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Tara D’Andrea recognized by ACHCA as Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator for excellence in post-acute care leadership

ACHCA Announces 2026 National Award Recipients Honoring Excellence in Post-Acute Care Leadership

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Oriol Health Care is proud to share that the American College of Health Care Administrators has announced its 2026 national award recipients, recognizing leaders who exemplify excellence in post-acute and aging services.

Among this year’s honorees is Tara D’Andrea, MBA, NHA, FACHCA, Administrator of Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, who has been awarded the Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator Award.

👉 Read our full announcement:
https://www.oriolhealthcare.com/tara-dandrea-achca-award/

ACHCA’s annual awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing quality care across the post-acute and aging services continuum.

2026 ACHCA Award Highlights

The 2026 awards program includes recognition across multiple categories, including:

  • Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator Award
  • Distinguished Assisted Living Administrator Award
  • Distinguished Service Award
  • New Administrator Awards
  • Mentor and Education Awards
  • Public Service and Business Partner Awards
  • Chapter and District Achievement Awards

This year’s recipients represent leaders from across the country who are advancing excellence in care delivery, professional development, and industry leadership.

Notably, the Massachusetts Chapter of ACHCA was also recognized with a Chapter/District Award for its Group Membership Initiative, reflecting its commitment to strengthening professional engagement and impact within the field.

Award recipients will be formally recognized during the ACHCA 2026 Annual Convention & Expo, taking place April 20–23, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

Oriol Health Care extends its congratulations to all of the 2026 ACHCA award recipients for their contributions to advancing excellence in post-acute and aging services.

Tara D’Andrea, Administrator at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, recipient of the ACHCA Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator Award

Central Massachusetts Healthcare Leader Tara D’Andrea Earns National ACHCA Administrator Award

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Holden, MA — April 6, 2026 — Oriol Health Care is proud to announce that Tara D’Andrea, MBA, NHA, FACHCA, Administrator of Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, has been awarded the Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator Award by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA).

D’Andrea will be formally recognized at the ACHCA 2026 Annual Convention & Expo, taking place April 20–23, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

This prestigious national award recognizes an ACHCA Fellow who demonstrates the highest professional standards in post-acute and aging services leadership within the nursing home setting.

This recognition reflects not only D’Andrea’s leadership at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, but her distinguished career spanning more than two decades in post-acute and long-term care. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality outcomes, operational excellence, and building high-performing teams that prioritize both resident care and staff engagement.

At Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, D’Andrea has fostered a culture of clinical excellence, operational strength, and compassionate, person-centered care.

“On behalf of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators, we extend our sincere congratulations to Tara on receiving the Distinguished Administrator Award,” said David L. Bell, President of the Massachusetts Chapter of ACHCA. “This recognition reflects her outstanding leadership, dedication to excellence, and meaningful contributions to the field of healthcare administration.”

“Tara exemplifies the highest professional standards of nursing home administration through sustained leadership, resident-centered practice, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to quality in post-acute and aging services,” said Mark Prifogle, Chair of the American College of Health Care Administrators.

Under D’Andrea’s leadership, Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center has earned significant local and national recognition. The center has been named a 2026 Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report, earning honors for both Best Short-Term Rehabilitation and Best Long-Term Care. It has also received the 2026 Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights, placing it among the top-performing care providers nationwide, and has been named a 2026 Partner in Wound Care Excellence through its collaboration with Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care.

Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center is also accredited by The Joint Commission and recognized as Central Massachusetts’ only Post-Acute Care (PAC) Certified facility.

“Tara’s recognition at the national level reflects the strength of leadership at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center and across Oriol Health Care,” said Robert G. Oriol, CEO of Oriol Health Care. “Her ability to lead with both clinical excellence and compassion has had a lasting impact on our residents, families, and staff. This honor is incredibly well deserved.”

Beyond her role as Administrator at Holden Rehabilitation, D’Andrea serves as Director of Operations for Oriol Health Care, supporting excellence across the organization’s continuum of care.

Her recognition reflects a career dedicated to advancing quality, compassion, and excellence in post-acute care.

Our family taking care of yours.

About Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center

Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, part of the Oriol Health Care family, is a nationally recognized provider of post-acute and long-term care in Central Massachusetts. The center has been named a 2026 Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report for both Short-Term Rehabilitation and Best Long-Term Care and is accredited by The Joint Commission as the region’s only Post-Acute Care (PAC) Certified facility. Holden is also a 2026 Partner in Wound Care Excellence and a recipient of the 2026 Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights, reflecting its commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care.

About Oriol Health Care

Oriol Health Care is a family-owned and operated organization with over 60 years of experience delivering high-quality, compassionate care across Central Massachusetts. Through its Oriol 360° Continuum of Care, Oriol provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home health, private care, therapy services, and financial services to support individuals and families at every stage of care.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:

Angelique Harvey
Marketing & Community Outreach
Oriol Health Care & Affiliates
o 508-829-1213 | aharvey@oriolhealthcare.com

Nathan and David Oriol present the Oriol Foundation Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion to Mountview Middle School leadership in Holden Massachusetts.

Oriol Foundation Awards First Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion to Mountview Middle School

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New initiative supports inclusive education and accessibility for students with neurological differences in the Wachusett Region

Holden, MA — March 2026 — The Oriol Foundation is proud to announce that Mountview Middle School has been selected as the first recipient of its Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion, a new initiative designed to support inclusive and accessible environments for individuals with neurological differences.

Representatives from the Oriol Foundation, including David Oriol and Nathan Oriol, visited Mountview Middle School last week to present the award in person to school leadership, including Principal C. Erik Githmark and Assistant Principal Karen Hughes.

Mountview Middle School was selected for its thoughtful proposal supporting its Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) classrooms, which serve students with autism, trauma-related needs, and other emotional or neurological challenges. The grant will support the purchase of sensory tools such as fidgets, soft lighting, white noise machines, and other resources designed to help students regulate, reset, and successfully engage in both specialized and general education environments.

According to the application submitted by Assistant Principal Karen Hughes:

“Providing access to sensory tools helps reduce overstimulation, alleviate anxiety, and support students in remaining calm, focused, and engaged—allowing for fuller participation in the classroom and with their peers.”

The Oriol Foundation’s Accessibility Grant was created to help public-serving organizations across the Wachusett Region reduce barriers and promote meaningful participation for individuals living with neurological conditions.

“We are proud to recognize Mountview Middle School as the first recipient of this grant,” said David Oriol. “Their commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students truly reflects the spirit and purpose of this initiative. We are excited to support their efforts and see the positive impact this program will have.”

“This is a meaningful beginning for the Oriol Foundation,” said Nathan Oriol. “We are proud to launch this grant as the first of what we plan to be an annual initiative, supporting programs that promote inclusion and strengthen our communities.”

The award recognizes Mountview’s commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive, and innovative environments, aligning with the mission of the Oriol Foundation to strengthen communities through compassion, education, and support.

The Oriol Foundation looks forward to expanding this program in the years ahead, continuing to support schools and organizations committed to inclusion.

🎓 Scholarship Applications Now Open

In addition to this initiative, the Oriol Foundation continues to invest in the future of healthcare through its scholarship programs.

The Eugene L. Oriol Memorial Scholarships are currently accepting applications through April 15, 2026.

The Oriol Foundation is proud to offer two scholarship opportunities supporting individuals pursuing a future in healthcare:

Eugene L. Oriol Memorial Scholarship – Team Member

This scholarship supports current Oriol Health Care employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week who are looking to begin or advance their education in the nursing field.

👉 View scholarship details and application information:
https://www.oriolhealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Eugene-Oriol-Team-Scholarship-_2026.pdf

Eugene L. Oriol Memorial Scholarship – Community

This scholarship is available to graduating seniors from the Wachusett District towns, Boylston, or West Boylston who plan to pursue a degree in healthcare.

👉 View scholarship details and application information:
https://www.oriolhealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Eugene-Oriol-Community-Scholarship-_2026.pdf

💜 Supporting the next generation of caregivers and healthcare professionals in our community.

