Newsweek recently ranked Syracuse Home Health & Rehabilitation Center at McHarrie Life among the best nursing homes in the nation, according to Newsweek's 2026 list of "America's Best Nursing Homes."
The purpose of the rankings is to help families and individuals make informed decisions. In collaboration with the global data firm Statista, Newsweek recognized 1,200 facilities across 33 states for their exceptional dedication to quality care, safety, and residents' well-being. The facilities were ranked by state and in three tiers: 50-99 beds, 100-149 beds, and more than 150 beds.
It was the second consecutive year that Syracuse Home earned Newsweek's top ranking statewide. "We are honored to receive this recognition. Out of more than 600 programs across New York State, Syracuse Home is proud to be among only 13 facilities to earn this distinction," says Mark Murphy, Chief Executive Officer. "This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire professional team, who provide exceptional care and services to every resident we are privileged to serve—regardless of their ability to pay."
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the United States is home to more than 15,000 Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing homes, caring for approximately 1.2 million residents. With so many choices, finding the right facility can be overwhelming.
Newsweek's America's Best Nursing Homes 2026 highlights the nation's top 1,200 nursing homes out of 14,752 analyzed. Facility evaluations focused on four key areas: performance data, peer recommendations, accreditations, and resident satisfaction. Notably, performance data carries greater weight in 2026, reflecting the growing focus on clinical excellence.
The performance score focuses on three key components: staffing, quality measures, and health inspections. Staffing metrics include total hours worked, weekend staffing levels, and staff and administrator turnover rates. Quality measures cover both long-term and short-term care indicators, such as hospitalization rates, vaccination coverage, incidence of falls, use of catheters, pressure ulcers, and the percentage of residents needing assistance with daily activities.
The reputation score is based on a nationwide survey of healthcare professionals—including nurses, physicians, and administrators—who were asked to recommend nursing homes based on medical care quality, staffing, service offerings (such as dining and recreational activities), and overall accommodations and amenities.
Lastly, the resident satisfaction score is determined by Google reviews, with only facilities that have received at least 10 reviews included.
"This honor really speaks to the amazing people on our team—they treat every resident with the same care and kindness they'd give their own family," says Murphy.