Three Secrets of the Nation’s Highest-Ranked Nursing Homes

With so many variables to consider, owning and running a nursing home can be challenging, making it hard to achieve high marks for quality. Operators can rise to the top by adopting the following best practices, as identified in the 2025 Best Nursing Homes ratings by U.S. News & World Report.

The ranking recognized nearly 15,000 nursing homes in more than 1,600 cities across the country. So, how did they make it into the top 20%? Here are three of their secrets.

Retain staff

The best long-term care nursing homes have double the staff retention rate of those that are underperforming.

Employee benefits can be a highly effective recruitment and retention tool. With six generations currently in the workforce, top employers realize they need to provide a robust benefits package that will fit the needs of all.

For example, younger generations may find tuition reimbursement and a high-deductible health plan useful, while older generations may value a well-rounded health plan and retirement planning options.

Self-reliance

Top long-term care facilities seek to help residents be self-reliant for a longer period of time. The residents of highly ranked homes are on average 50% more likely to maintain the ability to perform self-care activities, such as feeding and bathing themselves, compared to residents of facilities rated below average.

Maintain health

Residents of the nation’s best facilities for long-term care are more than 60% less likely to require emergency department care compared to their counterparts at underperforming facilities.

In addition, anti-psychotic medicines are given to residents at a much lower rate (46% less) at the best nursing homes. These medicines have been known to worsen the resident’s behavior, according to Psychology Today.

An effective risk management program can help reduce problems such as slips, trips and falls, mental decline and inadequate hygiene, all of which are common health issues for nursing home patients, according to the National Institutes of Health. An advanced focus on avoiding injuries and illness can also serve as a strong retention tool for employees.

The operators of the top nursing homes are aware of these connections, and how such efforts can save money on insurance. In fact, the insurance market is highly competitive for well-run nursing home operators.

The experienced advisors at Oswald can help you evaluate and enhance your risk management protocols so your facility can become more competitive in the insurance marketplace. We’ll then help you determine which coverages best suit your needs.

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