U.S. News Unveils 2026 Best Nursing Homes Ratings
Expanded methodology provides comprehensive quality assessment for both post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care needs.
U.S. News & World Report has announced their 2026 Best Nursing Homes ratings, evaluating nearly 15,000 nursing homes across the country. This annual report highlights that less than 19% of these facilities are recognized as "Best Nursing Homes" in either "Short-Term Rehabilitation," "Long-Term Care," or both categories.
The ratings this year come with a significant update in methodology. The analysis now includes 17 distinct quality measures for both rehabilitation and long-term care facilities. These measures encompass quality in post-acute care, nurse staffing consistency, and patient-centered outcomes, providing parents and families profound insights into the quality of care offered.
Skilled nursing facilities play a vital role in both short-term recovery and long-term residency. These facilities assist with daily living activities, medication management, physical rehabilitation, and chronic disease management, ensuring that residents receive the support they need during recovery.
Since its first release in 2009, the Best Nursing Homes analysis from U.S. News has been a crucial resource for families seeking reliable and data-driven insights when choosing the right nursing options for loved ones.
"Selecting a nursing facility is one of the most significant healthcare decisions a family can make," states Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. "This year's ratings offer a more comprehensive assessment, with a broader portfolio of performance measures, helping families evaluate both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care facilities effectively."
Key Findings from the 2026 Best Nursing Homes Ratings:
- Providers of U.S. News Best Nursing Homes deliver 20% more overall staffing per resident daily compared to the national average.
- Leading skilled nursing facilities offer 80% more physical therapy sessions per resident each day than the national average.
- Top-rated nursing homes report a 15% lower hospitalization rate for long-term residents compared to the national average.
- High-performing skilled nursing facilities have a 33% reduced rate of emergency room visits for rehab patients compared to other facilities.
Note: These averages are compiled by U.S. News using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
In terms of metropolitan success, the following areas have the highest number of rated nursing homes:
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Chicago, IL
- Cincinnati, OH
- Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
- Denver, CO
- Detroit, MI
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
- New York, NY
- Orlando, FL
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Portland, OR
- Riverside-San Bernardino, CA
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco-Oakland, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL
- Washington, D.C.
For further information, families are encouraged to explore the complete ratings and updates provided annually.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a leading resource for journalism that helps consumers, citizens, and leaders make confident decisions across their lives. The organization has been a trusted source for over 90 years, offering independent reporting, unbiased rankings, and valuable consumer advice on various topics, including education, health, politics, economics, and personal finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes report?
The report evaluates nursing homes across the U.S. based on a newly updated methodology that considers several quality measures for both rehabilitation and long-term care.
How are the ratings determined?
The ratings are based on a variety of factors, including nurse staffing consistency, patient-centered outcomes, and various quality measures devised by U.S. News.
Why is the U.S. News report important for families?
It provides trusted insights and data, helping families make informed decisions about the best care for their loved ones in nursing facilities.
What improvements did the 2026 ratings introduce?
This year’s report has significantly expanded the methodology, adding more performance measures to assess quality better for both types of care.
What geographical areas are highlighted in the ratings?
The report lists metropolitan areas with the most high-rated nursing homes, which include cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco, among others.
