Best Nursing Homes in Alabama

100 of 224 nursing homes (45%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#2 of 50 states

100 recommended · 59 avoid · 130 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

100

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

100 recommended 3 caution 59 avoid

National Rank

#2

Top 10

Total Facilities

224

across 130 cities

Facilities to Avoid

59

40 Grade F

$2,930,752 in combined fines

Best City

Northport

80% recommended

State Average

2.9

CMS star rating

Alabama vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Alabama and national averages
Metric Alabama National Verdict
% Recommended 45% 31% ✓ Better
Average CMS Stars 2.9 3.0 ✗ Worse
Staff Turnover 50% 44% ✗ Worse
RN Hours/Day 0.65 0.75 ✗ Worse
Avg Deficiencies 8.5 7.5 ✗ Worse

Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.

The Alabama Reality

Alabama ranks impressively as the #2 state in the nation for nursing home care, with 45% of its 224 facilities recommended by state assessments, significantly surpassing the national average of 31%. This high ranking reflects a commitment to quality care for the elderly population, offering families a sense of security when considering placement for their loved ones. However, it is essential for families to remain diligent, as there are still areas of concern that merit attention.

While cities like Northport shine with an 80% recommendation rate, the landscape of nursing home care in Alabama is not without its challenges. There are 59 facilities that families should avoid, including 40 that received failing grades (F grade), which raises alarms about the quality of care provided. Additionally, the total fines amounting to $2,930,752 indicate that some facilities have faced significant penalties for substandard conditions or practices. This underscores the importance of thorough research when choosing a facility, as the average CMS star rating of 2.94 suggests that many homes may not meet optimal standards.

When searching for quality nursing home care in Alabama, families should prioritize several key factors. First, consider the trust scores of facilities, which reflect overall resident satisfaction and safety. Look for facilities with higher CMS star ratings, as these can indicate better care and resources. Additionally, check for any fines or violations that may suggest systemic issues within a facility. Ultimately, being informed and proactive in this decision-making process can lead families to better outcomes for their loved ones, ensuring they receive the care they deserve.

Quality Trend

Is Alabama improving or declining?

2024
48%
2025
46%
2026
45%

Alabama quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Alabama nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In Alabama, 40 out of 224 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 59 facilities in Alabama recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $2,930,752, Alabama nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Alabama

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Alabama

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Northport

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Northport

Medicaid Beds

150 facilities

Avg waitlist: 2-4 months

Ventilator / Complex Care

5 facilities

Limited availability

Cost Overview

Private Room

$7,500/mo

Near national average

Semi-Private

$6,500/mo

Medicaid Rate

$165/day

75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Alabama compare to neighboring states?

When comparing Alabama to neighboring states, Alabama ranks #2 nationally for nursing home care quality, which is significantly higher than many of its adjacent states. For instance, states like Mississippi and Georgia have lower rankings, indicating that Alabama has made considerable strides in providing quality care for residents in nursing homes.

What percentage of nursing homes in Alabama meet quality criteria?

In Alabama, approximately 45% of nursing homes meet the recommended quality criteria, which is notably higher than the national average of 31%. This indicates a strong commitment to maintaining high standards of care among nursing facilities in the state.

Which city in Alabama offers the best nursing home care?

The city of Northport is recognized as the best location in Alabama for nursing home care, offering several facilities that excel in quality and services. Its high rankings in care quality contribute to better overall outcomes for residents compared to other cities in the state.

What is the cost of a private room in a Alabama nursing home?

The average cost of a private room in an Alabama nursing home is around $7,000 per month. This figure may vary depending on the specific facility and its location, but it represents a general benchmark for families considering nursing home options in the state.