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here are more than 47 million americans age 65
and older today—and 14 more will reach that age in the
two minutes it takes you to read this. Taking good care
of aging family members is something we all want to get
right. But it’s not easy. In the U.S. today, the median cost of a private
room in a nursing home is more than $100,000 a year—a staggering
burden even for well-off families. Added to the undeniable financial
strain: the emotional and physical cost to caregivers, exorbitant in
its own way.
“Family care of frail elderly people has been linked to significant
negative consequences for caregivers’ mental health,” one study report-
ed, and “feelings of guilt are significantly related to caregiver distress.”
By 2030, the 65+ demographic will account for more than 20 percent
of U.S. residents, and studies say that 70 percent of them will need some
kind of long-term care. The oldest baby boomers are already in their
70s. In short, the need for safe and reliable elder care is only growing.
That’s why Newsweek partnered with the respected global data re-
search firm Statista Inc. to establish a ranking of Best Nursing Homes.
We analyzed over 15,000 nursing homes in the U.S. and have recog-
nized award winners in 20 states. In total, the state lists contain 406
unique nursing homes, from three in Missouri to 63 in New York. We
note which accept Medicare or Medicaid, and which offer continuing
care. The ranks 1–5 of each state are shown. Find the full list online at
http://www.newsweek.com/best-nursing-homes-2020.
Beloved elders deserve the best care their families can provide. We
hope the rankings here can help make these difficult decisions easier.
→ Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in ChiefBEST
NURSING
HOMES
2020
GETTYOCTOBER 18, 2019