We arrange tours, appointments, and even moving support so you don’t have to
2
Ranked on Data, Not Dollars
We rank communities on objective measures like inspection records, quality scores, and care data, so you can find trusted options without the guesswork.
3
Personalized Guidance
From lifestyle matching to help with insurance and financial assistance, we make sure the community is the right fit
Explore Open Rooms
1Contact details
2What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4How soon do you need to find care?
5Additional details
Thank you for your interest!
Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.
Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 84 nursing homes in VA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in VA
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.0/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Virginia. 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:2.5/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Virginia. 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 Virginia. 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.
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the VA Depts. of Social Services & Health, 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 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.
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.
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 Virginia average is: 76.3% 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.
Goodwin House Alexandria is a hub of vibrant living located at the west end of the city. Whether it’s a cozy studio or a spacious three-bedroom apartment, the home got it covered. Their living arrangements available are independent living, memory care, and assisted living, seniors are sure to find the perfect fit for their lifestyle.
Their amenities include a stunning courtyard, complete with a tranquil fish pond and personal garden boxes for residents to cultivate their green thumb. And for those who like to stay active, the fitness center and heated pool are always available. The library also provides the perfect space to unwind and catch up on some reading. More importantly, residents can enjoy delicious and healthy meals in one of the many dining venues on offer.
With more than two decades of exceptional service to the senior community and those that have served the nation, Falcon Landing provides premiere independent living, long-term care nursing, short-term rehab, assisted living and memory care in the Potomac Falls area. Committed to the utmost care for veterans and qualified former government employees through the Falcons Landing Life Plan Community, and the general public, Falcons Landing is a place to rest your wings.
A testament to the promise of quality care that Falcons Landing takes pride in, as a not-for-profit senior living community, all funds are invested back into the continuous upgrading and maintenance of the community. This ensures that amenities and services such as living quarters, wellness programs, and dining experiences, are always at their very best.
Overview of Arleigh Burke Pavilion at Vinson Hall Retirement Community
The Arleigh Burke Pavilion at Vinson Hall Retirement Community occupies a moderately walkable stretch of Kirby Road in McLean, Virginia, at 1739 Kirby Rd. Administrator Ms. Analisse Vasquez Soto oversees a 32-bed facility that covers a wide range of care levels: nursing home care, assisted living, memory care, home care, independent living, and respite stays, all on one campus. Floor plans run from studios to two-bedroom units.
With 19 of 32 beds currently filled, the occupancy rate sits at 59%. Residents stay an average of 73 days, which puts this squarely in short-stay rehabilitation territory for most. Nursing care totals 5 hours and 32 minutes per resident per day, with registered nurses providing 54 minutes of that time and nurse aides contributing 2 hours and 53 minutes. Staffing runs 24 hours. The facility accepts Medicare and private pay.
On the dining side, residents have three options: The Penthouse Dining Room, The Bistro, and the Café. State inspections have tended to center on medication management and care planning and documentation.
At 32 beds with a 73-day average stay and a care model that spans independent living through skilled nursing, Arleigh Burke Pavilion functions primarily as a short-stay rehabilitation setting embedded within a broader continuum of care in one of Northern Virginia’s more established retirement communities.
Overview of Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
At 49 years old and with 120 beds, Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is one of the more established continuing care communities on Virginia Beach’s waterfront. The address, 3100 Shore Dr, puts it along the Chesapeake Bay in a somewhat walkable area (Walk Score 47) where a car is generally still needed. Ms. Julia Fretwell administers the facility; Mr. Ben Unkle is President and CEO. CARF accreditation is on the record.
Medicare drives 77% of new admissions, with a typical stay of 19 days. The overall average length of stay is 74 days. Those two figures together describe a facility that functions, in practical terms, as a short-stay rehabilitation hub. Occupancy sits at 58%, meaning 69 of 120 beds are currently in use.
