SARASOTA, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2025) – Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was recognized among “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026” in national ratings released by Newsweek today.
Newsweek partnered with respected global data research firm Statista to review data from more than 15,000 Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing homes across the nation. This year’s list recognizes the top 1,200 nursing homes that stood out for their commitment to safety, quality of care and resident well-being.
Ranked by size and state, the “America’s Best Nursing Home – Florida” list spotlights Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center as the #1 nursing home in Sarasota County and among the best in the state, in the mid-size, 100- to 149-bed category.
“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,” Alexis Kayser, Newsweek’s healthcare editor, noted in today’s report. “We hope this ranking serves as a valuable tool in helping families make informed decisions about long-term care.”
Located at 5640 Rand Blvd., Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 120-bed facility that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation care for people recovering from surgery, injury or illness. Its multi-disciplinary team cares for approximately 100 residents around the clock, 365 days a year.
This year’s evaluation took into account CMS performance data for each nursing home that participates in Medicare or Medicaid, with an increased emphasis on clinical quality metrics. Nursing homes on the list achieved high scores across key indicators that included:
- Performance on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.
- Reputation/recommendations from peer experts on nursing homes offering the highest quality of care, staff training, and number of on-duty personnel.
- Resident satisfaction and 5-star ratings from residents and family members.
In addition to being nationally ranked by Newsweek, Sarasota Memorial’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has repeatedly been listed among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report and other independent quality rating organizations. Health systems and nursing facilities cannot opt out of these annual reviews or pay to be spotlighted on the lists.
Maria DeCarlo, vice president of Sarasota Memorial Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Services, said Sarasota Memorial’s Nursing & Rehabilitation Center plays an essential part in the safety-net care SMH provides.
“As the region’s only community-owned health system, SMH is honored to be recognized for its team’s dedicated service and support through the years,” she said. “Whether our patients and residents are with us for short-term rehabilitation or a long-term stay, our priority is to deliver the highest quality care in a compassionate and healing environment.”
Information & Referrals: For information, referrals or questions about Sarasota Memorial Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, please call 941-917-4950 or visit smh.com/rehab.
For a complete list and more information about Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes rankings, click here.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 2 million patient visits a year across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer, the community-owned health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, a rehabilitation hospital, behavioral health hospital, skilled nursing facility and comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices. Founded in 1925, SMH is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025 and encouraging community members to visit smh.com/100 throughout the year for centennial events and updates.