New leadership named for Milford Wellness, Polaris Healthcare

With 2022 projected to deliver more health and medical services to the innovative Milford Wellness Village, owner and operator Nationwide Healthcare Services recently announced new leadership for the growing campus in southern Delaware.

Alonzo “Lon” Kieffer joined the Nationwide team as executive director for the Milford Wellness Village. He ensures that all service partners located within the village work together to enhance the shared mission of delivering exceptional health, education and wellness services to the community. Kieffer has over 20 years of experience working in leadership positions within the healthcare industry, including skilled nursing facilities, independent and assisted-living facilities, rehab management and family caregiving. He was previously the executive director for a 400-acre continuing care retirement community in Maryland.

“I am proud to be part of a team that is revitalizing the healthcare continuum in the City of Milford and Delaware by addressing gaps in services,” Kieffer said. “The Milford Wellness Village is providing access to a full range of health services and specialists all at one conveniently located campus. We are growing every day, and building new health and wellness synergies throughout the region.”

Kieffer was the 2004 Delaware Healthcare Facilities Association Administrator of the Year and is a past gubernatorial appointee to the Delaware Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators, where he also served as board president for two terms. Kieffer is the founder of Defender of Caregivers, which focuses on the importance of the caregiver and decision maker in forging professional and personal relationships in the senior living industry. He holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the University of Baltimore.

“Lon is a tremendous leader in the health and wellness profession and has a distinguished background that will amplify our services and the high quality of care we provide throughout the Milford Wellness Village,” said Meir Gelley, Nationwide Healthcare Services CEO. “He is an exceptional addition who complements our entire team.”

Mona Boyer is the new general manager at the Milford Wellness Village. Boyer is responsible for ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment for current tenants, leasing available spaces, and working with contractors as they continue renovations across campus.

“I am excited about the positive impact the Milford Wellness Village will bring to the City of Milford and the community at large,” Boyer said. “I believe in taking care of our neighbors and a sense of community, and the village really takes care of the people in its community.”

Prior to joining the Nationwide team, Boyer managed facilities and operations for a medical provider with three locations serving Kent and Sussex counties. She holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Wesley College and a certificate in human resources management from the University of California-Santa Cruz.

Polaris Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center welcomes Karen Hurst as administrator. Hurst has made a career in healthcare management with experience across many fields in the industry. She was most recently the administrator for a 130-bed rehabilitation center and has also held leadership positions overseeing admissions, operations, billing and accounting. Hurst holds a bachelor’s degree in business health administration from Neumann University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Polaris also welcomes Ila Klinger as the facility’s director of nursing. A registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience in nursing, Klinger previously served as manager of clinical operations and director of nursing at a short- and long-term care services provider, overseeing clinical practice in 13 nursing centers. As part of her overall role to ensure each patient receives the quality care they need, she will oversee the new ventilator care unit, which is scheduled to open soon.

“We are thrilled to have Karen and Ila join our incredible Polaris staff who serve the community with the highest level of care,” said Gelley. “With our new expansion, they will help us welcome and care for more residents who need short- and long-term care in our state-of-the-art facility.”

Polaris opened in March 2020 with the Reserve, its phase 1 expansion, which offers 26 beds along with a state-of-the art rehabilitation gym and an activities of daily living occupational therapy suite. Phase 2, Riverwalk, is now open and adds an additional 60 beds. The facility has several dining rooms, activities spaces, and lounge areas. Coming soon is Spiritus, a ventilator care unit which is the first operation of its kind in southern and central Delaware. New admissions are currently being accepted at Polaris.

Milford Wellness Village, owned by Nationwide Healthcare Services, is an innovative, multi-use development initiative committed to delivering integrated health, education and other services to the City of Milford, and communities in Kent and Sussex counties. Coordinated services are provided by a select mix of like-minded organizations and tenants that equally share the desire to improve the health and well-being of area residents and reduce overall costs. 

Polaris Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center provides cutting-edge post-acute services, skilled nursing care and goal-oriented therapies in a homelike environment in Milford. As a proud member of Nationwide Healthcare Services, Polaris is committed to delivering the highest standards of post-hospital care to expedite recovery in an environment that is genuinely caring, while promoting dignity and respect.

To learn more, go to polarishealthcarerehab.com and milfordwellnessvillage.com.