Milford, PA — Authorities are investigating alleged medical neglect at a senior living facility in northeastern Pennsylvania after 15 residents were taken to area hospitals for evaluation, state police said.
The probe began Feb. 17 when the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Major Case Team, along with Pike County detectives and the Pike County Area Agency on Aging, responded to an anonymous tip alleging suspected medical neglect at Belle Reve Senior Living Facility in Milford Borough. The facility houses 83 residents.
Following initial assessments, 15 residents were transported to four hospitals for further medical evaluation: Bon Secours Community Hospital, Garnet Health Medical Center, Newton Medical Center and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono.
Heather Terhark, chief strategy officer for Viva Senior Living, which owns Belle Reve Senior Living, said only 11 patients were sent for medical evaluation.
According to a statement from state police, a multi-agency response was required due to the number of residents involved, including assistance from the Pike County Department of Public Safety Emergency Management and multiple fire and emergency medical services agencies.
As of Feb. 18, authorities said there were no known unmet needs among residents. The investigation remains ongoing.
Terhark released this statetement Wednesday evening:
We would like to provide additional clarity regarding the recent onsite Office of Aging visit at Belle Reve.
At no time was the community evacuated, nor were any neighborhoods units closed. Belle Reve remains open and fully operational. The county Office of Aging conducted a review. During that process, a limited number of residents from one neighborhood were temporarily transferred for medical evaluation.
The majority of those residents have already returned to their homes at Belle Reve, and the remaining residents continue to be supported appropriately. These evaluations were precautionary in nature and part of the review process.
Belle Reve is fully staffed and continues to provide care to all residents. Our team remains focused on delivering safe, compassionate, and attentive support every day.
We are cooperating fully with the appropriate the state agency and will continue to share verified information as it becomes available. Out of respect for resident privacy and ongoing processes, we are not able to comment on individual health matters.
Resident, Family Members and Employee safety, care, and well-being remain our highest priorities.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R, Blooming Grove Station, at 570-226-5718.
Image: Pennsylvania State Police, Pike County detectives and the Pike County Area Agency on Aging conducted an investigation of Belle Reve Senior Living Facility in Milford Borough after receiving an anonymous tip alleging medical neglect of residents. ( Belle Reve Senior Living Facebook page)