 Maryland average is: 50.3% 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.
Wicomico Nursing Home
NH
RC
SNF
Salisbury
102
Facility 102
MD AVG 42
Rank #103 / 684
64.3%
Facility 64.3%
MD AVG 82.2
Rank #78 / 91
-22%
3.99
Facility 3.99
MD AVG 3.77
Rank #32 / 120
-38%+6%
$28.3k
Facility $28.3k
MD AVG $65.0k
Rank #103 / 123
39
Facility 39
MD AVG 49.9
Rank #55 / 123
9.8
Facility 9.8
MD AVG 12.8
Rank #48 / 123
466- 24 Stacy Booth
$9.2MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $9.2MFiscal year ending 06/2024
MD AVG $18.4M
Rank #94 / 105
$6.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $6.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
MD AVG $8.4M
Rank #54 / 105
69.6%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 69.6%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
MD AVG 50.3%
Rank #13 / 105
215007
Deer’s Head Hospital Center
NH
Salisbury
80
Facility 80
MD AVG 42
Rank #165 / 684
39.9%
Facility 39.9%
MD AVG 82.2
Rank #87 / 91
-51%
10.08
Facility 10.08
MD AVG 3.77
Rank #1 / 120
+139%+167%
$41.3k
Facility $41.3k
MD AVG $65.0k
Rank #108 / 123
15
Facility 15
MD AVG 49.9
Rank #6 / 123
5.0
Facility 5.0
MD AVG 12.8
Rank #7 / 123
132-
3
Facility 3
MD AVG 66
Rank #930 / 953
----215132
Bay Harbor Post Acute
NH
HOS
MC
PC
RC
SNF
Salisbury
305
Facility 305
MD AVG 42
Rank #2 / 684
74.3%
Facility 74.3%
MD AVG 82.2
Rank #73 / 91
-10%
3.27
Facility 3.27
MD AVG 3.77
Rank #77 / 120
+4%-13%
$13.1k
Facility $13.1k
MD AVG $65.0k
Rank #87 / 123
89
Facility 89
MD AVG 49.9
Rank #116 / 123
17.8
Facility 17.8
MD AVG 12.8
Rank #101 / 123
3227- 66 -
$23.7MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $23.7MFiscal year ending 09/2023
MD AVG $18.4M
Rank #20 / 105
$11.3MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $11.3MFiscal year ending 09/2023
MD AVG $8.4M
Rank #22 / 105
47.8%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 47.8%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
MD AVG 50.3%
Rank #40 / 105
215067

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MD community we track that reports that metric, not just the 4 analyzed for Salisbury.

Overview of Wicomico Nursing Home

Wicomico Nursing Home is a nursing home in Salisbury, MD, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Promoting a comfortable and supportive environment, the community ensures older adults experience a worry-free lifestyle. Dietitian-approved meals, 24-hour care, and comprehensive therapies are among the exceptional services provided to improve residents’ quality of life. Through individualized care plans, residents receive the utmost attention and care for their unique needs and preferences.

Arts and crafts, food socials, and beauty services help residents maintain holistic wellness and keep them happy. Wheelchair-accessible amenities and cozy rooms also ensure residents’ relaxation and wellness. Residents have a quiet and convenient retirement, as it is nestled in the tree-lined neighborhood of Salisbury. As one of the highly rated options for senior living in Maryland, this nursing home continuously provides exceptional services for older adults’ well-being.

Contact Wicomico Nursing Home

Overview of Deer’s Head Hospital Center

Deer’s Head Hospital Center is a nursing home in Salisbury, MD, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Promoting a nurturing and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults have a comfortable stay. Excellent services, including 24-hour care, well-balanced meals, and therapies, are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. Residents also receive the best possible care for their unique needs and habits through personalized care plans.

Fun gatherings, light exercises, and a variety of games encourage residents to stay active and gain meaningful experiences. With accessible common areas and thoughtfully furnished rooms, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety. Nestled near Johnson Pond in Salisbury, the community guarantees a stress-free retirement. This nursing home has high-quality services and a clean setting, making it one of the best choices for senior living in Maryland.

Contact Deer’s Head Hospital Center

Overview of Bay Harbor Post Acute

Bay Harbor Post Acute is a nursing home in Salisbury, MD, offering long-term care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. The community’s nurturing and inviting environment ensures older adults are treated well throughout their stay. Exceptional services, including housekeeping, laundry, concierge services, and round-the-clock care, are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. To meet residents’ unique needs and preferences, customized care plans are also provided.

Local trips, light exercises, and social events encourage residents to live actively and gain meaningful experiences. Residents can also rest and freely interact with friends in spacious common areas and cozy living spaces. With fast-food chains, banks, and shops in the area, residents have quick access to their necessities and leisure. This nursing home has exceptional standards of care, making it a great choice for senior living in Maryland.

Contact Bay Harbor Post Acute

Overview of John B. Parsons Assisted Living Community

Nestled within Salisbury, Maryland, for over a century, the John B. Parsons Assisted Living Community is a steadfast pillar of care and solace for seniors. Embraced by the serene beauty of landscaped grounds and housed in a majestic mansion, this community, an integral part of the Harrison Senior Living family, has dedicated itself to ensuring the well-being of its residents. Positioned on the Eastern Shore, John B. Parsons offers a sanctuary for seniors seeking a harmonious blend of independence and support. Within the confines of this community, residents find refuge in private suites of varying sizes, providing a genuine sense of home and privacy. A vigilant 24-hour staff stands ready to meet residents’ needs promptly and with heartfelt compassion.

With a commitment to nourishing body and soul, the community offers home-cooked meals with restaurant-style elegance. On-site rehabilitation services contribute to maintaining or regaining independence, while daily arts and entertainment events enrich residents’ lives and cognitive abilities. The interior radiates elegance, adorned with fine art and antiques that complement historic architecture. Cozy parlors, sunrooms, and inviting porches are communal spaces that foster connections among family and friends. Rooted in a legacy of family ownership and operation, John B. Parsons meticulously attends to every detail, ensuring its residents’ highest quality of life. Whether seeking long-term accommodations or short-term respite care, John B. Parsons Assisted Living Community provides a nurturing haven where seniors can flourish with comfort and dignity.

Contact John B. Parsons Assisted Living Community

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Salisbury, MD

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Maryland?

Assisted living in Maryland 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 Maryland Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — Maryland 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 4 nursing homes in Salisbury, MD. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Salisbury, MD?

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 Salisbury, MD, 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 Salisbury, MD?

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.