Pa. takes temporary control of Berks nursing home, 8 others

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania's Department of Health and other state agencies have come to the aid of nursing home residents in Berks and several surrounding counties.

Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine announced Wednesday that Skyline Healthcare can no longer fiscally operate Exeter Greens Care and Rehabilitation Center in Exeter Township and eight other homes in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties.

"We have installed temporary management at all nine facilities to ensure residents will continue to receive safe care," Levine said. "We are taking this action to ensure residents have continuity of care and their needs are met."

Levine said her department is working together with the state departments of aging and human services to ensure the residents' safety.

"Things will continue to operate. Staff will continue to come to work. Residents will continue to receive care," said Matthew Yarnell, president of the Service Employees International Union.

One woman who spoke with 69 News said she had a close friend who did not have a good experience while staying at Exeter Greens.

"None of his family was happy with his care there," said Mim Erb of Mt. Penn. "The only experience I've had with this facility, and it wasn't a particularly good experience."

Erb said she's not surprised the state stepped in.

"I think it might be a good idea for some change over here, whatever that may be, however that looks," she said.

Union officials said the state's move is not necessarily a precursor to closure.

"I think it speaks volumes to the challenge that the industry is under right now," explained Yarnell. "Over the last couple of years, we've seen all the big companies in Pennsylvania divest."

69 News did reach out to Exeter Greens' administrators, but they had no comment and deferred all inquiry to Skyline Heathcare.

The eight other homes identified by the state are:

• Doylestown Care and Rehabilitation Center, Bucks County;
• Lancaster Care and Rehabilitation Center, Lancaster County;
• Lansdale Care and Rehabilitation Center, Montgomery County;
• Phoenixville Care and Rehabilitation Center, Chester County;
• Rosemont Care and Rehabilitation Center, Delaware County;
• Stenton Care and Rehabilitation Center, Philadelphia;
• Willow Terrace, Philadelphia; and
• Wyndmoor Hills Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Montgomery County.

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Pa. takes temporary control of Berks nursing home, 8 others