Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc.

02/26/2026

Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. Rated as Best by U.S. News & World Report
2/24/2026 – Gardner, MA

Gardner-based - Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. providing non-profit care in 100 communities across 5 counties in Massachusetts, has been named in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Home Health as High Performing. The scoring of Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Medical Social Services and Home Health Aide care is based off star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS ) for both quality of patient care and patient/caregiver satisfaction.
“This incredible achievement reflects the skilled, compassionate care being delivered by our clinicians as well as the phenomenal mentoring and continuous process improvement and innovation embraced by our leadership team. “ shares Holly Chaffee, MSN, BSN, RN, President & CEO. “I am proud to lead an organization so relentlessly committed to the highest quality of care and service during incredibly challenging regulatory challenges and reimbursement shortfalls. Our success is critical for the healthcare system in Massachusetts and for the thousands of individuals we proudly serve.”

02/22/2026

Weather Alert: The Adult Day Health Program will be closed tomorrow due to inclement weather. Stay safe everyone!

02/05/2026

02/05/2026

Webster Dudley Oxford Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

2/2/26-Auburn, Ma.
The Webster Dudley Oxford Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting Monday evening at J. Anthony's Italian Grill in Auburn, Ma. Attendees enjoyed an evening of networking, important business updates from Chamber leadership, and a review of upcoming initiatives and events for 2026.
In attendance from Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. were Holly Chaffee, MSN, BSN, RN, President & CEO, Nancy Bouchard, Treasurer, Board of Directors, and Kristin Mattson, Chief Development & Clinical Care Transitions Officer.

02/03/2026

Adult Day Health Referrals Made Easy

Looking to refer someone to Adult Day Health services? We’re here to help! Our program provides nursing care, therapeutic services, meals, and engaging activities in a safe and supportive environment—giving participants quality care and caregivers peace of mind.

Scan the QR code to submit a referral or learn more about our services.
If you have questions, our team is happy to assist every step of the way.
Supporting health, independence, and community—one referral at a time.

01/30/2026

Veteran Benefits Q&A – You’re Invited!
Join us for a Veteran Benefits Q&A hosted in collaboration with the Gardner Veteran Outreach Center on February 3rd at 10:00 AM. This informative session will help veterans and their families better understand available benefits, eligibility, and how to get started.
Whether you’re already receiving benefits or just beginning to explore your options, this is a great opportunity to ask questions and connect with knowledgeable local resources. We look forward to welcoming our veterans and honoring their service.
When: February 3, 2026 at 10:00 am
Where: 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner MA 01440

01/15/2026

January 15, 2026

North Central MA Chamber of Commerce-Good Morning North Central Breakfast

The NCM Chamber of Commerce, led by President Roy Nascimento, held its Good Morning North Central MA networking breakfast event and program Thursday morning at the Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, Ma.
The well attended event featured speakers Jim Vander Hooven, President of Mount Wachusett Community College and Michele Brooks & Tricia Pistone of the NCM Transportation Management Agency ( TMA ). Attendees included area legislators and business leaders across a variety of industries.
Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. was represented by Ricardo Muchiutti, Chief Compliance & Quality Officer and Kristin Mattson, Chief Development & Clinical Care Transitions Officer.
Pictured:
Kristin, Roy Nascimento, and Ricardo

Theresa Thompson, Manager of Philanthropy & Community Engagement of Heywood Healthcare, Tom McGregor, EVP, Chief Lending Officer of GFA Federal Credit Union, Ricardo and Kristin

01/09/2026

January 9, 2026 - Home Health Care News Honors Holly Chaffee, MSN,BSN,RN, President & CEO

Home Health Care News ( HHCN ), a leading independent business publication providing news, analysis and commentary for the in-home care community has recognized Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc.'s President & CEO, Holly A. Chaffee as an Executive to Watch. "We are proud to highlight some of the most influential leaders in home health care today" states Morgan Gonzales, Associate Editor in Chief of HHCN.
The Executives to Watch report profiles key leaders who are shaping the future of home-based care and who bring a diverse blend of experience, innovation, and dedication to patient centered service. In spotlighting the vision of Executives to Watch, HHCN offers a window into the individuals setting the pace for the next era of home care.
"Being named a Home Health Care News Executive to Watch is an honor I share with my team" shares Chaffee. " Their leadership, innovation and dedication to patient care are the true reasons behind this recognition."

01/09/2026

January 8, 2026 – Gardner Mayor Inauguration Ceremony

The Inauguration Ceremony for Gardner Mayor Michael J. Nicholson was held in the Perry Auditorium at City Hall Thursday evening.
Ann Gobi, Ma. Director of Rural Affairs presided over the event, in which elected school committee and councilmen were sworn into office, as well as Mayor Nicholson. Area legislators and state officials, including
Joseph Early, Worcester County District Attorney, Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor, and Ma. State Representative Jon Zlotnik were in attendance.
Kasandra Zieniuk, Richard Eastham and Kristin Mattson from Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. attended the ceremony.

12/19/2025

December 16, 2025
Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. Named 2025 Community’s Choice Best of Central MA Finalist
Gardner, MA — Holly A. Chaffee, MSN, BSN, RN President & CEO of Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. was honored for the organization to receive recognition as a 2025 Community’s Choice -Best of Central MA finalist, an award determined entirely by votes from residents of Central Massachusetts. The Best of Central Mass Community’s Choice Awards celebrate local organizations and businesses across more than 160 categories that make a meaningful impact in the region by delivering exceptional services and experiences. “This recognition reflects the trust and support of our communities and highlights Care Central VNA & Hospice’s ongoing commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality home health, hospice, palliative care, and support services throughout Central Massachusetts, As a nonprofit healthcare provider with deep roots in the region, Care Central has long been dedicated to helping patients and families receive the care they need in the comfort of home.” Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. will celebrate 120 years of non-profit care and service in 2026 and is currently rated in both home care and hospice programs as a 5 Star agency for Patient and Caregiver Satisfaction.

12/18/2025

Celebrating Innovation in Serious Illness Communication
President and CEO of CCVNA Holly Chaffee is proud to announce, Ashley Petkis, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC and Eric Hackenson, DPT, PT for their collaborative work focused on improving how we navigate serious illness conversations with patients and families in the community setting.
Their project, “Can We Talk?”: A Community-Based Training to Improve Serious Illness Communication, centers on equipping clinicians with practical skills and confidence to engage in meaningful, patient-centered conversations about goals, values, and care preferences, when they matter most.
This work has been recognized with the Homecare Homebase 2025 Community Impact Award, highlighting its meaningful impact on patient care, clinician practice, and community engagement.
We are also excited to share that their manuscript will be published in January 2026 in Home Healthcare Now, further contributing to the national conversation on advancing serious illness communication in home-based care.
Congratulations to Ashley and Eric for this outstanding achievement and for exemplifying Care Central’s commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care.

12/10/2025

Care Central VNA & Hospice, Inc. Supports WDO Chamber Toy Drive

The Webster Dudley Oxford Chamber of Commerce held its annual Jingle All The Way holiday gathering and toy drive Tuesday evening at the Bison Den Grille & Bar of Nichols College.

Pictured are members of the WDO Chamber and CCVNA's Holly Chaffee and Kristin Mattson, as well as CCVNA Board of Directors member Nancy Bouchard of Webster Five Bank.