Doctors Save Pocono Lutheran Village

East Stroudsburg, Monroe County - Pocono Lutheran Village Assisted Living Center in East Stroudsburg was scheduled to lose next month bus some doctors stepped in to keep it open and add some much needed new services. Resident Marry Ann Polipny smiled, "I'm really happy to be staying here. I really am. I'm excited."

She was devastated a few months ago when she learned the center would have to shut down. The operator said it was deep in debt and had to close. But then three doctors from Neurology Associates of Monroe County heard about the situation. Doctor Mahesh Chabria said, "It was extremely heartbreaking for us to see all these residents have to relocate again."

They decided to buy the place and told the residents and employees they can stay. Doctor James Kerrigan said, "It's important to have them stay here. They have been living here and they look at it as home and we'd like to have them continue to see it as home."

The doctors will rename the center Pocono Tranquil Gardens. They will add an Alzheimer's care facility. Monroe County doesn't have a dedicated Alzheimer's center now and the doctors say it is desperately needed. It will help patients stay closer to their families. Doctor Raj Katara said, "We want to make this a place where they feel rejuvenated. That the families and the patients connect with each other."

There is room for forty patients. They will get a place to live and specialized treatment. Patient can live here or visit as part of an adult day care program. "So that they could be both mentally and physically stimulated in this place," said Katara.

Pocono Tranquil Gardens is schedule to open in January. The place will need to hire some new staff but managers won't be taking applications until next month.