Looking for Long-Term Care? See the 2026 Best Nursing Homes

Realizing that you or a loved one needs to move into a nursing home can be stressful. Just the process of looking for the right facility can seem daunting. You want to make sure the facility you choose is a good place and will offer the necessary care, safety, and comfort.

Many factors come into play when searching for the right nursing home, such as staffing, quality of care, cost, and location. With all the factors to consider and all the options, it can be hard to choose. However, there are resources available, one of which is U.S. News & World Report’s annual nursing home ratings report.

U.S. News & World Report recently unveiled its Best Nursing Homes of 2026 ratings report, which analyzed data for nearly 15,000 nursing homes. For these rankings, U.S. News & World Report made their study more comprehensive by expanding their quality metrics from 9 to 19 for short-term rehabilitation facilities and from 8 to 17 for long-term care facilities.

Key Findings of the 2026 Report

Some of the key findings from the report include:

• Fewer than 19 percent of the nearly 15,000 facilities reviewed earned a “Best Nursing Home” designation in the categories of short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or both.
• On average, the top-rated nursing homes (those designated “Best”):
  • provide 20 percent more total staffing per resident per day than the national average
  • offer 80 percent more physical therapy per resident per day in their rehab units than the national average
  • achieve a 15 percent lower rate of hospitalizations among long-term residents compared with national norms
  • have a 33 percent lower rate of emergency room visits for rehab patients at the highest-performing skilled nursing facilities

Beyond the Rankings: Key Considerations When Looking for a Nursing Home

When looking for the nursing home that is the right fit for your loved one, consider rankings together with the following:

Resident-Centered Care and Quality of Life

Look beyond clinical metrics to assess the emotional and social environment of the facility. A top-tier nursing home prioritizes the residents’ individuality and dignity.

• Engagement and activity. Are there varied daily activities that cater to different interests? Is there evidence of genuine resident participation and enjoyment?
• Personalized schedules. Do residents have a choice in their daily routine, such as when they wake up, eat, or bathe, or is everything strictly scheduled by the facility?
• Integration with the community. Does the home foster connections with the local community, such as through volunteer programs, outings, or intergenerational visits?

Staff-Resident Interaction and Retention

The relationship between residents and staff is paramount. High staff retention often correlates with better quality of care.

• Observation of interaction. During a visit, observe how staff members speak to and interact with residents. Is the tone they use respectful, warm, and patient?
• Staff consistency. Ask about the facility’s staff turnover rates. A stable, familiar team of caregivers is crucial for building trust and ensuring consistent, quality care.
• Response time. Note how quickly and attentively staff respond to resident requests or calls for assistance.

Transparency and Communication

An excellent facility maintains open and proactive communication with residents and their families.

• Family involvement. Is the facility welcoming to family visits and participation in care planning?
• Grievance process. Is there a clear, accessible, and well-publicized process for residents or families to voice concerns without fear of retaliation?
• Financial clarity. Ensure that the billing and service agreements are transparent and easy to understand, outlining all potential costs and what is included in the daily rate.

If you would like to speak with an experienced elder law attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.