The clinical staffing is substantial: total nursing hours run 6 hours 34 minutes per resident per day, with RN coverage at 55 minutes daily. Rehabilitation services are the stated clinical offering, built around a named program suite: Early Advantage, Make A Move, Pre-hab, At Home Services, the Birdsong Clinic, and Catering and Private Events. An Active Resident Council operates on-site.
State inspections have tended to center on emergency preparedness, staffing credentials, and care planning and documentation rather than direct resident care concerns.
Westminster-Canterbury accepts Medicare and private pay. The full spectrum of care types on the license, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and home care, means the campus can theoretically accommodate a range of needs. It is a high-staffed, program-rich post-acute rehabilitation facility drawing predominantly short-stay Medicare patients, set inside a long-standing waterfront institution that has operated on this stretch of Shore Drive for nearly five decades.
Overview of Brandermill Woods Healthcare Communities
A distinguished senior living community set in the serene Brandermill Parkway, Midlothian, VA, Brandermill Woods Healthcare Communities provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Experience unrivaled comfort and safety with the purposely built and sophisticated residences of Brandermill Woods Healthcare Communities ranging from private and semi-private one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom cottages. With its unwavering commitment to improving seniors’ quality of life, the community combines medical expertise and top-tier care from a competent and well-trained team.
Ease your worries and lead a meaningful life with the continuum of care provided in the community, ensuring residents’ ever-changing needs are well-cared for. With a wide array of cozy spaces and fun social events, residents pursue new hobbies and meet new friends. Brandermill Woods Healthcare Communities strives to provide accessible and quality senior living so that seniors can enjoy every moment of their retirement.
Virginia Veterans Care Center prides itself on its excellent resident-centered approach to senior recovery. Specializing in long-term nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, and all-inclusive nursing services, the facility offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere where residents and staff are encouraged to create friendships and build mutual trust for the complete healing potential.
The nursing home for veterans provides comprehensive results-driven programs that specifically cater to the varying needs of its residents. Virginia Veterans Care Center offers 24-hour skilled nursing therapies, rehabilitative services, licensed nurses, and a podiatrist. Amenities include a chapel, a library, nature trails, a salon, and a billiards room are among the many accommodations provided.
Birmingham Green, an award-winning senior living community located in serene Manassas, VA., has been providing superb senior care for over 90 years, Recognized by Newsweek as one of Virginia’s Top 5 Nursing Homes for 2024, Birmingham Green offers a wide variety of living options including assisted living, skilled care, memory care, and long-term care.
Well-known for its ability to cater to a wide range of senior care needs, at Birmingham Green each resident is cared for based on a personalized care plan, ensuring tailored attention and individual support. The community takes pride in its in-house physical therapy and rehabilitation services which provide residents with convenient access to comprehensive healthcare right within their living environment.
Birmingham Green features two distinct assisted living communities, Willow Oaks and District Home, designed to offer a holistic approach to care. Residents benefit from a compassionate team dedicated to their well-being, ensuring that comfort, dignity, and quality of life are always prioritized.
The community boasts a vibrant atmosphere complete with an extensive list of engaging activities curated to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From friendly contests and social gatherings to guest speakers, holiday celebrations, and community outings, Birmingham Green ensures there is always something enjoyable and stimulating for every resident.
Whether seeking assistance with daily activities, specialized memory care, or rehabilitation services, Birmingham Green remains committed to delivering exceptional care and creating a fulfilling senior living experience. Families trust Birmingham Green for its longstanding dedication to senior care excellence and its nurturing environment that promotes independence and happiness among residents.
Overview of Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
Woodbine Rehabilitation and Healthcare Centers creates a comfortable and secure environment for seniors in need of a comprehensive continuum of specialization. The resident-centered community creates a friendly atmosphere in a nurturing environment– ideal for seniors to have a smooth recovery journey for sub-acute rehabilitation, ventilator and respiratory care, as well as long-term care. Woodbine Rehabilitation strives to provide a close-knit community where meaningful relationships are created to make a new set of family in their new found home.
