From staff reports
WRC Senior Services, with operations in Clarion, Brookville, New Bethlehem and Ridgway, and Penn Highlands Healthcare on Tuesday announced an integration plan.
The boards of directors of both organizations have signed a definitive agreement that would integrate WRC Senior Services into the Penn Highlands Healthcare system, a statement released by Penn Highlands said.
According to the release, the WRC Senior Services board of directors determined “Penn Highlands Healthcare would be a perfect partner to continue to provide care for seniors in the area.”
“Penn Highlands currently has two senior living communities, so they are very familiar with the senior living industry and what is best for aging adults, which is why we are excited for this affiliation.”
The affiliation with Penn Highlands Healthcare, anticipated to take effect in the fall, is designed to strengthen the delivery of health care services in the community and specifically to aging adults, the release said.
According to the statement, the boards’ key objectives that guided the search for a partner included:
• Continue the spirit of the mission, vision, and values of WRC Senior Services.
• Maintain and expand key programs to WRC Senior Services residents.
• Attract and retain high-quality staff members.
“Penn Highlands is committed to expand senior living care,” said Robert Ordiway, chairman of the Penn Highlands Healthcare board of directors.
“We are looking forward to the affiliation with WRC Senior Services as it will allow Penn Highlands Healthcare to better serve senior adults in Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, and Jefferson counties.”
Bruce Pierson, chair of the board of directors for WRC Senior Services, said, “Penn Highlands Healthcare not only knows community health care, but they know what aging adults need as they age.
“WRC Senior Services sees this affiliation to be a positive, not just to the organization and staff, but for the residents and their families, as well.”