Meadows among America's best

HURON TWP. — For many reasons, which include the supreme care staff members provide to patients, a magazine with national readership bestowed a top honor on a local nursing home. The Meadows at Osborn Park recently found itself on a Newsweek list titled America's Best Nursing Homes 2026. An article highlighting the Meadows and all other recipients appeared in a magazine issue not too long ago. "One of the most important decisions families face is choosing a trusted nursing home for themselves or a loved one," according to the Newsweek article. "Whether the need is for day-to-day support, medical care or long-term recovery, finding the right facility can make a profound difference in health outcomes and overall quality of life." To qualify, nursing homes must meet four key pillars: • Performance indicators, such as data on staffing, quality measures and health inspections • Reputation score, through an online survey open to medical professionals, consisting of registered nurses, nursing home managers, licensed therapists and physicians • Accreditations through reputable organizations in meeting quality and safety standards • Resident satisfaction, which includes patients and their relatives' feedback Newsweek noted more than 15,000 U.S. nursing homes, collectively serving 1.2 million patients, could qualify for this honor. Yet only 1,200 across the nation received a mention by meeting all four pillars. During the past few years, the Huron-area living facility has received recognition from other entities for care staff members offer patients. But never before has it landed on a Newsweek list. "Getting this really puts us in elite company," said Bob Dennie, administrator at the Meadows. "It just goes to show that I have an unbelievable team here. We all work together toward a mission, which is to provide the best care we can provide to the citizens of Erie County." A true honor A few other nursing homes within the Register's coverage area also received this distinction: • Erie County: Ohio Veterans Home in Perkins Township • Huron County: Norwalk Memorial Home, The Willows at Willard, The Willows at Bellevue • Ottawa County Riverview Healthcare Campus in Oak Harbor What makes the Meadows stand out: It's the only nursing home in Erie County to receive this award in the category between 100 and 149 beds. The Meadows can care for up to 130 patients. Right now, the daily census hovers at about 121. Further separating the Meadows locally, it's one of a few nursing homes in Ohio run by a local government. No other exists in Erie County. Through the commissioners, Erie County finances the facility, which includes paying staff and covering costs for improvements. "I could not be prouder of our team of professionals that made this possible," said Erie County commissioner Pat Shenigo, who, throughout his nearly two-decade tenure in office, prioritized many facility makeovers to modernize living quarters and common areas. "Our investments in upgrading the entire facility certainly have made a beautiful transformation," Shenigo added. "But the dedication and caring of our patients and employees at the Meadows are the reasons we have been recognized as one of America's best." Donna Patrick, who today serves as the Meadows' nursing home director, began working at this facility 18 years ago. When she learned about this award, Patrick called it "one of the best recognitions ever." "This is such a tremendous honor and blessing, and I am proud to be able to serve here," Patrick said.