Since its debut in 2009, the annual U.S. News Best Nursing Homes analysis has served as a critical resource, providing trusted, data-driven insights to families – in consultation with their health care providers – seeking the best options for either short-term rehabilitation or comprehensive long-term care. A High Performance designation, the highest level of recognition offered by U.S. News, was awarded to Riverside Health & Rehabilitation for outstanding quality in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care.

U.S. News’ annual evaluation of nursing homes is highly selective, recognizing fewer than 19% of the evaluated U.S. nursing homes as “Best Nursing Homes” as part of the 2026 ratings. This designation is reserved only for facilities that satisfy U.S. News’ rigorous, proprietary assessment criteria demonstrating a consistent and superior commitment to quality patient and resident care.

“Our community is proud to be recognized in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care by U.S. News & World Report,” said Jesseca Letke, executive director at Riverside Health & Rehabilitation. “This distinction reflects the commitment and expertise our team brings to every resident and patient we have the privilege of serving. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who entrust us with their care. Thank you to each member of our team for all that you do to make our community a special place to be.”

For the 2026 edition, U.S. News evaluated nearly 15,000 nursing homes on patient and resident outcomes, such as hospital readmission rates; staffing levels; health inspection results and other indicators of quality.

“U.S. News’ annual Best Nursing Homes ratings are designed to place the needs of patients and residents at the center of the selection process, equipping families with reliable, fact-driven metrics when making crucial care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “We are proud to spotlight the nursing homes across the country that consistently demonstrate exceptional care quality and prioritize both the safety and long-term well-being of those they serve.”

The 2026 U.S. News Best Nursing Homes proprietary ratings feature a significant methodology update, expanding both the Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care ratings to include 17 distinct quality measures each, offering a comprehensive assessment.

For more information, visit USNews.com and explore #BestNursingHomes on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and X.

Missoula, Mont. (Nov. 20, 2019) – Riverside Health & Rehabilitation, a skilled nursing community located in Missoula, Mont., has been recognized as a 2019-20 Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in health care rankings, available at http://www.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes.

For the 2019-20 ratings, U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 15,000 homes nationwide, in every state and nearly 100 major metropolitan areas. This year, 2,969 nursing homes earned the designation of a U.S. News Best Nursing Home. The number of facilities that received a Short-Term Rehabilitation Rating was 13,683, while only 2,250 homes earned a High-Performing Rating. This year, the Short-Term Rehabilitation Ratings newly incorporate several measures of quality, including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing falls.

“For the aging population in America, a nursing home should meet the specific level of care based on the needs of each patient or resident,” said Kim Castro, editor and chief content officer of U.S. News. “The U.S. News Best Nursing Home ratings hone in on measurements like emergency room visits, quality of staff and proper distribution of medical and physical therapy to help families make an informed decision. These ratings help individuals and their families begin their search for senior care and should be used in consultation with a medical professional and in-depth on-site visits.”

Now in its 10^th year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes offer comprehensive information about care, safety, health inspections, staffing and more for almost all nursing homes in the country. With this tool, individuals can easily conduct a customized search for a highly rated nursing home by location, Medicare and Medicaid coverage, Alzheimer’s care and size. The Best Nursing Homes reflect U.S. News’ analysis of data collected and published by the federal government using a methodology defined by U.S. News that evaluates factors that U.S. News has determined most greatly impact patient and resident care, safety and outcomes.

“We are honored to receive a Best Nursing Home award by U.S. News for Short-Term Rehabilitation. Thank you to our hard-working and talented staff who take excellent care of patients and residents,” said Virginia B. Villemez, executive director at Riverside Health & Rehabilitation.

For more information, contact Riverside Health & Rehabilitation at 406-721-0680.

SOURCE: U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

MISSOULA, Mont. (June 8, 2016) – Riverside Health Care Center has been recognized as a 2016 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality National Quality Award for its outstanding performance in the health care profession. It is the only recipient in Missoula and one of three in the state of Montana. The award, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), highlights facilities across the nation that have demonstrated their intention to pursue a rigorous quality improvement system.

“A commitment to always improve the quality of care and quality of life for the residents and families we serve is what this award represents,” said AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers Chair, Christine Boldt. “This year’s recipients have demonstrated that commitment. I commend all of them for their hard work and dedication.”

Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is centered on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. The program assists providers of long term and post-acute care services in achieving their performance excellence goals.

The program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Facilities begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with essential performance elements such as vision and mission statements and an assessment of customers’ expectations. Bronze applicants must demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system. A team of trained Examiners reviews each Bronze application to determine if the facility has met the demands of the criteria. As a recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality award, West Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center may now move forward in developing approaches and achieving performance levels that meet the criteria required for the Silver – Achievement in Quality award.

The Association will announce the 2016 Silver – Achievement in Quality and Gold – Excellence in Quality Award recipients in the coming months. The National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: My InnerView, National Research Corporation; PointRight; Team TSI Corporation; and First Quality. The awards will be presented during AHCA/NCAL’s 67th Annual Convention and Exposition in Nashville, Tennessee, October 16-19, 2016.