** Two Rochester Nursing Homes Rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News

BREAKING: Two nursing homes in Rochester, Minnesota, have just been recognized as “high performing” in the latest 2026 Best Nursing Homes report by U.S. News and World Report. This prestigious designation highlights the exceptional quality of care provided at Mayo Clinic’s Charter House and Benedictine Madonna Towers.

As part of their annual rankings, U.S. News evaluated over 96 facilities across Minnesota, with only a select few achieving the “high performing” status for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. This year, the rankings are reported to be the most thorough to date, featuring a comprehensive array of performance measures that allow families to assess the quality of care more holistically.

U.S. News noted that high-performing nursing homes significantly outperform the national average in terms of staffing levels and physical therapy services provided per resident. Additionally, these facilities experience lower rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits, which is critical for families seeking quality care for their loved ones.

“This year’s Best Nursing Homes ratings are the most comprehensive yet,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “The expanded portfolio of performance measures offers families an even more holistic assessment of quality.”

Benedictine Madonna Towers has secured high-performing ratings for both short-term and long-term care, making it a standout choice for families in need of reliable nursing services. Meanwhile, Charter House is recognized for its excellence in short-term rehabilitation, but its long-term care rating is currently “not enough data to be rated.”

In stark contrast, other nursing homes in Olmsted County, including Samaritan Bethany, Edenbrook Rochester West, and Stewartville Care Center, have received “average” ratings in both categories. Notably, Rochester Rehabilitation and Living Center achieved an average rating for short-term care but could not be rated for long-term care due to insufficient data.

Beyond Rochester, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area is recognized as one of the top 20 regions in the nation for high-performing nursing homes, boasting 56 facilities that meet these rigorous standards.

The “high performing” designation is the highest rating a nursing home can achieve, with other classifications including average, below average, and not enough data to be rated. This information is vital for families making critical decisions about nursing care for their loved ones.

As the demand for quality nursing care continues to rise, this recent ranking serves as an urgent reminder for families in the Rochester area to consider these high-performing facilities for their loved ones’ care needs. The implications are profound, impacting not only the residents but also their families who seek peace of mind in knowing their loved ones are receiving the best care possible.

Stay tuned for more updates on nursing home ratings and how they affect your community.