🔗 Learn More

For more information about the Oriol Foundation and its programs, visit:
https://www.oriolhealthcare.com/oriol-foundation/

2026 Customer Experience Award badge recognizing excellence in resident and family satisfaction

Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center Earns 2026 Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights

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West Boylston, MA — February 12, 2026 — Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center is proud to announce it has earned the 2026 Customer Experience Award™ from Activated Insights, a nationally recognized customer satisfaction firm serving long-term and post-acute care providers.

Based on interviews conducted over the past year, Oakdale ranked among the top 15% of care providers nationwide, earning recognition for excellence in the following service areas:

  • Professional Therapy Services

  • Admission Process

This achievement reflects Oakdale’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, coordinated care, supported by clear communication, strong clinical services, and a welcoming admission experience that helps residents and families feel confident from day one.

“It is our pleasure to congratulate Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center for their well-deserved achievement in winning the Customer Experience Award,” said Bud Meadows, CEO of Activated Insights. “It’s wonderful to see the hard work Oakdale is putting in to provide high-quality care — their effort isn’t going unnoticed.”

Throughout 2025, residents and families participated in confidential interviews conducted by Activated Insights. Feedback from these interviews was used to guide continuous improvement and strengthen the overall care experience.

“This recognition reflects the intentional work our team does every day — from welcoming families during the admission process to delivering high-quality therapy services that support recovery and independence,” said Jennifer Crowley, Administrator at Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center. “As part of the Oriol Health Care family of care, we take great pride in treating every resident with the same attention, respect, and compassion we would want for our own loved ones.”

Oakdale Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, located in West Boylston, Massachusetts, is part of Oriol Health Care, a family-owned organization serving Central Massachusetts for more than 60 years.

Our family taking care of yours.

2026 Customer Experience Award badge recognizing excellence in resident and family satisfaction

Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center Earns 2026 Customer Experience Award from Activated Insights

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Holden, MA — February 12, 2026 — Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center is proud to announce it has once again earned the 2026 Customer Experience Award™ from Activated Insights, a nationally recognized customer satisfaction firm serving long-term and post-acute care providers.

Based on a 12-month average of confidential resident and family interviews, Holden ranked among the top 15% of care providers nationwide.

Holden was recognized for excellence in the following service areas:

  • Cleanliness
  • Laundry Service
  • Dignity and Respect
  • Admission Process
  • Safety and Security

These recognitions reflect the daily work happening across departments — from the first welcome during admission to the ongoing care and support residents experience every day.

“It is our pleasure to congratulate Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center for their well-deserved achievement,” said Bud Meadows, CEO of Activated Insights. “This award reflects the hard work and dedication of their team in providing high-quality care and meaningful experiences.”

Throughout 2025, residents and families participated in confidential interviews conducted by Activated Insights. Feedback from these interviews helps guide continuous improvement and strengthen the overall care experience.

“While awards are an honor, what matters most is how our residents and families feel every day,” said Tara D’Andrea, Administrator at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center. “This recognition reflects the compassion, professionalism, and dedication of our team, and the trust families place in us to care for their loved ones with dignity, respect, and heart.”

Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center is part of Oriol Health Care, a family-owned organization serving Central Massachusetts for more than 60 years.

Award-winning care isn’t just measured — it’s felt. 💜
Our family taking care of yours.

Welcoming Jaime Greenwood, RN, Executive Director of Oriol Home Health and Oriol at Home

Oriol Health Care and Oriol Home Health Welcome Jaime Greenwood, RN, as Executive Director of Oriol Home Health and Oriol at Home

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Exterior of Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, recognized by U.S. News & World Report for Best Short-Term Rehabilitation and Best Long-Term Care in 2026

U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Nursing Homes Names Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center Among Best in Massachusetts

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Holden, MA – Feb. 2026 − Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center has been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, earning honors for Best Short-Term Rehabilitation and Best Long-Term Care.

Since its debut in 2009, the annual U.S. News Best Nursing Homes analysis has served as a critical resource, providing trusted, data-driven insights to families—often in consultation with their health care providers—who are seeking the best options for either short-term rehabilitation or comprehensive long-term care. A High Performance designation, the highest level of recognition offered by U.S. News, was awarded to Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center for outstanding quality in both Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care.

