Parties Discuss Sale of Personal Care Facility
At its meeting earlier today, the Board of Commissioners for the County of Lycoming announced the County’s intent to transfer ownership of The Meadows to Susquehanna Health (SH) through a pending real estate sale. The Meadows is a 35,000 square foot, 60-bed, personal care facility located adjacent to the County Farm on Warrensville Road.
On Aug, 1, 2008, a court order issued by Common Pleas Judge Richard Gray approved a request by the Park Home Board of Director’s to transfer The Meadows and 18 acres to Lycoming County for $4.5 million, the original 2002 sales price. The court-ordered transfer is anticipated to close early in 2009.
To assure the continuation of high quality care for the 51 residents currently residing at The Meadows, the County Commissioners expressed their preference that SH continue managing the Meadows. The sale will be finalized upon formal approval of the operating license transfer
to SH by the Department of Public Welfare, anticipated in the next few weeks. SH has managed the facility since 1999.
The intent is for SH to purchase the Meadows along with 5.6 acres for $4 million. The County will retain approximately 12.4 acres adjacent to the County Farm. A subdivision application has been filed with Loyalsock Township.
The County’s agreement with SH involves a non-binding letter of intent that was approved by both organizations. The letter of intent commits to continued accommodations for all current residents in accordance with their existing care plans. All current employees will be afforded the opportunity for employment with SH.
Future use of the Meadows will include allocating a portion of the facility as a local residence to active and retired Sisters of Christian Charity.
Final due diligence of the terms prescribed by the non-binding letter of intent will be completed by the respective administrative teams during the next few weeks. If a decision is made to proceed, the Susquehanna Health Board of Directors and the Lycoming County Commissioners must grant final approval.
Rebecca Burke, Chairperson for the Board of Commissioners, expressed satisfaction with the arrangement.
“The Commissioners’ aim is to accomplish a seamless transfer of the Meadows from the Park Home as directed by Judge Gray’s court order. Concurrently, we sought to ensure the residents of the Meadows will continue to receive top quality resident-centered care by
qualified and experienced administrators and staff. We are pleased that all staff who desire to transfer will be offered employment with the premier health care provider in our community.”
Steven P. Johnson, Susquehanna Health President & CEO, agreed the arrangement will satisfy the needs of current and future residents. He noted that, “Susquehanna Health has provided management services for The Meadows Personal Care Home since 1999 and all present residents
will continue to be cared for under existing service plans. Over time, however, some of the 60 licensed beds may be upgraded to meet the soon to be released assisted living regulations, while others will be reassigned for use as a local residence for active and retired Sisters of Christian Charity who now reside in the aging Divine Providence Hospital convent. “The facility will continue on the tax rolls,” Johnson noted.
Commissioner Ernie Larson pointed out that, “County citizens who qualify to reside in a personal care facility should continue to consider The Meadows.” Commissioner Jeff Wheeland added, “This is a win-win solution, the Park Home Board was given what they requested, and the County has assured the continuation of The Meadows personal care services without adding a tax burden to County citizens. Most importantly for the Meadows residents, the transition will be seamless.”