New York State Veterans Homes Named Best in New York State by U.S. News & World Report
Veterans Homes Operated by Department of Health Recognized Among Best in New York State
Recognition Demonstrates Governor Hochul's Commitment to High-Quality Long-Term Care
Less Than 19 Percent of Facilities Nationwide Received this Recognition
View the 2026 Ratings Here
ALBANY, N.Y. (February 2, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health today announced that New York State Veterans Homes at Batavia, Oxford and St. Albans have been recognized among the best nursing homes in the state by U.S. News & World Report.
Since its debut in 2009, the annual U.S. News Best Nursing Homes analysis has served as a critical resource, providing trusted, data-driven insights to families – in consultation with their health care providers – seeking the best options for either short-term rehabilitation or long-term care. The High-Performing designation, the highest level of recognition offered by U.S. News, was awarded to the New York State Veterans Homes at Batavia, Oxford, and St. Albans for outstanding quality in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care or both.
"The recognition of our Veterans homes as among the best health care facilities in New York is a tremendous accomplishment," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "As a Navy veteran, I am deeply grateful knowing our veterans are in good hands. This achievement reflects the dedication of the staff who provide care and oversight every day. Their work represents the high-quality care we are committed to ensuring is available to all New Yorkers. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, nursing homes and other long term care settings across the state have received unprecedented support."
Support for New York State Nursing Homes
Over the past four budgets, Governor Hochul has made significant investments to support health care providers and Medicaid members by implementing the largest rate increases in 20 years for hospitals, assisted living programs and nursing homes.
In this year's Executive Budget, Governor Hochul has proposed additional investments to strengthen quality care for New Yorkers, including $750 million in new resources for critical services provided by the State's hospitals and nursing homes.
The FY27 Executive Budget also includes support for health care training programs, tuition reimbursement and loan repayment for health care workers, and $3 million to support an initiative aimed at increasing the number of nurses working in qualifying nursing homes, particularly in rural areas.
These investments, alongside the Department's guidance and oversight strive to make certain that the state's growing aging population receives high-quality care.
Best Nursing Homes 2026
U.S. News' annual evaluation of nursing homes is highly selective, recognizing fewer than 19 percent of the evaluated U.S. nursing homes as "Best Nursing Homes" as part of the 2026 ratings. This designation is reserved for facilities that meet U.S. News' rigorous, proprietary assessment criteria demonstrating a consistent commitment to quality patient and resident care. The ratings help inform patients, residents and families during the selection process of a long-term care facility.
The U.S. News & World Report determines Best Nursing Homes ratings using state-conducted health inspections, nursing staffing levels and medical quality measures. More than 15,000 nursing homes are evaluated based on care, safety, infection rates, staffing and health inspections.
New York State Veterans Homes
The New York State Veterans Homes at Batavia, Oxford and St. Albans are all operated by the New York State Department of Health. Each facility received exceptionally high marks in several areas including long-term care, staffing and health outcomes. Additional rating details for each Veterans Home can be found here:
"We are very proud of the staff in all of the Department's Veterans Homes who make high quality care and exceptional quality of life a reality for the residents and patients," said State Health Department Director of Health Facilities Management Ryan Ashe. "We are proud of our mission to deliver the best we can for veterans and their families."
"We are honored that the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia has received the U.S. News High-Performance designation, a meaningful recognition of our teams' unwavering commitment to high-quality care for our veterans," said Larry Piselli, the Administrator at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. "This distinction reflects the dedication, professionalism and compassion our staff demonstrate every day in service to those who have served our nation."
To learn more about the State's Veterans homes, visit here.
