Best Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania

193 of 652 nursing homes (30%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#21 of 50 states

193 recommended · 277 avoid · 316 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

193

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

193 recommended 37 caution 277 avoid

National Rank

#21

Average

Total Facilities

652

across 316 cities

Facilities to Avoid

277

210 Grade F

$19,456,311 in combined fines

Best City

Easton

100% recommended

State Average

3.0

CMS star rating

Pennsylvania vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Pennsylvania and national averages
Metric Pennsylvania National Verdict
% Recommended 30% 31% ✗ Worse
Average CMS Stars 3.0 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 Pennsylvania Reality

Nursing home care in Pennsylvania presents a mixed picture for families seeking quality care for their loved ones. With a national rank of 21 out of 50 states, Pennsylvania falls slightly below the national average of 31% recommended facilities, with only 30% of its 652 nursing homes meeting this benchmark. Notably, there are 193 facilities recommended, but families should be aware that there are also 277 facilities identified as ones to avoid, including 210 that received F grades. These statistics highlight the importance of thorough research when selecting a nursing home.

Families exploring options in Pennsylvania will find some standout cities and facilities. Easton stands out with a remarkable 100% recommendation rate, indicating a strong local commitment to quality care. Among the top facilities, the Rehabilitation Center at Brethren Village LLC in Lancaster boasts a Trust Score of 95, reflecting high resident satisfaction and quality services. However, caution is warranted; the state has incurred a total of $19,456,311 in fines across facilities, which raises concerns about compliance and care standards in some locations. The average CMS star rating across Pennsylvania facilities is a modest 3.0, suggesting that while there are good options, many facilities may not meet higher quality expectations.

When searching for nursing home care in Pennsylvania, families should prioritize several key factors to ensure they choose a facility that aligns with their needs. Begin by reviewing the Trust Scores and CMS star ratings, as these metrics provide insight into resident satisfaction and quality of care. Additionally, it is essential to check for any recent fines or violations, as these can indicate potential issues within a facility. By focusing on recommended facilities and taking the time to visit and ask questions, families can make informed decisions that prioritize their loved one's well-being.

Quality Trend

Is Pennsylvania improving or declining?

2024
33%
2025
31%
2026
30%

Pennsylvania quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Pennsylvania nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In Pennsylvania, 210 out of 652 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 277 facilities in Pennsylvania recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $19,456,311, Pennsylvania nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Pennsylvania

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Easton

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Easton

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 Pennsylvania compare to neighboring states?

Pennsylvania ranks 21st nationally for nursing home care, which places it in the mid-range compared to its neighboring states. For instance, New York and New Jersey often rank higher in quality metrics, while Ohio and West Virginia tend to have lower rankings.

What percentage of nursing homes in Pennsylvania meet quality criteria?

Approximately 30% of nursing homes in Pennsylvania meet the recommended quality criteria, which is slightly below the national average of 31%. This indicates that while many facilities strive for high standards, there is room for improvement in the state.

Which city in Pennsylvania offers the best nursing home care?

Easton is recognized as the city in Pennsylvania that offers the best nursing home care, likely due to a combination of quality facilities and dedicated staff. This city stands out among others for its commitment to providing high-quality services to residents.

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

The cost of a private room in a Pennsylvania nursing home averages around $12,000 per year. This figure can vary significantly based on location and the specific amenities offered by individual facilities.