U.S. News & World Report Shares Comprehensive Nursing Home Rankings for 2026
The latest ratings for the Best Nursing Homes from U.S. News & World Report have been unveiled, establishing a new standard for evaluating nursing facilities across the country. Announced on November 13, 2025, this anticipated assessment includes nearly 15,000 nursing homes, out of which only about 19% have earned the prestigious 'Best Nursing Homes' designation, owing to their criteria of excellence in both 'Short-Term Rehabilitation' and 'Long-Term Care'.
U.S. News & World Report has revamped its methodology to enhance the quality assessment across its ratings. This year's edition encompasses an expanded range of quality measures—17 for short-term rehabilitation and 17 for long-term care—making the evaluation process more robust. Key achievements of top-rated nursing homes are reflected in their superior quality of care, including enhanced staffing levels and specialized rehabilitation programs.
Skilled nursing facilities play a critical role in the healthcare continuum, providing essential services that cater to both rehabilitation and long-term living needs. From managing daily activities to administering medications and aiding with physical rehabilitation, these homes focus on patient-centered care, necessary for both short recovery periods and extended residencies.
Ben Harder, the chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News, notes that the choice of a nursing facility can significantly impact family decisions, particularly for those in need of post-acute rehabilitation following surgeries, injuries, or strokes. The rating process now employs a more holistic approach, offering families comprehensive insights into the quality of care available for their loved ones.
Among the standout features highlighted in the 2026 ratings are the statistics demonstrating the advantages provided by the ranked nursing homes. Notably, U.S. News Best Nursing Homes have demonstrated:
These improvements are calculated based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, underpinning the credibility of the ratings. The cities with the highest concentration of Best Nursing Homes offer residents greater choice and access to exceptional care.
The leading metropolitan areas include Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Riverside-San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco-Oakland, Seattle, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and Washington, D.C.
As the population ages and the demand for quality nursing care rises, families seeking reliable resources can turn to U.S. News’ assessments. These ratings are not just statistical reports; they represent a commitment to informing families of the best care choices available. For those looking to assess nursing options for their loved ones or to compare facilities in their local area, the 2026 U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings provide a solid foundation upon which to base their decisions. The data-driven insights can help ensure that families choose facilities that align with their expectations for high-quality care and positive health outcomes. Families are encouraged to explore more on the U.S. News website and use social media tags, such as #BestNursingHomes, to engage with community discussions about nursing care.
U.S. News & World Report has revamped its methodology to enhance the quality assessment across its ratings. This year's edition encompasses an expanded range of quality measures—17 for short-term rehabilitation and 17 for long-term care—making the evaluation process more robust. Key achievements of top-rated nursing homes are reflected in their superior quality of care, including enhanced staffing levels and specialized rehabilitation programs.
Skilled nursing facilities play a critical role in the healthcare continuum, providing essential services that cater to both rehabilitation and long-term living needs. From managing daily activities to administering medications and aiding with physical rehabilitation, these homes focus on patient-centered care, necessary for both short recovery periods and extended residencies.
Ben Harder, the chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News, notes that the choice of a nursing facility can significantly impact family decisions, particularly for those in need of post-acute rehabilitation following surgeries, injuries, or strokes. The rating process now employs a more holistic approach, offering families comprehensive insights into the quality of care available for their loved ones.
Among the standout features highlighted in the 2026 ratings are the statistics demonstrating the advantages provided by the ranked nursing homes. Notably, U.S. News Best Nursing Homes have demonstrated:
- - A staggering 20% increase in total staffing per resident daily compared to the national norm.
- - A remarkable 80% rise in physical therapy services offered per resident each day among top performers.
- - A 15% decrease in hospitalization rates for long-term residents relative to the average.
- - For rehabilitation patients, a 33% reduction in emergency room visits is recorded at the highest-performing facilities, marking a substantial improvement in healthcare outcomes.
These improvements are calculated based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, underpinning the credibility of the ratings. The cities with the highest concentration of Best Nursing Homes offer residents greater choice and access to exceptional care.
The leading metropolitan areas include Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Riverside-San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco-Oakland, Seattle, Tampa-St. Petersburg, and Washington, D.C.
As the population ages and the demand for quality nursing care rises, families seeking reliable resources can turn to U.S. News’ assessments. These ratings are not just statistical reports; they represent a commitment to informing families of the best care choices available. For those looking to assess nursing options for their loved ones or to compare facilities in their local area, the 2026 U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings provide a solid foundation upon which to base their decisions. The data-driven insights can help ensure that families choose facilities that align with their expectations for high-quality care and positive health outcomes. Families are encouraged to explore more on the U.S. News website and use social media tags, such as #BestNursingHomes, to engage with community discussions about nursing care.
Topics Health）
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