When veterans need long-term care or rehabilitation services, they deserve nothing less than excellence. In recognition of this commitment, three New York State Veterans Homes have been named among the best nursing homes in the state by U.S. News & World Report. This distinction reflects the dedication of staff, the quality of care provided, and the state's ongoing investment in supporting those who served our nation.

At Crestwood General, we recognize that quality healthcare extends across all settings, including long-term care facilities. This article explains what this recognition means, how these facilities earned it, and why it matters for veterans and their families.

What the Recognition Means

The New York State Veterans Homes at Batavia, Oxford, and St. Albans have each received the High-Performing designation from U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Nursing Homes analysis. This is the highest level of recognition offered by the publication and was awarded for outstanding quality in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or both.

Since its launch in 2009, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes evaluation has served as a trusted resource for families seeking quality care options. The assessment uses rigorous, data-driven criteria including:

State-conducted health inspections
Nursing staffing levels and expertise
Medical quality measures and patient outcomes
Infection control and safety protocols
Overall care consistency

Fewer than 19 percent of the more than 15,000 nursing homes evaluated nationwide earned this designation, making it a meaningful mark of excellence.

"The recognition of our Veterans homes as among the best health care facilities in New York is a tremendous accomplishment," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. "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."

For more information on nursing home quality ratings, visit the CMS Nursing Home Compare page.

Why Quality Long-Term Care Matters for Veterans

Veterans often have unique health needs shaped by their service. These may include:

Service-connected disabilities or injuries
Exposure-related health conditions
Mental health considerations, including PTSD
Age-related chronic conditions requiring specialized management

High-quality long-term care facilities address these needs through:

Staff trained in veteran-specific health concerns
Coordinated care with VA health systems
Respectful, dignified environments that honor military service
Comprehensive rehabilitation services for recovery and independence

"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 Ryan Ashe, State Health Department Director of Health Facilities Management. "We are proud of our mission to deliver the best we can for veterans and their families."

State Investment in Quality Care

The recognition of these Veterans Homes aligns with broader state efforts to strengthen long-term care across New York. Over the past four budget cycles, Governor Kathy Hochul has implemented the largest rate increases in two decades for hospitals, assisted living programs, and nursing homes.

Key investments in the FY27 Executive Budget include:

$750 million in new resources for critical services provided by hospitals and nursing homes
Support for healthcare training programs, tuition reimbursement, and loan repayment for healthcare workers
$3 million dedicated to increasing the number of nurses in qualifying nursing homes, particularly in rural areas

These investments, combined with the Department of Health's guidance and oversight, aim to ensure that New York's aging population, including veterans, receives high-quality, compassionate care.

Learn more about New York's healthcare workforce initiatives at the NYSDOH Workforce Development page.

What Sets These Veterans Homes Apart

Each of the three recognized facilities earned high marks across multiple evaluation categories:

New York State Veterans Home at Batavia

Located in western New York, this facility provides comprehensive skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and long-term residential support. Staff emphasize personalized care plans and family engagement.

"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 Administrator Larry Piselli. "This distinction reflects the dedication, professionalism and compassion our staff demonstrate every day in service to those who have served our nation."

New York State Veterans Home at Oxford

Serving central New York, this home offers specialized rehabilitation programs, memory care support, and veteran-centered activities designed to promote dignity and quality of life.

New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans

Located in Queens, this facility provides urban-accessible care with strong connections to VA medical centers and community resources, supporting veterans throughout the New York City metropolitan area.

Detailed rating information for each facility is available through the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes portal.

How Families Can Use These Ratings

Choosing a long-term care facility is a significant decision. The U.S. News ratings provide a starting point for research, but families should also consider:

Visiting facilities in person to observe care environments and staff interactions
Speaking with current residents and their families about their experiences
Reviewing state inspection reports for recent findings or corrective actions
Discussing specific care needs with healthcare providers to identify the best fit

The New York State Department of Health Nursing Home Information page offers additional resources for evaluating facilities, including inspection reports, complaint histories, and quality metrics.

Supporting Veterans Beyond Facility Care

Quality long-term care is one piece of a broader commitment to veteran well-being. New York State also offers:

Benefits counseling and assistance with VA claims
Transportation services to medical appointments
Mental health and substance use support programs
Community-based services that allow veterans to age in place when appropriate

For veterans and families seeking information about available services, the New York State Division of Veterans' Services provides comprehensive guidance and referrals.

Resources for Veterans and Families

If you are exploring long-term care options for a veteran:

For employers or organizations seeking documentation related to caregiver leave, workplace accommodations, or veteran health services, Crestwood General offers secure, HIPAA-compliant medical documentation services with physician review and fast delivery.

The Bottom Line

Quality long-term care is a promise we owe to those who served. The recognition of New York State Veterans Homes at Batavia, Oxford, and St. Albans by U.S. News & World Report reflects the hard work of dedicated staff, thoughtful state investment, and a commitment to honoring veterans through excellent care.

Key takeaways:
- Fewer than 19 percent of U.S. nursing homes earned the High-Performing designation in 2026
- New York's Veterans Homes were recognized for excellence in rehabilitation, long-term care, or both
- State investments in healthcare workforce and facility support strengthen quality across all settings
- Families should use ratings as one tool among many when selecting long-term care
- Veterans have access to specialized services designed to meet their unique needs

When we invest in quality care for veterans, we honor their service and uphold our shared values. For families navigating care decisions, trusted ratings, transparent information, and compassionate support can make a meaningful difference.

For more practical health guides, secure medical documentation services, or wellness resources, visit Crestwood General. Because when communities support those who served, everyone benefits from a culture of respect, dignity, and excellence in care.