Scoring Methodology
How CareGrade™ Works
CareGrade™ doesn't just score — it explains how and why.
Click any category below to explore real-world examples.
01
Public Data Collected
We ingest data from CMS Medicare Care Compare, CDSS licensing, CDPH inspections, and public review platforms.
02
Six Categories Scored
Each community is evaluated across 6 weighted categories — every score is calculated from verifiable inputs, not opinion.
03
Missing Data Redistributed
If a community lacks data in a category, its weight is redistributed proportionally — so no community is unfairly penalized.
04
SeniorTrust™ Score Computed
The weighted composite becomes the SeniorTrust™ Score (0–100), which drives the CareGrade™ letter (A–D) — or "L" (Limited Information) when there isn't enough verified data to score fairly.
Explore the 6 Scoring Categories
Click any category to see how it's calculated — with a real-world example.
Care Quality
30% of SeniorScore™
For Skilled Nursing Facilities, derived from CMS Medicare health inspection ratings. For Assisted Living and RCFE types, scored using California CDSS/CCLD facility evaluation, deficiency reports, and enforcement history.
Staffing & Engagement
20% of SeniorScore™
Scored from CMS staffing data (SNF), regulatory activity history (RCFE), and review sentiment analysis. Recent activity weighted more heavily than historical. Positive signals: attentive staff, activities, engagement. Negative signals: understaffing, neglect, slow response. Cap: 70 without regulatory data, 60 with strong negatives.
Environment & Comfort
15% of SeniorScore™
Scored from environment data, amenity density, photos, review sentiment (clean/dirty, modern/outdated), CCLD environmental deficiency records, and pet policy. Cap: 80 without real data.
Reputation & Reviews
10% of SeniorScore™
Scored from Google rating, family satisfaction scores, and total review count. Google rating normalized to 0–100 scale. High review volume boosts confidence.
Affordability / Value
10% of SeniorScore™
For Skilled Nursing Facilities: value is based on Medicare/Medi-Cal coverage and clinical quality indicators rather than private pricing. Affordability is evaluated differently than private-pay communities — missing pricing is not a negative signal. For Assisted Living and other private-pay types: VALUE = Quality ÷ Price relative to local market median. High quality + high price can still score well. Low price alone does not equal high value — quality must support it.
Transparency & Trust
15% of SeniorScore™
Scored from verified data points: license number, CCLD records, website, address, phone, capacity, amenities, and pet policy. Each verified field contributes additively.
All examples above use representative data for illustration. Live communities show their actual calculated scores. Missing data is never penalized — weights are redistributed across available categories to ensure fair comparison. Built on publicly available data and proprietary scoring methodology.
CareGrade™ Letter GradesWhat Each Grade Really Means
Communities with enough verified data receive a letter from A to D based on their SeniorTrust™ Score. Those without enough information receive "L" — Limited Information — which is not a negative rating.
SeniorTrust™ Score
90–100
Exceptional — top-performing across verified data.
- Strong regulatory inspection history with few or no deficiencies.
- High staffing levels relative to resident needs.
- Consistently positive verified reviews from residents and families.
- Transparent pricing and comprehensive public information.
SeniorTrust™ Score
80–89
Solid — performs well with minor room for improvement.
- Generally clean inspections with only minor citations.
- Adequate staffing, though some variability may exist.
- Mostly positive reviews with occasional mixed feedback.
- Reasonably complete public data with minor gaps.
SeniorTrust™ Score
70–79
Fair — average performance with notable concerns.
- Multiple deficiencies or recent complaints on record.
- Staffing levels or turnover may be a concern.
- Mixed reviews — some families satisfied, others not.
- Limited or outdated public information in some areas.
SeniorTrust™ Score
Below 70
Significant Concerns — verified performance problems.
- Serious or repeated regulatory deficiencies, enforcement actions, or a revoked/inactive license.
- Poor verified reviews — patterns of complaints or low satisfaction.
- Backed by measured inspection, licensing, and review data — not guesswork.
- Communities can resolve a "D" by correcting the documented concerns on the public record.
SeniorTrust™ Score
No numeric score
Limited Information — not a negative rating.
- There is not yet enough verified regulatory or review data to score this community fairly.
- No numeric score is shown — a community is never graded down simply for missing data.
- The grade updates automatically once reliable information is collected.
- Families are encouraged to contact the community directly for details not yet on the public record.
Why a Community Might Receive a "D"
A "D" grade means we found serious, verified concerns — documented deficiencies, enforcement actions, or consistently poor reviews. Data-thin communities no longer receive a "D": they are marked "L" (Limited Information) until enough information exists to score them fairly.
Licensing Concerns
Expired, revoked, or inactive licenses, or a history of serious enforcement actions.
Poor Reviews
Recurring complaints or low satisfaction scores across verified review platforms.
Serious Deficiencies
Repeated or substantiated Type A citations, abuse indicators, or special-focus status.
Important: "L" (Limited Information) is not a penalty — it simply means there isn't enough verified data yet. Families can contact the community directly, and the grade is recalculated automatically as reliable data becomes available.
