Page 2 of Best Nursing Homes in Vermont

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 17 nursing homes in VT using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in VT
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Vermont our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Vermont.
17 homes
Other senior care options in Vermont:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 2.8/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Vermont. 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: 3.0/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Vermont. 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 Vermont. 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 Vermont

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the VT Dept. of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL), 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 Table NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. 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.
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 Vermont average is: 41.8% 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.
Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center
NH
HOS
MC
RC
Barre
115
Facility 115
VT AVG 117
Rank #8 / 12
64.9%
Facility 64.9%
VT AVG 77.2%
Rank #9 / 11
-16%
3.65
Facility 3.65
VT AVG 4.27
Rank #6 / 11
-45%-15%
$307.8k
Facility $307.8k
VT AVG $151.3k
Rank #12 / 12
67
Facility 67
VT AVG 28.9
Rank #11 / 12
4.5
Facility 4.5
VT AVG 4.3
Rank #9 / 12
975-
21
Facility 21
VT AVG 32
Rank #10 / 16
-
$10.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $10.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
VT AVG $16.9M
Rank #11 / 11
$1.9MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $1.9MFiscal year ending 09/2023
VT AVG $7.3M
Rank #11 / 11
19.1%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 19.1%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
VT AVG 41.8%
Rank #11 / 11
475020

Rank badges are statewide: each nursing home is ranked against every VT nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 17 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Nursing Home Explorer
Overview of Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center

Located in Barre, VT, Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center is a high-quality skilled nursing and rehabilitative care provider for its residents. The focus is on personalized care, offering both short-term and long-term care, respite care, and rehabilitation services within this nursing home community. With a 24-hour awake staff, a nutritionist, an onsite nurse available for 8 hours a day, and comprehensive medication management, your loved ones receive prioritized and attentive care. Residents have access to transportation for appointments, outings, and other necessary trips. The center features a sunroom serving as a relaxing hub where residents can bask in the sun, participate in activities, or unwind while connecting with friends and family.

Berlin Health and Rehabilitation Center takes pride in its housekeeping, fostering a clean and comfortable environment that promotes the well-being and comfort of residents. Additional amenities include activities, pet-friendly spaces, a barber shop, a beauty salon, a media center, common rooms, and an indoor atrium.

Contact Berlin Health & Rehabilitation Center

Overview of The Arbors of Shelburne

The Arbors of Shelburne is a residential care community serving Shelburne, Vermont’s older adults with independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Located at 687 Harbor Rd in Chittenden County, the community sits less than a mile from the town center and is close to University of Vermont Health, about 5 miles away. The 29-year operational history reflects a sustained presence in the local community.
The community operates in a single-story building with studio apartment options designed for personalized living space. A staff available 24 hours a day supports residents’ daily needs, whether they are independent and seeking an active community or require assistance with activities of daily living or specialized memory care. Leadership includes Tom Grape, serving as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.
Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals and a calendar of coordinated social and recreational activities, giving each person opportunities to stay engaged and connected. The pet-friendly policy welcomes those who wish to bring a companion with them. The neighborhood, with a Walk Score of 28, means residents can reach some nearby services on foot, though most outings will require transportation.
For families exploring The Arbors of Shelburne, an in-person visit is the best way to tour the apartments, learn about the care services available for each level of need, view the daily activity programming, and discuss pricing and payment options.

Contact The Arbors of Shelburne

Overview of Starr Farm Nursing Center

Starr Farm Nursing Center is another jewel in the pride of Burlington, Vermont. The center offers an array of therapies and personalized care services designed to empower residents on their journey to reclaim their freedom. With a team of skilled nurses, licensed care professionals, and dedicated therapists, the concept of senior living is elevated through exceptional medical support.

The importance of bridging the gap between hospital care and the comfort of home is understood. The short-term rehabilitation programs are carefully tailored to ensure a seamless transition, assisting residents in regaining their strength and independence. Whether recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery, the compassionate team is there every step of the way, providing comprehensive support. For those seeking long-term care, the community offers a haven of safety and tranquility. Within the secure environment, residents can embrace their golden years with confidence and peace of mind. Additionally, a range of senior living house plans is available to suit individual preferences and needs, ensuring that residents find the perfect place to call home.

