Jefferson’s Ferry Ranked #1 in New York by Newsweek and Named a 2026 “Best Nursing Home” by U.S. News & World Report

National Honors Spotlight Exceptional Quality, Resident Well-Being and Comprehensive Continuum of Care — Underscored by Extraordinary Demand

South Setauket, NY - Jefferson’s Ferry, Long Island’s first not-for-profit Life Plan Community, has earned two of the nation’s most respected senior living distinctions for 2026 - achievements that underscore its mission-driven commitment to exceptional care, safety, and vibrant community life for the rapidly growing population of adults aged 62 and older.

Jefferson’s Ferry, which offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and on-site clinical services all on one campus, was named #1 in New York State and #28 nationally in Newsweek’s 2026 America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities rankings.  This places the South Setauket living community among the top 1.5% of roughly 1,900 CCRCs nationwide. Only 330 communities in the country earned a place on the list.

Earlier in November, U.S. News & World Report recognized Jefferson’s Ferry as a Best Nursing Home for 2026, awarding a 5-out-of-5 Overall Rating and High Performing distinctions in both Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care — a rare dual designation achieved by only a fraction of the 86 New York nursing homes that earned a perfect overall rating. U.S. News evaluated nearly 15,000 facilities across the United States.

National Standout in Emotional Health: Resident Well-Being Far Exceeds Benchmarks, Depression Rates Among Nation’s Lowest

Among all measured quality indicators, one of the most striking is Jefferson’s Ferry’s exceptionally low rate of resident depression: a critical benchmark of overall well-being, engagement, and quality of life.

Only 1.9% of Jefferson’s Ferry residents showed signs of depression, compared with:

• 17.4% statewide, and
• 10.3% nationally.

This dramatic outperformance reflects Jefferson’s Ferry’s integrated wellness approach, campus vibrancy, and intentional community design - factors that directly enhance physical, emotional, and social health for older adults.  Jefferson’s Ferry also significantly exceeded staffing standards, providing 5 hours and 16 minutes of total nurse staffing per resident per day, far above both state and national averages. Health inspection performance was rated Above Average, reinforcing strong safety and regulatory compliance.

“These results speak to the compassionate, high-quality care our clinical teams deliver every day,” said Bob Caulfield, President & CEO of Jefferson’s Ferry. “Being recognized as a Best Nursing Home across both major categories — and outperforming national standards in resident well-being — is a powerful validation of our commitment to providing the dignity, safety, and quality of life that seniors deserve”

Newsweek Ranking Reflects Trusted Reputation and Exceptional Resident Experience

Newsweek’s ranking is based heavily on expert recommendations and the voices of residents, families, and visitors — the individuals most directly connected with a community’s culture, care environment, and service quality. Jefferson’s Ferry’s placement as #1 in New York and among the top 1.5% of all CCRCs nationwide reflects:

• Strong professional confidence among medical and administrative experts
• High satisfaction ratings from residents and resident acquaintances
• Positive visitor experiences

“This recognition reflects the heart of who we are — a community committed to quality, dignity, and exceptional living,” said Caulfield. “Ranking first in New York is a tremendous honor and a testament to the professionalism and compassion of our entire team.”

A Community in High Demand with a Transforming & Expanding Campus

Jefferson’s Ferry continues to experience record demand for Independent Living residences. All 12 new one-bedroom-with-den and two-bedroom-with-den apartments announced this fall were fully reserved prior to construction, and waitlists remain active for every Independent Living layout, especially larger floorplans.

These recognitions come as the organization advances its multi-million-dollar Journey Toward Renewal, a campus-wide transformation which continues to enhance the life-enriching environment for residents at every stage of their lives. Recent highlights include:

• 60 new independent living apartments added in previous phases
• Opening of The Grove, a Memory Support Neighborhood offering cutting-edge care for Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases
• Launch of Short-Term Respite Care services supporting Long Island caregivers, helping address the surge in demand and stress among family caregivers
• A revitalized Healthy Living Center and Fitness Center‍
• Upgraded Rehabilitation Therapy Center‍
• Renovated Assisted Living dining and common spaces
• Six distinct on-campus dining venues

Jefferson’s Ferry’s ongoing strength is backed by solid financial footing. In September, Fitch Ratings upgraded the organization to a BBB+ rating with a Stable Outlook, citing strong cash flow performance, a growing balance sheet, and consistently high occupancy—hallmarks of the community’s operational strength and long-term stability. With waitlists for all one-bedroom-with-den and larger apartments, Jefferson’s Ferry is committed to helping address the region’s urgent demand for high-quality living that blends independence, community, and care.

About Jefferson’s Ferry   www.jeffersonsferry.org

Jefferson’s Ferry is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community for active adults aged 62 and above, with Independent Living cottages and apartments, Assisted Living apartments, and a quality health care center all on one site.  A multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation project, “The Journey Toward Renewal,” has updated the life-enriching environment for residents at every stage of their life. Residents enjoy six distinct dining venues, an expansive Healthy Living Center and Fitness Center, and created a state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Therapy Center. Also new to Jefferson’s Ferry is “The Grove,” a Memory Support Neighborhood which provides a high quality of life and care for 20 residents diagnosed and living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

Jefferson’s Ferry offers exceptional living and amenities, including indoor pool, computer center, library, creative arts center, game room, walking paths, resident gardens, monarch waystations, recreational areas, and gazebos.  A mix of cultural excursions, civic activities, and a community of residents who help shape Jefferson’s Ferry’s future ensure a spirited and engaged lifestyle.  

The Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry enjoys a 5-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and was named a “Best Of” nursing home by U.S. News & World Report.  Jefferson’s Ferry has repeatedly earned the industrywide Community Choice Award for resident satisfaction and engagement and has been recognized with the Activated Insights Award (formerly known as Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award) for seven years running. FitchRatings has assigned Jefferson’s Ferry a stable outlook BBB+ bond rating.  Jefferson’s Ferry has consistently been voted Best Retirement Community, Best Nursing Home and Best Assisted Living on Long Island by The Long Island Press and has been recognized for Excellence by the Hauppauge Industrial Association’s Business Achievement Awards program.  

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