Each year, Newsweek publishes its list of America’s Best Nursing Homes in partnership with Statista. The rankings evaluate thousands of facilities nationwide and are widely used by families and healthcare professionals to identify top-performing nursing homes.
How Newsweek Selects Best Nursing Homes
The Newsweek ranking methodology combines multiple data sources:
- Peer recommendations: Surveys of healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, social workers, and nursing home administrators) who recommend facilities they would trust for their own family members
- Patient experience and quality indicators: CMS quality data including star ratings, staffing levels, and clinical outcome measures
- Accreditation and awards: Recognition from organizations like AHCA and The Joint Commission
What a Newsweek Ranking Means
Appearing on Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes list represents peer recognition from healthcare professionals who know the industry — not just government inspection data. It is particularly meaningful because it captures reputation among those who regularly place patients in skilled nursing facilities.
Scenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Herculaneum, MO was named one of America’s Best Nursing Homes by Newsweek in 2025 — a recognition of sustained clinical excellence in Jefferson County and the greater St. Louis area.
How to Use Newsweek Rankings When Choosing a Facility
Newsweek rankings are most useful as a shortlist tool. Use them to identify highly-regarded facilities in your region, then verify with:
- CMS Care Compare star ratings (especially staffing)
- An in-person tour
- The most recent health inspection report
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