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Best Nursing Homes in Santa Barbara, CA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated May 2026

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and California Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

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Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Santa Barbara, California.

Watch this Video to see Santa Barbara's Top-rated Senior Communities

Compare Nursing Homes around Santa Barbara (Metro Area)

The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.

3 facilities compared · CMS & CA Dept. of Health data

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Covenant Living at the Samarkand
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Santa Barbara (Samarkand)
379
Facility 379
CA AVG 105
85.2%
Facility 85.2%
CA AVG 84.7%
+1%
4.42
Facility 4.42
CA AVG 4.22
-38%+5%
$0
Facility $0
CA AVG $56.5k
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 50.2
5.3
Facility 5.3
CA AVG 4.6
-
Facility -
CA AVG 1.4
323A+
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 63
Covenant Living West
$16.4M
Facility $16.4M
CA AVG $17.0M
$8.0M
Facility $8.0M
CA AVG $7.0M
48.8%
Facility 48.8%
CA AVG 45.2%
555762
Casa Dorinda
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Santa Barbara
360
Facility 360
CA AVG 105
Rank #14 / 282
69.8%
Facility 69.8%
CA AVG 84.7%
Rank #230 / 281
-18%
5.99
Facility 5.99
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #9 / 275
+17%+42%
$0
Facility $0
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #1 / 279
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #85 / 279
5.8
Facility 5.8
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #227 / 279
-
Facility -
CA AVG 1.4
38-
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 63
Rank #275 / 279
Ramona Clark
$42.1M
Facility $42.1M
CA AVG $17.0M
Rank #17 / 279
$19.7M
Facility $19.7M
CA AVG $7.0M
Rank #8 / 279
46.7%
Facility 46.7%
CA AVG 45.2%
Rank #156 / 279
555023
Mission Terrace
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Santa Barbara (Samarkand)
138
Facility 138
CA AVG 105
65.3%
Facility 65.3%
CA AVG 84.7%
-23%
4.15
Facility 4.15
CA AVG 4.22
-66%-2%
$0
Facility $0
CA AVG $56.5k
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 50.2
1.4
Facility 1.4
CA AVG 4.6
-
Facility -
CA AVG 1.4
129-
62
Facility 62
CA AVG 63
Evelina Murphy
$24.8M
Facility $24.8M
CA AVG $17.0M
$10.9M
Facility $10.9M
CA AVG $7.0M
44%
Facility 44%
CA AVG 45.2%
55991
Overview of Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Covenant Living at the Samarkand is a senior living community that mainly provides services for residential living, assisted living, and skilled nursing seniors. The senior living community is dedicated to empowering all residents to live on their terms. The resort-like community boasts a relaxing and calming experience for its residents because it allows them to choose a lifestyle that matches their needs independently.
The Covenant Senior Living lifestyle is all about convenience and individuality. Many of their amenities and services are designed to ensure that a resident’s needs are met and satisfied. These include a library, wellness center, courtyard, and garden, and an arts and crafts studio, while services include housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.

Contact Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Casa Dorinda

300 Hot Springs Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Overview of Casa Dorinda

Casa Dorinda is a premier LifeCare community located in Montecito, California. It offers a range of amenities and services, including health and fitness programs, diverse dining options, and life enrichment activities. Residents can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with various culinary experiences and wellness opportunities.

Contact Casa Dorinda

Mission Terrace

623 W Junipero St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Overview of Mission Terrace

Mission Terrace, nestled in Santa Barbara, California, envisions a rehabilitation and skilled nursing community where the little joys of life contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling experience. Prioritizing comfort and an exceptional quality of life, Mission Terrace offers a range of amenities and activities. Residents can indulge in various enriching pursuits, from exercise classes and religious services to movies, bingo, and arts and crafts. The inviting decor, including elegant armoires and floral bedspreads, creates a homey atmosphere. Families are encouraged to spend quality time in the tastefully adorned surroundings, fostering a sense of welcome and comfort in the accessible location near downtown Santa Barbara.

Mission Terrace’s commitment to excellence extends to the facilities and services provided. The ornate and eye-catching decor of the accommodations reflects a dedication to creating a comfortable living environment. For rehabilitation services, Mission Terrace stands out as Santa Barbara’s preferred choice for optimal recovery, especially for post-operative patients of various specialties. The culinary experience is elevated through collaboration between a licensed dietitian and an Executive Chef, ensuring residents savor fresh and delicious culinary delights prepared by trained assistants from a culinary institute. Mission Terrace offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services at its best.

Contact Mission Terrace

Overview of Cliff View Terrace
Cliff View Terrace is an assisted living facility located in Santa Barbara, California. It offers high-end elegance and 24/7 professional care for residents. The facility features on-site medical staff, daily activities, and a prime location near shopping and the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Contact Cliff View Terrace

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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Santa Barbara, 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 4 nursing homes in Santa Barbara, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, 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.