The Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s Skilled Nursing Center, formerly known as the Edward J. Healey Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, has been recognized with three major national awards for its high standard of care.
The facility was named one of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025 by Newsweek, earned top honors from U.S. News & World Report for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, and received the 2024 Silver National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).
The center stands out not only for its accolades but also for the population it serves. With an average resident age of 65, many patients are younger than those typically found in long-term care and often face complex medical challenges such as traumatic injuries, strokes, or serious illnesses. Staff at the facility provide an average of five hours of nursing care per resident per day—well above the state and national averages, which hover just under four hours. Research consistently links higher staffing levels to better safety and outcomes for patients.
“It’s an honor to receive the Silver National Quality Award and be recognized by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s ‘Best Nursing Homes,’” said Darcy J. Davis, CEO of the Health Care District. “These distinctions reflect our team’s dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality care.”
Among America’s best nursing homes
The center has now been included in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Nursing Homes” list for six consecutive years. The publication evaluates nearly 15,000 facilities nationwide, using quality metrics like infection control, nurse staffing, inspection history, and appropriate use of medications.
Shelly-Ann Lau, Associate Vice President of the Health Care District and Administrator of the Skilled Nursing Center, emphasized the facility’s unique role in the local healthcare system. “Our center provides long- and short-term skilled nursing care for trauma patients and others who might not be served elsewhere. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to high-quality care for the residents and families who rely on us.”
The AHCA/NCAL Silver Award is part of a three-tiered national program that assesses long-term care facilities based on the Baldrige Performance Excellence framework. The Skilled Nursing Center is one of just nine facilities in Florida to receive Silver status this year, making it eligible to compete for the program’s highest honor: the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award.
The Newsweek distinction was awarded in partnership with Statista and is based on performance metrics, accreditation, resident satisfaction, and professional reputation.
