Allied Services Celebrates 5 Years of Transforming Senior Care in Luzerne County

PHOTO ID. Front row, left to right: Anthony Howe, Admissions Liaison, Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing; Helene George, MHA, NHA, Executive Administrator, Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing; Christine Ondish, LPN, PCHA, Administrator, Allied Services Meade Street Residence. Back row, left to right: Katie Borer, MS, RD, LDN, NHA, Assistant Administrator, Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing; Lori Karaska, Receptionist, Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing; Nicole Sworen, BS, CDM, Director of Dietary Operations; Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing.

Allied Services proudly celebrates five years of transforming senior care in Luzerne County, marking the anniversary of its acquisition of Little Flower Manor, St. Therese Residence, and St. Luke’s Villa from the Diocese of Scranton. Since the 2019 acquisition, Allied Services has invested millions of dollars into upgrading these facilities to meet the non-profit health system’s high standards of care and reputation for skilled nursing, personal care, independent living, and inpatient hospice care.

The investments have resulted in significant improvements to the infrastructure, equipment, and living spaces, offering residents a modern yet comfortable environment designed for the highest standard of care. Allied Services has ensured that, despite these extensive upgrades, these facilities remain accessible and affordable for families, continuing to offer not only private pay rates below the industry standard but also accepting Medicare and Medicaid products.

"Our mission from the beginning has been to transform these facilities into places where residents receive not only high-quality medical care but also compassionate, individualized attention," said James Cooney, HSE, NHA, Senior Vice President of Skilled Nursing Operations at Allied Services. "This milestone reflects our deep commitment to that mission and the millions we've invested in making these facilities the best in Luzerne County."

Facility Enhancements

Since 2019, Allied Services has undertaken multiple large-scale infrastructure projects reinvesting in our communities, our residents, and our staff.

• 2021: a new, state-of-the-art inpatient hospice center was opened on the Meade Street campus, providing a peaceful, welcoming and supportive environment for patients and their families.
• 2023: amid a large-scale remodeling project that resulted in an addition of 42 all-new, private skilled nursing rooms, a remodeled therapy gym, and upgraded indoor and outdoor communal spaces for residents, staff and families. A similarly extensive remodeling project wrapped up at Meade Street Skilled Nursing with remodeled patient rooms, nurse station, luxurious dining room and lobby
• 2024: Meade Street Residence underwent upgrades to its lobby area, garden cafe, dining room, movie theater, parlor, atrium, and other communal spaces.

The investments also extend to resources and technology, which further reinforces Allied Services commitment to high quality medical care such as piped-in high flow oxygen, a scarce resource at local nursing homes. This allows for the Certified Respiratory Therapist to provide tracheostomy care to those residing in the Wilkes-Barre community.

Despite investing millions in upgrades to its skilled nursing and personal care facilities in Wilkes-Barre, the non-profit health system remains committed to affordability. The organization continues to offer private pay rates below the industry standard and accepts Medicare, ensuring access to high-quality care.

Remodeled lobby at Meade Street Skilled Nursing.

Investment in Staff

From the outset, Allied Services retained 185 staff members from the Diocese of Scranton, and since then has doubled its workforce, now employing over 350 people across the 2 senior living communities in Wilkes-Barre.

Allied Services has made substantial investments in the System’s employees. In addition to multiple increases to hourly wages, both communities offer paid training to become a certified nurse aide. Understanding the importance of reinvesting in those committed to delivering quality care, free college education is offered to employees of the System. This dedication to professional development has translated to superior care and resident satisfaction. Meade Street Skilled Nursing and Center City Skilled Nursing earned the US News & World Report BEST Nursing Home accolade in 2023 and 2024.

"We know that our staff provides the foundation upon which our quality care is based, which is the reason we’ve focused on giving them the support they need to thrive," said James Cooney. "The pay raises and continuous training we’ve implemented have allowed us to attract and retain the most talented healthcare professionals."

Remodeled dining room at Center City Skilled Nursing.

A Vision for the Future

As Allied Services reflects on the past five years, it remains dedicated to continuing its investments in both facilities and staff while maintaining elements of the faith-based care previously offered by the Diocese. Future plans include further expansion of services and continued improvements to ensure residents receive the highest possible quality of care.

"We’re not stopping here," James Cooney said. "As we celebrate this anniversary, we look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to set the standard for senior care in Luzerne County."

Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Senior Living Communities

Center City Skilled Nursing - explore here

Meade Street Skilled Nursing - explore here

Meade Street Residence - explore here

Wilkes-Barre Hospice Center - explore here