Who it fits
Someone who needs nursing care around the clock, or short-term rehab after a hospital stay.
How California regulates it
The California Department of Public Health licenses nursing homes, and Medicare certifies them. Medicare rates every certified nursing home from one to five stars and publishes every inspection citation.
How it is paid for
Medicare can cover a short rehab stay after a qualifying hospital admission. Medi-Cal pays for most long-term stays. Otherwise residents pay privately or through long-term care insurance.
What to check
- Medicare's inspection rating and any serious citations in the last three years
- Nurse staffing hours, especially on weekends
- Federal fines and payment denials
- Whether the home accepts Medi-Cal if savings run out
Largest cities
- Los Angeles 78
- Long Beach 25
- Sacramento 23
- San Diego 21
- Fresno 19
- San Jose 19
- Oakland 18
- Riverside 18
- San Francisco 18
- Hayward 16
- Anaheim 14
- Stockton 14
Compare with related options
Assisted living Licensed residences that help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medication. 7,951 in California Home health Medical care at home from nurses and therapists, usually ordered by a doctor. 3,196 in California Hospice Comfort-focused care near the end of life, at home or in a facility. 1,913 in California