U.S. News’ annual evaluation of nursing homes is highly selective, recognizing fewer than 19% of the evaluated U.S. nursing homes as “Best Nursing Homes” as part of the 2026 ratings. This designation is reserved only for facilities that satisfy U.S. News’ rigorous, proprietary assessment criteria, demonstrating a consistent and superior commitment to quality patient and resident care.

“We are incredibly proud of our team for earning this recognition in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care,” said Tara D’Andrea, MBA, NHA, FACHCA, Administrator of Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center. “This honor reflects the dedication, compassion, and professionalism our staff bring to their work every day, as well as our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, personalized care to the individuals and families we serve.”

For the 2026 edition, U.S. News evaluated nearly 15,000 nursing homes on patient and resident outcomes, including hospital readmission rates, staffing levels, health inspection results, and other key indicators of quality.

“U.S. News’ annual Best Nursing Homes ratings are designed to place the needs of patients and residents at the center of the selection process, equipping families with reliable, fact-driven metrics when making crucial care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “We are proud to spotlight the nursing homes across the country that consistently demonstrate exceptional care quality and prioritize both the safety and long-term well-being of those they serve.”

The 2026 U.S. News Best Nursing Homes proprietary ratings feature a significant methodology update, expanding both the Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care ratings to include 17 distinct quality measures each, offering a comprehensive assessment.

For more information about Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center’s recognition, visit:
https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes/area/ma/holden-rehabilitation-nursing-center-225002

For more information, visit USNews.com and explore #BestNursingHomes on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and X.

About Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center
Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center is an award-winning skilled nursing and post-acute care facility serving Central Massachusetts. Part of the Oriol Health Care family, Holden offers short-term rehabilitation and long-term care delivered by an experienced, compassionate team committed to quality, dignity, and personalized care. For more than 60 years, Oriol Health Care has been proudly family-owned and operated, guided by the belief that exceptional care begins with treating every patient and resident like family.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

Oriol Foundation Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion — Together, we can create community moments that include and inspire.

Oriol Foundation Extends Deadline for Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion

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Holden, MA — November 10, 2025 — The Oriol Foundation has announced an extension of the application deadline for its first-ever Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion. Community organizations now have until Wednesday, December 17, 2025, to apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding to help make local events and programs more welcoming for individuals living with neurological conditions.

Following its recent Board meeting, the Foundation voted to extend the deadline to allow more nonprofits, schools, senior centers, and community groups time to plan and submit proposals.

“True inclusion doesn’t just happen — it takes purpose, compassion, and community. This grant helps make that possible — one event, one connection at a time,” said a representative of the Oriol Foundation.

About the Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion

The Oriol Foundation Accessibility Grant supports projects that reduce barriers and promote inclusivity in public spaces across the Wachusett Region, including Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling, Boylston, and West Boylston, Massachusetts.

Eligible projects may include:

  • Creating sensory-friendly or quiet spaces at public events

  • Adding adaptive communication tools such as visual supports or captioning

  • Providing staff or volunteer training in dementia care and neurodiversity awareness

The grant helps enhance accessibility for individuals living with:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Epilepsy, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, stroke recovery, and other neurological conditions.

Key Dates

  • New Application Deadline: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

  • Grant Recipients Announced: January 15, 2026

  • Program Funding Period: January 1 – December 31, 2026

How to Apply

📄 Download the Grant Flyer (PDF)
📝 Grant Application Form (PDF)
🌐 Learn More About the Oriol Foundation

Applications are open to public-serving organizations located in or actively serving the Wachusett Region.

Contact

For questions or assistance with the application process:

Angelique Harvey
Marketing & Community Outreach Specialist
Oriol Health Care & The Oriol Foundation
📞 508-829-1213 | 📧 aharvey@oriolhealthcare.com

2025 Best of Central Massachusetts Winner badge displayed on a clean white background with subtle purple gradient design accents.

Oriol Home Health Wins 2025 Best of Central Massachusetts Award for Home Health Care Services

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Oriol Foundation Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion — Together, we can create community moments that include and inspire.

Announcing the Oriol Foundation Accessibility Grant for Neurological Inclusion

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