Best Nursing Homes in New Mexico

20 of 136 nursing homes (15%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#52 of 50 states

20 recommended · 82 avoid · 33 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

20

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

20 recommended 2 caution 82 avoid

National Rank

#52

Below Average

Total Facilities

136

across 33 cities

Facilities to Avoid

82

66 Grade F

$7,343,918 in combined fines

Best City

Farmington

50% recommended

State Average

2.9

CMS star rating

New Mexico vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between New Mexico and national averages
Metric New Mexico National Verdict
% Recommended 15% 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 New Mexico Reality

Nursing home care in New Mexico presents a challenging landscape for families seeking quality support for their loved ones. Currently ranked 52nd among the 50 states, New Mexico significantly lags behind the national average, with only 15% of its nursing facilities recommended compared to the national average of 31%. This low recommendation rate raises concerns about the overall quality of care available in the state, highlighting the need for families to conduct thorough research before making decisions about long-term care options.

While there are some notable facilities and cities that stand out, such as Farmington, where 50% of nursing homes are recommended, the overall picture remains troubling. The state has 136 nursing homes, with a staggering 82 facilities marked as ones to avoid and 66 receiving an F grade. The total fines imposed on these facilities reach $7,343,918, reflecting serious issues that warrant caution. However, families can find solace in facilities like the South Valley Care Center LLC, which boasts a trust score of 90, suggesting a higher level of care and accountability among its staff and management.

For families navigating the difficult decision of choosing a nursing home in New Mexico, prioritizing certain criteria can make a significant difference. It is crucial to examine trust scores and star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as these metrics can provide insights into a facility's reputation and quality of care. Additionally, families should be vigilant in checking for any past fines or violations that may indicate systemic problems. By taking these steps, families can better ensure they select a facility that meets their loved ones' needs while avoiding the pitfalls of the state's underperforming nursing homes.

Quality Trend

Is New Mexico improving or declining?

2024
18%
2025
16%
2026
15%

New Mexico quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across New Mexico nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In New Mexico, 66 out of 136 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 82 facilities in New Mexico recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $7,343,918, New Mexico nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in New Mexico

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in New Mexico

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Farmington

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Farmington

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 Mexico compare to neighboring states?

New Mexico ranks 52nd nationally in nursing home quality, which is lower than many of its neighboring states like Texas and Colorado, where the care standards tend to be higher. This ranking reflects challenges in healthcare resources and facilities in the state compared to its peers.

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

Only 15% of nursing homes in New Mexico meet the recommended quality criteria, significantly below the national average of 31%. This indicates that there is a considerable need for improvement in the quality of care provided in these facilities.

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

Farmington is recognized as the best city in New Mexico for nursing home care, offering a higher standard of services compared to other areas in the state. This city has facilities that are more likely to meet quality care benchmarks and provide a better living environment for residents.

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

The cost of a private room in a New Mexico nursing home averages around $8,000 per month. This figure can vary based on the specific facility and level of care provided, making it essential for families to research their options.