Holden Nursing Home Inc in Holden, MA

Pros

• The staff were attentive and caring.
• Sherika was an exceptional primary aide who made a difference in care.
• The rehabilitation and nursing team helped the patient regain strength to go home.
• The facility is bright, clean, and pleasant.
• The doctors and nurse practitioners were amazing.
• The social activities schedule kept residents engaged and socially connected.
• CNAs were extremely kind and accommodating.

Cons

• The staff and facility are described as the worst place to bring a family member.
• The care is negligent, with patients experiencing life-threatening UTIs due to lack of cleaning and repeated hospitalizations.
• Some aides are rude, uncaring, and neglectful toward residents.
• There were instances where patients were left unattended for hours and call lights went unanswered.
• A theft occurred when a suction machine disappeared and was not properly returned, with staff deception.
• The facility has been criticized as not safe or trustworthy, with reviewers questioning if it should be shut down.
• One reviewer stated no stars and warned others not to send their loved ones to Holden Rehab.

Review

This community is best suited for families seeking short-term, outcome-oriented rehabilitation in a bright, well-maintained setting, with a strong emphasis on therapy and daily activity access. When a loved one is recovering from surgery, a fracture, or a period of acute illness, Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center often delivers capable physical and occupational therapy, attentive nursing oversight, and a hospitable environment that supports social engagement. Several reviews spotlight resilient therapists, responsive nurses, and aides who make meaningful progress possible. The facility's rooms, cleanliness, and a hospice-suite option add to its appeal for those prioritizing a composed, dignified rehabilitative experience.

At the same time, this is not a place to overlook potential day-to-day care risks for long-term or high-dependence needs. Alternatives should be considered for families prioritizing consistent, vigilant daily care with zero tolerance for missed assistance, delayed responses, or caregiver turnover. A number of reviews recount troubling experiences - staff not answering call bells, prolonged delays in basic care, and perceptions of neglect or indifference. Reports of theft, unexplained gaps in supervision, and arguments with administration contribute to a perception of variability in staff accountability. For families whose loved ones require steady, around-the-clock attentiveness, Holden may not meet those expectations consistently.

The strongest pros - expert rehab teams, caring nurses, and a facility that feels clean and welcoming - do stand out and can offset many concerns when the primary goal is short-term rehabilitation. Positive testimonials highlight Sherika and other aides who provide essential hands-on support, along with therapists who help patients regain mobility and confidence. The willingness of staff to engage in social activities and the presence of a robust therapy program are repeatedly cited as tangible benefits. When care is focused on getting someone well enough to return home or transition to a lower level of care, these elements can deliver meaningful, measurable progress.

Yet the cons cannot be dismissed, especially for families evaluating long-term placement. Several reviews describe inconsistent or unsatisfactory daily care, including slow responses to needs, uneven compassion among staff, and situations where basic comfort, sanitation, or safety appeared compromised. Incidents ranging from unattended medical concerns to alleged mismanagement and even theft have been reported, underscoring a pattern of harm that weighs heavily against relying on the facility for sustained, comprehensive daily care. Administration's response to problems is mixed in tone across accounts, with some families noting satisfactory follow-through and others feeling unheard or dismissed. This inconsistency is a decisive factor for decision-makers who cannot tolerate gaps in safety and dignity.

To make an informed choice, approach Holden with a practical, patient-centered plan. Visit with a concrete checklist: observe caregiver interactions during peak hours, inquire about staff-to-patient ratios on different shifts, ask how calls are triaged, and request examples of how concerns are escalated and resolved. Probe the hospice option if end-of-life planning is relevant, and verify whether private rooms are available and how they are managed in practice. Discuss discharge planning early - how therapy goals translate into home or alternate-care arrangements - and secure a clear point of contact for ongoing questions. If the family's priority is unwavering daily care quality, consider comparing Holden with peer facilities that consistently demonstrate low staff turnover and rigorous safety protocols.

In the end, Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center presents a practical mix of strengths and risks. It can be an excellent fit for short-term rehab when the patient benefits from proactive therapy, attentive nursing, and a pleasant, well-maintained environment. However, for families needing consistently responsive care around the clock, or for those with heightened sensitivity to neglect or safety lapses, alternatives should be seriously considered. The decision should rest on the intended level of daily support, the importance placed on rehabilitation momentum, and the ability to actively supervise care. With proper due diligence and clear expectations, Holden can be a strong component of a care plan; without that diligence, the risk of disengagement and dissatisfaction remains substantial.

This part of Holden, Massachusetts, offers a variety of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With several physicians and pharmacies within a short distance, accessing healthcare services is convenient. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes nearby, providing options for dining out or grabbing a quick bite to eat. Places of worship are easily accessible for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, there are parks where one can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. For more serious medical needs, there are hospitals within a few miles' radius. Public transportation at the Webster Square Station provides easy access to neighboring areas. Overall, this part of Holden offers a well-rounded community with essential services and recreational opportunities for seniors looking to make this their home.

Physicians

• Dr Baker (0.2 miles)
• West Boylston Family Medicine (2.8 miles)
• HB Eye Care Center (2.8 miles)
• Mass Lung & Allergy (3.6 miles)
• Lake View Court (3.7 miles)
• Saint Vincent Medical Group (3.7 miles)
• Fallon Clinic (4.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (5.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.4 miles)

Restaurants

• O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar (3.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.7 miles)
• McDonald's (4.9 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (5.1 miles)
• Wendy's (5.4 miles)
• The Boynton (5.8 miles)
• Nancy Chang (6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Our Lady of The Rosary Rectory & Main Number (3.9 miles)
• St Spyridon Cathedral Special Events Committee (5.9 miles)
• St Andrew the Apostle Mission (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (4.6 miles)
• Bean Counter (5.2 miles)
• Fuel America (5.6 miles)
• NU Cafe (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)
• Fuel America (6.5 miles)
• In House Coffee (6.6 miles)

Parks

• Elm Park (5.7 miles)
• Green Hill Park (5.8 miles)
• Beaver Brook Park (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• UMass Interventional Radiology (6 miles)
• Nahtm (6.1 miles)
• Worcester Recovery Center And Hospital (6.4 miles)
• St Vincent Hospital (6.4 miles)
• Saint Vincent Hospital (6.4 miles)
• U Mass Hospital (6.8 miles)
• UMass ACC (6.8 miles)

Transportation

• Webster Square Station (7.2 miles)