Two Friendship Locations Recognized As America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2026
Friendship Health & Rehab North and Friendship Health & Rehab South have been honored as two of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 by Newsweek in partnership with global data-intelligence firm Statista. The recognition highlights facilities across the country that deliver outstanding care, exceptional resident satisfaction and strong reputational standing. The North campus is ranked among the top tier in Virginia for the 150+ bed size category and the South campus is ranked among the top in the 100-149 bed category.
“We are honored to be recognized again among the best nursing homes in the nation,” said Tashina Adams, Administrator at Friendship Health & Rehab North. “It is a tribute to our dedicated clinical teams, therapy staff, resident life coordinators and the families who entrust us with their loved ones.”
· Demographically, Virginia is a rapidly aging state: about 22.6% of Virginians are age 60 or older, placing the Commonwealth in the “aging society” category according to the University of Virginia’s Cooper Center.
· In Southwest Virginia — the region served by both campuses — the percentage of older adults is even higher (nearly 26% aged 60+). Cooper Center
· In this context, having two local facilities recognized nationally underscores Friendship’s commitment to excellence and gives families in our region added confidence when choosing long-term care close to home.
“In Southwest Virginia, families understandably want the best care close to home,” said Stacey Mulkey, Administrator of Friendship Health & Rehab South. “This award reinforces that we can meet and exceed national care standards right herein our region.”
· These awards validate the high standards of clinical care, therapy services, resident life, and family satisfaction at both campuses.
· For families in our region, it means access to nationally-recognized nursing care without leaving the region.
· For staff and leadership, this recognition supports ongoing investment in quality, staffing, training, resident outcomes and maintaining a culture of excellence.
About the Ranking
The “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026” ranking by Newsweek and Statista evaluated more than 14,700 nursing homes nationwide using four key pillars: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data, peer reputation, accreditation status, and resident/family satisfaction. For 2026, performance data carried greater weight, and new quality measures—including flu and pneumococcal vaccination rates—were added.
