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Best Nursing Homes in Santa Barbara, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 3 nursing homes in Santa Barbara, CA using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in CA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
3 homes
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Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Santa Barbara, California.

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Avg Overall CMS Rating: 4.7/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, 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: 4.7/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Santa Barbara, 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

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

Covenant Living at the Samarkand
NH
AL
MC
Santa Barbara (Samarkand)
379
Facility 379
CA AVG 103
Rank #31 / 1657
85.2%
Facility 85.2%
CA AVG 84.7%
Rank #457 / 1537
+1%
4.42
Facility 4.42
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #105 / 354
-5%+5%
$0
Facility $0
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #1 / 362
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #398 / 1401
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #128 / 361
5.3
Facility 5.3
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #265 / 361
-323A+
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 57
Rank #1345 / 2092
Covenant Living West
$11.4M
Facility $11.4M
CA AVG $17.0M
Rank #182 / 355
$6.3M
Facility $6.3M
CA AVG $7.0M
Rank #193 / 355
55.8%
Facility 55.8%
CA AVG 45.2%
Rank #178 / 355
555762
Casa Dorinda
NH
AL
MC
Santa Barbara
360
Facility 360
CA AVG 103
Rank #34 / 1657
85.3%
Facility 85.3%
CA AVG 84.7%
Rank #452 / 1537
+1%
5.99
Facility 5.99
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #13 / 354
+170%+42%
$8.3k
Facility $8.3k
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #226 / 362
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #630 / 1401
29
Facility 29
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #107 / 361
5.8
Facility 5.8
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #289 / 361
-307-
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 57
Rank #2044 / 2092
Ramona Clark
$36.4M
Facility $36.4M
CA AVG $17.0M
Rank #20 / 355
$19.2M
Facility $19.2M
CA AVG $7.0M
Rank #10 / 355
52.7%
Facility 52.7%
CA AVG 45.2%
Rank #204 / 355
555023
Mission Terrace
NH
Santa Barbara (Samarkand)
138
Facility 138
CA AVG 103
Rank #446 / 1657
65.3%
Facility 65.3%
CA AVG 84.7%
Rank #1116 / 1537
-23%
4.15
Facility 4.15
CA AVG 4.22
Rank #160 / 354
-60%-2%
$0
Facility $0
CA AVG $56.5k
Rank #1 / 362
-
14
Facility 14
CA AVG 50.2
Rank #20 / 361
1.4
Facility 1.4
CA AVG 4.6
Rank #1 / 361
-129-
62
Facility 62
CA AVG 57
Rank #982 / 2092
Evelina Murphy
$19.9M
Facility $19.9M
CA AVG $17.0M
Rank #92 / 355
$10.8M
Facility $10.8M
CA AVG $7.0M
Rank #100 / 355
54.1%
Facility 54.1%
CA AVG 45.2%
Rank #235 / 355
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 nursing home in Santa Barbara, California. It’s located on Hot Springs Road in a quiet, car-dependent area outside the city center. Medicare and private pay are welcome, so families have different coverage options. Owned by Ramona Clark, the community is operated by the Montecito Retirement Association under Brian Mccague’s administration.

The home is a substantial community with 360 beds, currently at 70 percent occupancy with 251 residents. After operating for over three decades, the community has built a stable resident population with an average stay length of 126 days, reflecting a mix of short-term rehabilitation stays and longer-term nursing care. Casa Dorinda employs a full clinical team, with total nursing care averaging nearly 6 hours per resident day, supported by a mix of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. Daily life centers on structured meals and recreation. The kitchen prepares three fresh-made meals per day, with special events like Sunday Champagne Brunch and holiday celebrations in the calendar. Residents can partake in cultural events, arts and crafts, fitness classes at an on-site gym, and nature walks that get people outside when the weather permits.

For residents working on recovery post-hospital stays or injury, Casa Dorinda supports rehabilitation services. A fitness center and gym exist for residents wanting to maintain strength and mobility, and housekeeping services keep the building tidy and orderly. Families evaluating Casa Dorinda should take time to tour the home and meet the care team, so that a real sense of the daily environment and the care pacing is felt and perceived.

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

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 3 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.