Woodbine services’ include respite care, clinical services, and an Urgent SNF™ Service. The Urgent SNF program is a multidisciplinary short-term and long-term care service that include therapy (physical, occupational, speech), dialysis, ambulatory dysfunction, and falls.
Focused on short-term rehabilitation, Harbor’s Edge is a 33-bed nursing community owned by Cathy L’heureux. Residents stay an average of 39 days, making it a suitable option for older adults recovering from surgery, orthopedic procedures, or hospitalization before returning home. The high-rise community offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom residences and accepts Medicare and private pay.
Around-the-clock nursing support is available, with residents receiving an average of 6 hours and 37 minutes of daily care. Registered nurses provide approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each day, nursing aides contribute 4 hours and 3 minutes, and LPNs/LVNs add another 1 hour and 19 minutes to support rehabilitation and recovery.
Fine dining and a variety of freshly prepared meals help make daily life more comfortable during a rehabilitation stay. The surrounding neighborhood has a walkability score of 46, allowing access to some nearby destinations on foot, although most trips require transportation. Tours are available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which allows families to explore the residences and learn more about the community.
Virginia Baptist Homes Inc operates The Chesapeake, a 644-bed continuing care retirement community in the Newport News suburbs. The nonprofit, faith-affiliated facility provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home care in a large-scale setting. Residents are predominantly private-pay (87.5% of current census), with Medicare and Medicaid comprising 8.3 and 4.2% respectively.
Occupancy has declined from 66.2% in 2022 to 55.1% in 2023. Average stays run 140 days across all care levels.
The facility earns five-star CMS ratings in health inspection, staffing, and quality measures; each category exceeding benchmarks.
Staffing investment reflects this designation: nurses and aides deliver 5 hours 9 minutes of combined care/resident/day, ranking 19th statewide. Registered nurses provide 1 hour 6 minutes of daily coverage, 61% above state norms. The staff-to-resident ratio reaches 2.04:1, outperforming the average by 23%. Physical therapist hours at 10 minutes/resident/day, are double state averages, indicating emphasis on rehabilitation infrastructure.
The facility’s most recent inspection was January 2022. That inspection identified 23 citations from an eight-year window: no critical or serious deficiencies, 21 moderate, two minor. Resident Rights concerns comprised 35% of findings. No federal penalties have been assessed.
2023 net income was negative $1.1 million, though this represents improvement from negative $2.3 million in 2022. Annual revenue totals $29.5 million. Payroll consumes 46.9% of revenue; a reasonable level for nonprofit operations but below the typical 51–60% range.
Functional decline scores of 37.5 rank 90% worse than average.
Walking ability worsened in 56.1% of residents, 184% above the average. Unintended weight loss affected 18.0% of long-stay residents, 206% above the baseline. Falls resulting in major injury occurred in 6.6% of long-stay residents, 82% above state norms. Urinary tract infections appeared in 2.3% of residents, 51% above state incidence.
Measurable strengths include depressive symptoms at 3.1% (79% better than average) and antipsychotic use at 5.2% (60% better). Influenza vaccination compliance reaches 100%.
Short-stay rehabilitation residents show zero antipsychotic medication initiations versus the average of 1.2%, and zero major-injury falls versus 0.8% statewide. Successful community return reached 58.2%, 15% above baseline. Emergency department visits ran 54% lower than state norms.
The Chesapeake presents as a highly-resourced facility optimized for post-acute rehabilitation with infrastructure that does not translate into sustained functional maintenance for long-term residents.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Virginia
What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Virginia?
Assisted living in Virginia 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 Virginia Medicaid cover nursing home care?
Yes — Virginia 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 84 nursing homes in Virginia. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in Virginia?
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 Virginia, 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 Virginia?
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
Need Help?
Let us help you or a loved one find the perfect senior home.
