Stay-at-home senior care coming soon

VALLEY » A senior care provider based in Union County is in the process of opening a new facility here that will give those who wish to stay in their own homes a place to go for social, medical and life care activities.

Albright Care Services of Lewisburg officials said last week that their plans to open the facility in Valley are set to become a reality in the summer, depending on COVID-19 restrictions.

A special federal-state funded program that keeps seniors out of nursing homes and in their own homes, the proposed center in the Highlands Corporate Center

off Route 30 will be known as Living Independence for Elders (LIFE). Albright already operates similar facilities in Lancaster, Lycoming, and Lebanon counties.

This LIFE program is administered in specified local areas, supervised by the state’s Department of Human Services. Working with other agencies and organizations in the county, LIFE will operate for those qualified by age and income, according to Shaun Smith, executive director.

“The need for this service comes from giving people the opportunity to avoid going to a nursing care facility,” Smith said in a telephone interview Friday with members of the operational team. “It is made available to those who would qualify for an age-restricted living community, ages 55 and older.”

The process allows them to remain at home, living by themselves or family, while still receiving daily medical care or participating in social activities. Transportation is provided to and from the center.

Said team member LouAnn Shively, “there are folks in the community that may not require total, 24hour a day support. They can maintain themselves at home. Meanwhile the LIFE program provides activities at a central facility, as well as medical management and other services.”

There there is not only social life, activities and meals, but also a physician, therapists and social workers who work individually and in groups with the participant members, according to Albright information.

Smith explained that the idea for the center and the program began years ago

in the county, but was offered by another senior care provider. The effort was focused on the Coatesville community, but available for all residents. When the other provider stopped the service, participants began using the Albright facility in neighboring Lancaster County, he said.

“We are sure there is a need for this service in Chester County,” said Smith.

Albright Care Services is a faith-based, non-profit organization that opened its doors in 1916 as the United Evangelical Home. It now provides a number of different senior care services, including independent living, nursing care, and memory care.

For more information go to www.albrightcare.org or call 570-522-3880.