Worth Considering
2
Facilities graded B or better with zero fines
Best Nursing Homes in Hickory, North Carolina
2 of 4 nursing homes in Hickory (50%) meet our strict criteria. The North Carolina statewide average is 29%.
2 recommended · 1 caution · 1 avoid · data
City Average
3.5
★
+0.00 vs state
Total Beds
478
across 4 facilities
High Risk Facilities
1
1 Grade F
$25,313 in combined fines
Zero Fines
2
/4
passed all inspections
Nurse Availability
0 min
RN time per resident daily
Below CMS recommendation
Why These 2?
The nursing home market in Hickory, North Carolina, is adequate but requires caution, with only 2 of 4 facilities recommended. Families should note that while The Greens at Hickory is the top-rated option, there is one facility with significant fines totaling $16,801.
Qualified (Grade B, Trust Score 70-79)
- 1 The Greens at Hickory (75) — The Greens at Hickory stands out with a solid 4★ CMS rating and a Trust Score of 75/100, showcasing their commitment to quality care. With no fines and a Grade B, this facility offers a reliable environment for its 150 residents, emphasizing excellent service in a for-profit model.
- 2 Trinity Ridge (70) — Trinity Ridge, a non-profit facility, excels with a Trust Score of 70/100 and a Grade B, reflecting its dedication to community-focused care. Although it holds a 3★ CMS rating, its commitment to patient well-being and zero fines make it a solid choice for families seeking compassionate support.
The other 2 Hickory facilities didn't qualify — 1 carries Grade D or F ratings and 2 have fines totaling $25K.
Recommended
The Greens at Hickory stands out with a solid 4★ CMS rating and a Trust Score of 75/100, showcasing their commitment to quality care. With no fines and a Grade B, this facility offers a reliable environment for its 150 residents, emphasizing excellent service in a for-profit model.
Trinity Ridge, a non-profit facility, excels with a Trust Score of 70/100 and a Grade B, reflecting its dedication to community-focused care. Although it holds a 3★ CMS rating, its commitment to patient well-being and zero fines make it a solid choice for families seeking compassionate support.
Proceed with Caution
These facilities don't meet our recommendation criteria but may still be viable options.
Hidden Gem
Staffing Comparison
Staffing levels are the strongest predictor of care quality
| Metric | Top Facility | Hickory Avg | CMS Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN Hours / Resident / Day | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.75 |
| CMS Star Rating | 4 stars | 3.5 stars | — |
| Deficiencies / Inspection | 0 | 0.0 | — |
Facilities to Avoid
These facilities have significant quality concerns.
What Disqualified the Other 2?
Our criteria: Trust Grade B or better (score 70+) AND zero fines in 3 years
- Grade F facilities
- 1 Grade F — critical inspection failures
- Facilities with fines
- 2 Have fines totaling $25,313
- Caution group
- 1 Had good grades but fines disqualified them
Questions Hickory Families Should Ask
Based on what we found in local inspection data
-
1
"What is your current CMS star rating and Trust Score?"
Hickory's city average is 3.5 stars
-
2
"Have you received any fines in the past 3 years?"
2 of 4 Hickory facilities have fines
-
3
"How many RN hours per resident do you provide daily?"
CMS recommends 45 min; Hickory avg is 0 min
-
4
"What were your most recent inspection findings?"
Hickory facilities average 0.0 deficiencies per inspection
Explore Nearby Cities
Houston has strong options, but nearby cities add even more choices
Houston at a Glance
Good News
- 12 facilities meet our strict criteria—20% of the market
- 3 exceptional A-grade facilities with 5-star CMS ratings
- 24 facilities with zero fines in the past 3 years
Be Aware
- 30 facilities carry Grade F—nearly half the market
- $3.2M+ in total fines across 37 facilities
- Worst facility has $448,216 in fines alone
Key Numbers
- Average Trust Score: 48.6 (dragged down by 30 F-grades)
- 82% for-profit, 13% non-profit, 5% government
- 9.4 average deficiencies per facility
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nursing homes in Hickory, NC are recommended?
2 of 4 nursing homes in Hickory (50%) meet our strict criteria of excellent inspection results and a clean record with no fines.
What makes a nursing home in Hickory "recommended"?
A facility earns our recommendation when it achieves a Trust Grade of B or better (score of 70+) AND has zero fines in the past three years. This combination indicates consistent quality care and regulatory compliance.
How should I evaluate nursing homes in Hickory?
Look beyond star ratings. Check for recent fines, abuse citations, staffing levels (especially RN hours), and inspection deficiencies. Visit in person during different times of day to observe care quality firsthand.