Trenton, NJ — Seven Central Jersey nursing homes received U.S. News & World Report’s highest rating in the 2026 Best Nursing Homes list, signaling a continued rebound in quality across the region following the pandemic, according to newly released rankings.
U.S. News named 20 New Jersey facilities “High Performing,” with Central Jersey accounting for a notable share of that group. The recognition reflects stronger nurse staffing, improved inspection results, and lower rates of hospital readmissions compared with state averages, industry reports show.
“These rankings shine a light on facilities delivering exceptional care, especially in short-term rehab where timely recovery can mean the difference between independence and decline,” said Keri N. Happe, an editor at U.S. News, in a statement announcing the 2026 list. “Central Jersey’s results show what’s possible with investment.”
What the rankings measure
U.S. News evaluates nursing homes on short-term rehabilitation and long-term care using a mix of federal data and quality indicators. The analysis draws heavily from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including staffing levels, outcomes like rehospitalizations and emergency department visits, health inspection results, and resident experience measures. The latest data reflect CMS updates through the fall of 2025.
Methodology details shared by U.S. News indicate nurse staffing carries significant weight in the ratings, alongside outcomes that reflect day-to-day care quality. Top-rated facilities also tend to report higher vaccination rates and lower turnover among direct-care staff, factors linked to stronger clinical outcomes.
Central Jersey standouts
Among the region’s recognized homes are CareOne at East Brunswick in Middlesex County and Merwick Care & Rehabilitation Center in Plainsboro, Mercer County—both noted for strong rehabilitation outcomes and consistent staffing. Other Central Jersey facilities on the list span Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Somerset and neighboring counties, reflecting broader improvement across suburban and semi-urban settings.
State data indicate the region has raised nurse hours per resident and reduced infection rates year over year—gains that helped lift ratings after pandemic-era declines. Overall, New Jersey’s average CMS star rating now sits slightly above the national mean, with Central Jersey outpacing the state’s broader performance, according to industry analyses.
Why it matters for families
With New Jersey’s senior population projected to keep growing through the decade, families face increasingly complex decisions—and rising costs. Private-pay nursing home care in the Garden State routinely tops $120,000 a year, according to recent cost-of-care surveys. Advocates say the U.S. News list, used alongside the federal Nursing Home Compare website and in-person visits, can help consumers weigh clinical quality against distance, availability, and price.
Experts recommend prioritizing facilities with steady on-site physician coverage, low staff turnover, and a documented track record on infection control. Families considering short-term rehab after a hospital stay should also ask about therapy hours, weekend services, and care transition planning to reduce readmissions.
Oversight and what’s next
New Jersey officials say the gains are welcome but uneven. “We’re proud of the progress, but challenges remain,” said state Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston in a statement. “High performers set the bar, and we’ll continue enforcing standards to protect our seniors.”
Regulators have increased unannounced inspections in recent years and pursued enforcement actions against chronically low-rated providers. The state comptroller’s office has also flagged financial and quality failures at some facilities, prompting ownership changes and corrective plans.
More change is coming. A federal staffing rule phased in through 2026 will raise baseline staffing expectations nationwide, a move supporters say will strengthen care but that operators warn will strain hiring in a tight labor market. Industry observers expect the new requirements—combined with public rankings—to intensify pressure on lagging facilities and may accelerate consolidation. High performers, meanwhile, often see a bump in referrals and occupancy when new rankings are released.
For now, Central Jersey’s results mark a clear shift from the pandemic nadir. The latest list validates improvements on staffing and outcomes while giving families a clearer roadmap at a pivotal moment for long-term care.
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