Best Nursing Homes in New Jersey

240 of 696 nursing homes (34%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#13 of 50 states

240 recommended · 250 avoid · 192 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

240

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

240 recommended 30 caution 250 avoid

National Rank

#13

Above Average

Total Facilities

696

across 192 cities

Facilities to Avoid

250

194 Grade F

$26,298,656 in combined fines

Best City

North Bergen

100% recommended

State Average

3.3

CMS star rating

New Jersey vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between New Jersey and national averages
Metric New Jersey National Verdict
% Recommended 34% 31% ✓ Better
Average CMS Stars 3.3 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 New Jersey Reality

Nursing home care in New Jersey ranks 13th out of 50 states, indicating a relatively strong position in the national landscape of elder care. With 34% of the state's 696 facilities recommended, New Jersey surpasses the national average of 31%. However, the presence of 250 facilities that families are advised to avoid, along with 194 rated with an F-grade, raises concerns about the quality of care in certain locations. The total fines levied against nursing homes in the state amount to over $26 million, further underscoring the importance of careful consideration when selecting a facility for a loved one.

Despite these challenges, New Jersey does have standout options for families seeking quality nursing care. North Bergen shines as the best city, boasting a 100% recommendation rate, while the top-rated facility, Continuing Care at Lantern Hill in New Providence, holds a remarkable trust score of 95. These highlights provide hope for families navigating the often complex landscape of nursing home care. However, the presence of numerous facilities with F-grades and significant fines serves as a cautionary note, emphasizing the need for diligent research.

When searching for nursing home care in New Jersey, families should prioritize several key factors to ensure they make informed decisions. It is crucial to examine trust scores and star ratings, as these metrics provide insight into the quality of care and overall resident satisfaction. Additionally, families should check for any fines or violations associated with a facility, as this information can reveal underlying issues that may affect their loved ones' well-being. By focusing on these elements, families can navigate New Jersey's nursing home landscape more effectively and find the care that best meets their needs.

Quality Trend

Is New Jersey improving or declining?

2024
37%
2025
35%
2026
34%

New Jersey quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across New Jersey nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In New Jersey, 194 out of 696 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 250 facilities in New Jersey recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $26,298,656, New Jersey nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in New Jersey

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in New Jersey

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in North Bergen

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in North Bergen

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 New Jersey compare to neighboring states?

New Jersey ranks 13th nationally for nursing home care, which is relatively high compared to its neighboring states. For instance, New York and Pennsylvania have lower rankings, indicating that New Jersey offers better overall quality in nursing home services.

What percentage of nursing homes in New Jersey meet quality criteria?

Approximately 34% of nursing homes in New Jersey meet quality criteria, which is slightly above the national average of 31%. This indicates a strong emphasis on maintaining quality standards in the state's nursing facilities.

Which city in New Jersey offers the best nursing home care?

North Bergen is recognized as the city in New Jersey that offers the best nursing home care, likely due to its combination of quality facilities and services. Residents and families often praise the care and attention provided in this area.

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

The cost of a private room in a New Jersey nursing home averages around $12,000 per month. This expense can vary based on location and facility quality, but it reflects the state's overall higher cost of living.