GERRY — A local nursing home ranks among the top nursing homes in America, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The publication named The Village, a Heritage rehabilitation and skilled nursing community in Gerry, as one of America’s best nursing homes for long-term care. The publication identified the best nursing homes for 2019-20 and also released the nursing home finder by ranking more than 15,000 homes across the nation.

Jeremy Rutter, Heritage vice president of skilled nursing operations, said the recognition was due to the hard work and dedication of the staff at The Village.

“The reason why (our staff) is here is because they love the residents,” Rutter said. “They’re here because of a calling, (and) that feeling permeates the organization. We do what’s right for the resident, first and foremost.”

The achievement of being recognized as one of the best nursing homes of 2019-20 is a reflection of the work going on each day, Rutter said.

“I’m proud of the staff here and I feel they are a representative of all the staff at Heritage Ministries, not just The Village,” he said. “Just like I tell my staff, every day we have the chance to prove if we are a top-notch facility or to disprove it. Heritage Ministries is a great organization-what we do is wonderful caring work. Our motto is ‘Caring is Our Calling,’ and I can’t stress how true that is.”