Newsweek’s annual list has once again placed New York at the very top, this time for something very beautiful. Three nursing homes in the state have been recognized as the best in the entire country. They are The Jewish Home, Belair Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Jefferson’s Ferry. These three residences took the gold in their categories according to the size of the facility, and for many families this is a reliable, clear guide based on real data to decide where their loved ones can be cared for when they can no longer be cared for at home.
Quality is what is rewarded
The report America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 evaluates more than 1,200 residences in 33 different states, offering an analysis of all federal data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, opinions from medical professionals, official accreditations and satisfaction levels from the residents themselves.
So we could say this is the most reliable list so far!
The Jewish Home
The Jewish Home, in Brighton, has once again been crowned the best nursing home in New York among large centers (more than 150 beds). Second consecutive year.
With 362 certified beds and more than 100 years of history, this place functions like a community. Users have independent living, rehabilitation stays, long term care… all in the same environment, so residents do not have to “start from zero” if their needs change. They are also expanding facilities with apartments and new housing.
Belair Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
In the medium sized category (100–149 beds), Belair Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (in North Bellmore) also takes gold.
It has 102 certified beds and a very human approach. It offers rehabilitation, long term care, memory programs… Belair is not part of a large retirement community, but that does not diminish its merit. It has a very good reputation and its way of working has made it stand out above many larger centers.
Jefferson’s Ferry
Among the smaller centers (50–99 beds), Jefferson’s Ferry, in South Setauket, takes first place.
With 60 certified beds and an environment designed to promote autonomy and an active life for each user. It combines independent living, assisted living and memory programs.
What do these three centers have in common?
Although each one has its own style, they share several pillars:
- Person centered care.
- Trained staff and, above all, very committed.
- Spaces designed to adapt to every stage of aging.
- Humanity, professionalism and stability.
Things that, when you are looking for a residence for someone you love, matter more than a thousand brochures. You want experiences, you want trust.
Why does this recognition matter?
Leaving a family member in a nursing home is not an easy decision for anyone, and when you search, you try to find the one that best fits the person’s abilities, that inspires trust, that has good reviews. You want a place where dignity comes first, where people are treated well…
Having the distinction of being in the top 3 centers in the country is, in fact, very good publicity and a great help for those looking for a place.
New York at the forefront of elder care
This may seem unimportant to you, but the three best rated centers are in New York. This confirms that there is a high level of geriatric care and that no one is left behind.
With this recognition, they can attract investment, more residents and even push the country toward a much more respectful aging system in the rest of the states.