The Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University has been named one of the Best Nursing Homes for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report. The facility received a High Performance designation, which is the highest level of recognition from U.S. News, for its quality in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
William A. Wertheim, MD, executive vice president of Stony Brook Medicine, commented on the achievement: “Achieving High Performance in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care reflects the skill, dedication and compassion of our entire Long Island State Veterans Home team. Their commitment ensures that veterans and their families can depend on Stony Brook for exceptional, reliable care,” he said. “We are proud to support a facility that upholds the highest standards in serving those who have served our nation.”
U.S. News’ annual evaluation is selective; less than 19 percent of nursing homes assessed across the United States receive a “Best Nursing Homes” distinction as part of its 2026 ratings. Facilities must meet strict assessment criteria based on patient outcomes, staffing levels, health inspection results, and other quality indicators.
Fred S. Sganga, executive director of the Long Island State Veterans Home, expressed appreciation for the recognition: “We are deeply honored that the Long Island State Veterans Home has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Homes in New York. This distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality and most compassionate care to our nation’s heroes,” he said. “Every day, our dedicated team strives to ensure that the men and women who have served our country receive the dignity, respect and support they so richly deserve. This recognition is a testament to their tireless efforts and to our mission of honoring veterans through exceptional care.”
For its 2026 edition, U.S. News evaluated nearly 15,000 nursing homes nationwide using updated methodology with expanded measures—17 each for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care—to provide comprehensive assessments.
Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News, explained: “U.S. News’ annual Best Nursing Homes ratings are designed to place the needs of patients and residents at the center of the selection process, equipping families with reliable, fact-driven metrics when making crucial care decisions,” he said. “We are proud to spotlight the nursing homes across the country that consistently demonstrate exceptional care quality and prioritize both the safety and long-term well-being of those they serve.”