CareRite marks Nursing Home Week with family-focused celebrations

By AI, Created 7:45 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – CareRite Centers celebrated National Nursing Home Week from May 11-15 across facilities in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Tennessee, honoring staff, residents and families with themed events and awards. The week capped with regional family events and the naming of Diane Ryabo as CareRite’s 2026 Professional of the Year.

Why it matters: - CareRite used National Nursing Home Week to spotlight staff retention, morale and family support across a multistate network. - The celebration also reinforced the company’s message that resident care depends on strong teams and engaged families. - The events reached thousands on social media and drew support from radio personalities and community members.

What happened: - CareRite Centers marked its 12th Annual National Nursing Home Week from May 11-15, 2026, across facilities in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Tennessee. - The theme was “Out of this World: We Are Family.” - Dr. Ashley Romano, Chief Experience Officer, said the week was meant to honor healthcare heroes and thank their families and loved ones. - Akiva Rudner, Chief Operating Officer, said the celebration highlighted the bonds among residents, patients, families and caregivers.

The details: - Monday, May 11: communities launched the week with commemorative T-shirts and caps, plus prizes including ZeroG Recliners and Starbucks gift cards. - Tuesday, May 12: resident events included fashion shows, senior proms and storytelling, along with caps, teddy bears and handwritten cards for residents. - Wednesday, May 13: CareRite launched a “Share Your World” music video contest and a “Most Out of this World Dish” culinary competition. - Wednesday also brought CareRite Kids Contest awards of $2,500, $1,000 and $500. - Thursday, May 14: Employee Appreciation Day included team photos, competition winners and prizes such as a $3,000 travel voucher and designer handbags. - Friday, May 15: the week ended with a Galactic Gala and final giveaways including Yeti Coolers, Pottery Barn prizes for CareRite Kids and virtual reality headsets. - CareRite also hosted regional Family Fun Events as a thank-you for team members and their families. - Each venue was rented exclusively for the events. - The Family Fun Event initiative is in its second consecutive year in Florida and Tennessee and its third consecutive year in New York and New Jersey. - The events recognized employees across nursing, rehabilitation, housekeeping, dietary, maintenance, therapeutic recreation, administration, concierge and other disciplines.

Between the lines: - CareRite is turning Nursing Home Week into a broader employee-recognition platform, not just a resident-facing celebration. - The company is also using family-oriented events to extend appreciation beyond the workplace and reinforce loyalty among frontline staff. - The repeated expansion of Family Fun Events suggests CareRite sees the program as part of its culture strategy.

What’s next: - CareRite said it plans to keep expanding opportunities that celebrate employees and their families. - The company will continue promoting its “Out of This World: We Are Family” message across its communities. - CareRite is also continuing its broader mission to invest in employee well-being, engagement and recognition. - One regional prize winner in each market received a mystery gaming console of their choice. - The New York and New Jersey event at Nickelodeon Universe at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, included extra family-focused prizes such as Amazon gift cards, Lego sets, Barbie dolls, high-tech appliances and Nintendo Switch consoles. - CareRite named Diane Ryabo, director of recreation at The Chateau at Brooklyn Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, as its 2026 Professional of the Year on May 17. - Ryabo received a $10,000 grand prize. - CareRite described Ryabo as a mentor and motivator known for professionalism, creativity, leadership and dedication to quality of life. - The company said Ryabo was nominated by peers, supervisors, residents and families.

The bottom line: - CareRite used National Nursing Home Week to celebrate its workforce, strengthen family ties and spotlight a culture of appreciation across its multistate senior care network.

More information is available on CareRite Centers’ website and its social channels on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.