Best Nursing Homes in Arkansas

75 of 221 nursing homes (34%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#12 of 50 states

75 recommended · 80 avoid · 121 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

75

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

75 recommended 9 caution 80 avoid

National Rank

#12

Above Average

Total Facilities

221

across 121 cities

Facilities to Avoid

80

49 Grade F

$2,048,854 in combined fines

Best City

Camden

100% recommended

State Average

3.1

CMS star rating

Arkansas vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Arkansas and national averages
Metric Arkansas National Verdict
% Recommended 34% 31% ✓ Better
Average CMS Stars 3.1 3.0 ✓ Better
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 Arkansas Reality

Arkansas ranks 12th out of 50 states in nursing home care, indicating a relatively strong performance compared to many other regions in the United States. With 34% of its facilities recommended—surpassing the national average of 31%—families can find quality care options within the state. However, the landscape is mixed, as families must also consider the existence of facilities that fall short of standards, resulting in a state-level assessment that is both promising and concerning.

Among the key highlights in Arkansas, Camden stands out as the best city for nursing home care, boasting a remarkable 100% recommendation rate. The top-rated facility, Nightingale at Glenwood, has achieved a Trust Score of 93, reflecting its high quality of care. Conversely, families should exercise caution, as there are 80 facilities to avoid, including 49 that have received F grades. Additionally, nursing homes in Arkansas have accumulated over $2 million in fines, underscoring areas in need of improvement and vigilance.

When searching for nursing home care in Arkansas, families should prioritize several key factors to ensure quality. It is essential to look at Trust Scores and CMS star ratings, as these can provide insight into the care and services offered. Additionally, families should investigate any fines or violations a facility may have received, as a history of penalties can be indicative of systemic issues. By focusing on these aspects, families can make informed decisions and find a nursing home that meets their loved ones' needs while navigating the complexities of care options in the state.

Quality Trend

Is Arkansas improving or declining?

2024
37%
2025
35%
2026
34%

Arkansas quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Arkansas nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In Arkansas, 49 out of 221 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 80 facilities in Arkansas recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $2,048,854, Arkansas nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Arkansas

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Arkansas

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Camden

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Camden

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 Arkansas compare to neighboring states?

Arkansas ranks 12th nationally for nursing home care, which places it relatively high compared to some neighboring states. For example, states like Louisiana and Mississippi rank lower, indicating that Arkansas may offer better overall care options in comparison to these states.

What percentage of nursing homes in Arkansas meet quality criteria?

In Arkansas, 34% of nursing homes meet quality criteria, which is slightly above the national average of 31%. This suggests that the state places a strong emphasis on maintaining quality standards in its nursing facilities.

Which city in Arkansas offers the best nursing home care?

Camden is recognized as the best city for nursing home care in Arkansas, likely due to its higher-quality facilities and services available to residents. This city stands out in terms of both the number of recommended homes and the quality of care provided.

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

The cost of a private room in an Arkansas nursing home averages around $6,000 per month. This rate is competitive when compared to national averages, making Arkansas a more affordable option for long-term care.