KIRKWOOD BY THE RIVER
3605 RATLIFF ROAD, BIRMINGHAM, AL, 35210 · 2059562184
Nursing HomeMedicare CertifiedUpdated 2026-05-20
3.0
★★★☆☆
Overall Rating
Health Inspection
4.0
Staffing
4.0
Quality Measures
1.0
61
Licensed Beds
4.0
Staffing Rating
Kirkwood by the River is a Medicare-certified nursing facility located at 3605 Ratliff Road in Birmingham, Alabama, within Jefferson County. The facility operates under non-profit corporate ownership and maintains a certified bed capacity of 61 beds.
CMS assigns Kirkwood by the River an overall star rating of 3 out of 5, which aligns with the national average of 3.0 stars. Individual domain ratings provide a more detailed picture of facility performance. The health inspection rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, indicating performance above the national average in survey outcomes. The staffing rating is also 4 out of 5 stars, reflecting above-average staffing levels relative to peer facilities nationwide. The quality measure rating, however, is 1 out of 5 stars, placing this facility below the national average on the clinical quality indicators tracked by CMS. These domain ratings are based on data collected through federal and state inspection surveys, staffing payroll records, and reported clinical outcome measures.
Kirkwood by the River is certified for Medicare participation. As a non-profit corporation, the facility may also participate in Medicaid, though prospective residents and their families are advised to contact the facility directly at (205) 956-2184 to confirm current accepted payment sources, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay arrangements. Coverage details and bed availability are subject to change and should be verified with facility administration.
When viewed in the context of national benchmarks, Kirkwood by the River presents a mixed profile. The overall 3-star rating matches the national average, while the health inspection and staffing ratings both exceed typical national performance. The quality measure rating of 1 star represents a notable area where the facility falls below average standards as measured by CMS. Individuals researching long-term care options in the Birmingham area may wish to review the full CMS Care Compare profile for this facility, which includes detailed inspection reports, staffing hours data, and specific quality measure breakdowns to support informed decision-making.
💼 Navigating costs for a loved one? Speak with an elder law attorney.Find one free →
About CMS Star Ratings
CMS assigns 1–5 star ratings to Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes based on three domains: health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. The overall rating is a weighted composite.
A 5-star overall rating does not guarantee excellence in every domain — inspect each sub-rating independently. Data is updated quarterly.
🚛 Planning a move for a family member? Senior relocation specialists.Get quotes →
Data sourced from CMS Care Compare. Last updated via nightly pipeline.