Posted on

New Senior Center Brings Jobs to NE Philly, Supports Elderly in Community

More than 75 applicants and Councilman Bobby Henon attended NewCourtland’s job fair at the senior services organization’s new site in Northeast Philadelphia.  In addition to promoting job growth in the community, the NewCourtland LIFE Center at Roosevelt Plaza (Roosevelt Blvd. and Harbison Avenue) is the first of its kind in the Northeast and will provide comprehensive, community-based healthcare and services to help seniors live independently, in their own homes, for as long as they can.

“We are excited and happy to fill a need in the Northeast and to serve seniors at this new, convenient location,” said Mary Austin, NewCourtland’s Vice President of Health Services. “We are also gratified to provide employment opportunities to members of this great community.”

Applicants at the NewCourtland job fair

Applicants at the NewCourtland job fair

Job interviews took place onsite for the full and part-time, clinical and non-clinical positions available at the Center, which is scheduled to open on January 19.  Attendees also had the opportunity to receive a free chair massage and tour the brand new, 10,000 square-foot facility.

Positions are still available and those interested in pursuing a job at this facility can apply at www.NewCourtland.org.

Posted on

NewCourtland Life Center to Open at Roosevelt Plaza

Amador Roman meets the medical requirements of living in a nursing home. However the 83 year old retired cook prefers instead to remain in his apartment on Red Lion Road and get his daily medical attention and social needs met at a LIFE (Living Independently for Elders) Center. He is picked up each day at 8:00 a.m. and transported to the NewCourtland LIFE Center on Allegheny Ave. in North Philadelphia.

Until now, there has been no LIFE Center in Northeast Philadelphia but that situation will soon change. NewCourtland, which currently serves North and Northwest Philadelphia, was designated several months ago by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to also service low-income seniors through the LIFE program in the Northeast. The company has begun building out space for its new center in the Roosevelt Plaza at the Boulevard and Harbison Street in Mayfair, with plans to open by the end of the Fall.

Like NewCourtland’s LIFE Centers in North Philadelphia and Germantown, the new Northeast location will offer healthcare and supportive services to seniors who are 55 or older and in need of nursing home care but who, like Roman, prefer to remain in their own home.

Roman, a native of Puerto Rico who worked at the famous Palumbo’s night club in South Philadelphia for 22 years, says he loves the people and social activities at the center. He’s a whiz at the checker board! But he does look forward to a shorter commute once the Boulevard location opens.

“I am the first one they pick up in the morning and they make four or five stops on the way in,” he said. “It’s no problem, but going to a LIFE Center in the Northeast will be better.”

Amador Roman enjoys a game of checkers with a friend

Amador Roman enjoys a game of checkers with a friend

Healthcare services provided at the new LIFE Center will include: primary care; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; and scheduled care by specialists.

Supportive services will include: adult day services; programs and activities; meals; and counseling by social workers.

NewCourtland provides transportation to and from the Center and even to and from specialist appointments outside of the center, when needed. In addition, NewCourtland offers home care and will make home modifications to accommodate health-related issues.

NewCourtland had operated seven nursing homes in Philadelphia until 2011 when the company determined that more and more seniors wanted to remain in their homes and get their needs met in the community. So the company sold six of its seven nursing homes to focus more of its time, talent and resources on keeping seniors as independent as possible for as long as possible. Though for some frail seniors, a nursing home remains the best option, it costs the state significantly less to support seniors under the LIFE Center model.

The new Northeast LIFE Center will include 10,000 square feet on space.  Watch the Gazette for more information on a final date for the opening.

About NewCourtland Senior Services

NewCourtland Senior Services is a Philadelphia-based, non-profit organization that provides thousands of low-income seniors with affordable housing, healthcare, and supportive services which are customized to meet each individual’s unique needs. To learn more, visit NewCourtland.org or call 1-888-530-4913.