Contact Starr Farm Nursing Center

Overview of St. Joseph‘s Residential Care Home

St. Joseph’s Residential Care Home is a delightful residence nestled in the heart of Burlington, Vermont. Situated near a myriad of local conveniences, including retail shopping, healthcare services, and houses of worship, this home offers both convenience and tranquility. With numerous pharmacies in close proximity, residents can easily access their medication needs. The home provides a total of 41 well-appointed units, offering a range of services such as assisted living, independent living, retirement home, and care home services.
Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of this community, where residents can enjoy a serene and supportive environment. St. Joseph’s Residential Care Home prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its residents, creating a space where they can feel at ease and experience a sense of belonging. As one of the premier assisted living communities in the area, St. Joseph’s Residential Care Home goes above and beyond to ensure that each resident receives personalized care and attention.

Contact St. Joseph‘s Residential Care Home

Overview of Green Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation

On-site X-ray and lab services aren’t things every nursing home offers, but Green Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation has both, alongside respiratory therapist consultations, built into its clinical footprint at 475 Ethan Allen Avenue in Colchester’s Chittenden County. That level of on-site clinical capability matters for residents who’d otherwise need transport to an outside facility for routine testing.

Nursing coverage spans registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides, the standard tiers, but backed by that added clinical depth. A dedicated Alzheimer’s and dementia unit handles memory care specifically, distinct from the broader assisted living services offered alongside it.

Getting around outside the building takes a car. Walk Score sits at 26, somewhat walkable at best, so most errands mean driving.

Financially, this is a facility with real program specificity rather than a vague “we accept Medicaid” line. Two Vermont programs apply directly: ACCS, covering personal care and homemaker services, and ERC, covering nursing-level care as a genuine alternative to full nursing home placement. Rehabilitation, respite care, and short-term rehab round out the service list, backed by round-the-clock staffing.

Life beyond direct care includes beautician and barber services, pet visits, a courtyard, and free parking, modest but real touches.

Green Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation offers clinical depth most residential facilities don’t match, paired with dedicated memory care and genuine Medicaid program access, in a car-dependent stretch of Colchester, Vermont.

Contact Green Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation

Overview of Morgan Orchards Senior Living Community

Led by executive director Heather Impey, who brings two decades of senior care experience, Morgan Orchards Senior Living Community serves Randolph Center, Vermont. It offers independent living and nursing home care in a rural setting. It’s located on Tom Wicker Lane in a quiet, car-dependent neighborhood characteristic of the Upper Valley region.

As a dual-purpose facility providing nursing home and independent living choices, Morgan Orchards Senior Living Community is set to meet older adults’ needs at different stages of independence. Pets are welcome, which can provide meaningful companionship for occupants. The Randolph Center location offers the natural beauty and serenity of rural Vermont. Since the area has limited walkability, residents and visitors must plan for personal transportation.

To see the settings firsthand, families wanting to learn more about specific services, daily activities, amenities, and available room types should contact the facility directly or arrange a tour.

Contact Morgan Orchards Senior Living Community

Overview of Loretto Home

Loretto Home is a mid-rise building at 59 Meadow St in Rutland, Vermont. It offers three kinds of care in one place: memory care, assisted living, and independent living. The Walk Score for this area is 67. That means some errands can be done on foot, but you’ll still need a car for others.

The biggest thing about Loretto Home is that it offers many levels of care, not just one. Memory care, assisted living, and independent living are all offered here. This means residents can get more help over time without having to move somewhere new. Loretto Home is located in Rutland City, so residents are close to local stores and services.

Loretto Home is a good fit for families in the Rutland area who want a smaller home with different levels of care. It offers memory care, assisted living, and independent living, all in a city location close to everyday errands.

Contact Loretto Home

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 Vermont

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

Assisted living in Vermont 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 Vermont Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — Vermont 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 17 nursing homes in Vermont. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Vermont?

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 Vermont, 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 Vermont?

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.