What the stars are
Medicare gives every certified nursing home an overall rating from 1 to 5 stars. 5 is much above average and 1 is much below average. Medicare updates the ratings, and each page here shows the date of the data.
Three parts behind the overall rating
The overall rating combines three sub-ratings: health inspections, staffing and quality measures. Each page shows all of them next to the overall rating.
Staffing figures
The staffing table shows nurse staff hours per resident per day, registered nurse hours, weekend hours and how many nursing staff left within a year, next to the California median.
Why size and ownership matter
Large and small homes differ in many ways, and so do for-profit, non-profit and government homes. Compare homes of similar size and read the ownership line on each page.
Use the stars as a starting point
Stars summarize data from the past. They do not replace a visit, a conversation with staff and with other families, or the official record linked on each page.
Guides
Nursing home or assisted living: what is the difference
Nursing homes give 24-hour nursing care and are rated by Medicare. Assisted living helps with daily life and is licensed by the state. How they differ and how to check each.
How to choose a care home in California: a short checklist
Six steps for families: decide the kind of care, make a short list, read the official record, call, visit more than once, and check the agreement before signing.