Cherokee County Health & Rehab Center has been named one of the best long-term care facilities in the country by Newsweek magazine, which has released America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026 rankings.
“We’re very pleased with this distinction because it lets people know what we do and how we work to make life better for our residents,” CCHRC Administrator Jennifer Cambron said.
Nursing homes are grouped by size and by state in the survey, with CCHRC, which has 185 beds, ranked No. 8 among the largest facilities in Alabama. Evaluations are based on performance data, peer recommendations, accreditations and resident satisfaction.
In addition to long-term care, CCHRC offers specialty care assisted living, in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation and memory care, as well as independent living apartments. Smaller facilities often refer residents to CCHRC for the specialized care it can provide, Cambron said.
While most residents at CCHRC are from Cherokee County and nearby areas, wider recognition of the services available has meant more interest from other states and regions, she said.
Last summer, CCHRC expanded its memory care unit, and in October, it opened the out-patient rehabilitation center in honor of longtime chaplain, the Rev. Melvyn Salter, who passed away last April.
“For out-patient rehab, we will provide transportation for those in the community who qualify,” Cambron said. “Many people don’t follow up with rehab because they’re unable to drive or they do not have access to a vehicle.”
Cherokee County Health & Rehab is one of more than 15,000 Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing homes in the United States, which serve a total of about 1.2 million residents.
“One of the most important decisions familiesface is choosing a trusted nursing home for themselves or a loved one,” Newsweek health-care editor Alexis Kayser said. “Whether the need is for day-to-day support, medical care or long-term recovery, finding the right facility can make a profound difference in health outcomes and overall quality of life.”
This year’s Newsweek listing includes the addition of vaccination rates as a quality measure, and the listing has increased the total number of facilities recognized. CCHRC also made the list in 2025.
The nursing home evaluations can help families make informed decisions about long-term care, the magazine said.
“The result is a state-by-state list of nursing homes that stood out for their commitment to safety, quality of care and resident well-being,” it said.
