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

Takeaways

Choosing a nursing home can be daunting, but rating systems like the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Homes of 2026 can serve as a starting point.
A thorough search requires looking beyond rankings to assess quality of care, staff consistency, and facility transparency.

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.

Last month, U.S. News & World Report 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 nine to 19 for short-term rehabilitation facilities and from eight 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.

Structuring Your Search for the Ideal Nursing Home

Phase 1: Prescreening and Vetting

Start by narrowing your list based on essential criteria before conducting any in-person visits.

Define your loved one’s needs. Determine the level of care required and the necessary financial structure (Medicare, Medicaid, private pay).
Filter your list according to ratings. Use the U.S. News and Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare rankings to eliminate any facilities with consistently low ratings or serious, recent violations.
Review each facility’s deficiencies. Thoroughly read the state’s inspection reports. Note the frequency and severity of deficiencies, paying special attention to those related to harm or abuse.

Phase 2: In-Person Visit and Observation

Once you have a shortlist of potential facilities, schedule an in-person visit. Ideally, make one planned visit and one unannounced visit.

Observe mealtime at the facility. This is a crucial time to assess the quality of food, the level of assistance residents receive, and the overall social environment.
Tour resident rooms if possible. Check for cleanliness, personalization, and a comfortable temperature. Note if call lights are answered promptly.
Interview key staff at the facility. Speak with the director of nursing, the administrator, and a few certified nursing assistants if you can. Ask specific questions about emergency protocols and staff-to-resident ratios on different shifts.

Phase 3: Final Decision and Contract Review

Before signing, ensure all logistical and legal elements are clear.

Review the admission contract. Carefully read the small print, especially regarding involuntary discharge policies, payment expectations, and any arbitration agreements. Consider having an elder law attorney review this document.
Conduct a trial stay (if applicable). If the resident is moving from a hospital or rehab, a short-term stay can serve as a trial run before committing to long-term residency.
Establish a communication plan. Before moving in, formalize a schedule for care conferences and set clear expectations for how and when the family will receive updates on your loved one’s health and well-being.

Resources to Use When Choosing a Nursing Home

Several nursing homes options may be available in your area, so choosing the right one may feel overwhelming. However, in addition to U.S. News & World Report’s annual nursing home ratings report, consider other rating systems to help you make a more informed decision.

Medicare’s Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home. This is a helpful booklet published by Medicare that explains what to ask, how to compare facilities, and where to find data.
State health departments. Many states maintain databases of nursing home inspection reports and licensing status.
Ombudsman programs. Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for residents’ rights and can suggest local nursing homes or help with complaints.
Local aging services agencies. Nonprofits, Area Agencies on Aging, or senior resource centers can guide families in touring and evaluating options.

Choosing a nursing home is an important personal choice, and what’s best depends on each individual’s needs, goals, and financial situation. After doing your research, start visiting your top choices. If you are looking for a nursing home or assisted living facility for yourself, bring a trusted friend or family member with you to provide an objective view of the facility.

Additional Reading

For additional reading on topics related to nursing homes and long-term care, check out the following articles: