Drinkard Center Ranks No. 1 in Virginia

Westminster Canterbury's Lynchburg nursing home was named the top small nursing home in Virginia in Newsweek's 2027 list of America's Best Nursing Homes.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

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Westminster Canterbury's Drinkard Health Care Center, a nursing home in Lynchburg, Virginia, was named the No. 1 nursing home in the state among small facilities in Newsweek's 2027 list of America's Best Nursing Homes. The 80-bed center provides long-term care and short-term rehabilitation.

Why it matters

The recognition reflects Newsweek's assessment of quality of care, professional reputation and resident satisfaction, factors families often weigh when choosing a nursing home for a loved one. For Lynchburg residents, it offers a local benchmark for long-term and rehabilitative care options.

The Drinkard Health Care Center operates 80 beds and holds the top position among small Virginia nursing homes in Newsweek's 2027 ranking. The article does not disclose the individual scores behind the ranking or how many facilities were evaluated.

The players

Newsweek

Newsweek is a national news magazine and website that publishes annual rankings across a range of industries and services.

Westminster Canterbury

Westminster Canterbury is a nonprofit senior living community in Lynchburg, Virginia, operating several care facilities.

The details

Newsweek's 2027 list of America's Best Nursing Homes considered quality of care, professional reputation and resident satisfaction. Marianne Sanford, vice president of marketing and development at Westminster Canterbury, is associated with the recognition.

November 6, 2026: Article announcing the recognition published.

Market Landscape

Annual consumer rankings such as Newsweek's America's Best Nursing Homes list increasingly influence how families compare long-term care providers in a competitive senior living market. Facilities that earn top placements can differentiate themselves against regional rivals for residents and staff.

Families searching for a nursing home in the Lynchburg area can use the ranking as one reference point alongside on-site visits and state inspection records. Prospective residents should confirm bed availability and the services offered directly with the facility.

The takeaway

Rankings like Newsweek's can help narrow a search, but comparing facilities in person and reviewing their care services remains essential before choosing a nursing home. Families should weigh several factors beyond a single list.