Nursing Homes in California
Overview and quality data
California is served by 1,162 Medicare-certified nursing homes offering skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and long-term residential care for individuals who need ongoing medical attention. These facilities are spread across 345 cities, with Los Angeles having the largest concentration at 78 facilities. Other major cities include Long Beach (25) and Sacramento (22).
The average quality rating for nursing homes in California is 3.2 out of 5 stars — above the national average of 3.0. 512 facilities (44%) earned 4 stars or higher, and 288 achieved a perfect 5-star rating.
87% of nursing homes in California are for-profit facilities, while 121 are non-profit. Facilities average 99 certified beds.
Browse by City
345 cities with nursing homes in California
What to Look For
Key factors when choosing a nursing home in California
Overall Star Rating
CMS assigns 1-5 stars based on health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Facilities with 4-5 stars consistently deliver better outcomes.
Staffing Levels
Check RN, LPN, and CNA hours per resident per day. Higher staffing — especially registered nurse hours — correlates strongly with better care quality and fewer adverse events.
Health Inspection Results
Review the most recent inspection for deficiencies, complaints, and violations. Fewer and less severe deficiencies indicate better regulatory compliance and resident safety.
Quality Measures
Look at clinical outcomes: fall rates, pressure ulcer incidence, urinary tract infections, antipsychotic medication use, and rates of emergency department visits.
Resident & Family Experience
Visit in person to observe staff interactions, cleanliness, and resident engagement. Ask about family councils, visiting hours, and how concerns are handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
About nursing homes in California
How many nursing homes are in California?
California has 1,162 Medicare-certified nursing homes across 345 cities. Los Angeles has the most with 78.
Which cities in California have the most nursing homes?
The top cities are Los Angeles (78), Long Beach (25), Sacramento (22), San Diego (21), San Jose (19).
What is the average quality rating in California?
The average CMS rating for nursing homes in California is 3.2 out of 5 stars, above the national average of 3.0. 288 facilities earned a perfect 5-star rating. 44% scored 4 stars or higher.
What should I look for when choosing a nursing home?
Key factors include overall star rating, staffing levels, health inspection results. Visit our individual facility pages for detailed quality data and CMS ratings.
Are all nursing homes listed here Medicare-certified?
Yes. Every facility on OurHealthNetwork is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Our data comes directly from CMS Nursing Home Compare and is updated regularly.
Does Medicare cover nursing home care?
Medicare covers nursing home services for eligible beneficiaries. Coverage details vary by service type and facility. Check with the specific facility and your Medicare plan for coverage details.
How often is CMS Nursing Home Compare data updated?
CMS typically updates nursing home quality data quarterly. Our database reflects the most recent CMS release, refreshed periodically.
Can I compare nursing homes across cities in California?
Yes. Click any city below to view nursing homes in that area with detailed quality data, star ratings, maps, and facility information.
Find Nursing Homes Near You
Select a city above or search to find nursing homes in California.
Browse All StatesData source: CMS Nursing Home Compare ·