Best Nursing Homes in Massachusetts

78 of 341 nursing homes (23%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#36 of 50 states

78 recommended · 163 avoid · 178 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

78

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

78 recommended 20 caution 163 avoid

National Rank

#36

Average

Total Facilities

341

across 178 cities

Facilities to Avoid

163

126 Grade F

$16,089,503 in combined fines

Best City

Hingham

100% recommended

State Average

2.9

CMS star rating

Massachusetts vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Massachusetts and national averages
Metric Massachusetts National Verdict
% Recommended 23% 31% ✗ Worse
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 Massachusetts Reality

Nursing home care in Massachusetts presents a mixed landscape for families seeking quality care for their loved ones. Ranked 36th out of 50 states, Massachusetts falls below the national average, with only 23% of its 341 nursing facilities receiving recommendations, compared to 31% nationwide. This ranking highlights a significant gap in care quality, prompting families to approach their search with caution and diligence.

While there are standout locations, such as Hingham, which boasts a 100% recommendation rate, and top-tier facilities like Boston Home, Inc. in Boston, with a Trust Score of 95, families must also be aware of the state’s challenges. With 163 facilities to avoid and a concerning 126 rated with F grades, there is a notable portion of the nursing home landscape that warrants scrutiny. Additionally, the total fines levied against facilities amount to over $16 million, indicating persistent issues that could affect residents' well-being. The average CMS star rating of 2.9 reflects an overall need for improvement across the state.

When searching for nursing home care in Massachusetts, families should prioritize several key factors to ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care. It is essential to look at Trust Scores and CMS star ratings, as these metrics provide insight into facility quality and resident satisfaction. Furthermore, families should investigate any past fines imposed on facilities, as this can be indicative of systemic problems. By taking the time to research and compare options, families can navigate the complexities of nursing home care in Massachusetts and make informed decisions that prioritize their loved ones' health and happiness.

Quality Trend

Is Massachusetts improving or declining?

2024
26%
2025
24%
2026
23%

Massachusetts quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Massachusetts nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In Massachusetts, 126 out of 341 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 163 facilities in Massachusetts recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $16,089,503, Massachusetts nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Massachusetts

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

  1. 1
    95 A+
  2. 2
    LYDIA TAFT HOUSE

    Uxbridge

    95 A+
  3. 3
    95 A+
  4. 4
    95 A+
  5. 5
    ELIZABETH SETON

    Wellesley

    95 A+
  6. 6
    95 A+
  7. 7
    95 A+
  8. 8
    HIGHLANDS, THE

    Fitchburg

    93 A
  9. 9
    93 A
  10. 10
    LINDEN PONDS

    Hingham

    93 A

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Massachusetts

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Hingham

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Hingham

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 Massachusetts compare to neighboring states?

Massachusetts ranks #36 nationally for nursing home quality, which is lower than some neighboring states like Connecticut and New York. For instance, Connecticut ranks higher, indicating better overall care standards compared to Massachusetts.

What percentage of nursing homes in Massachusetts meet quality criteria?

Only 23% of nursing homes in Massachusetts meet the recommended quality criteria, which is below the national average of 31%. This statistic highlights a potential area for improvement in the state's nursing home care standards.

Which city in Massachusetts offers the best nursing home care?

Hingham is recognized as the best city in Massachusetts for nursing home care, likely due to its higher quality standards and better facilities. Residents in Hingham can expect superior services and care compared to other areas in the state.

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

The average cost of a private room in a nursing home in Massachusetts is approximately $12,000 per month, reflecting the high cost of care in the state. This figure is among the highest in the country, emphasizing the financial considerations families must take into account.