Harrison House holds grand opening of rehabilitation center

"Wow! Are we really finished?" asked Harrison G. Saunders, director of physical sssets for Harrison Senior Living, during the grand opening ceremony at Harrison House of Georgetown June 21. This marked the completion of a two-year construction project with community members, residents, staff and those involved in the building of the new center all present to celebrate.

The grand opening ceremony began with a flag raising by Harrison House resident and veteran Clifford Fisher and five members of American Legion Post 28 from Oak Orchard. Residents, guests and staff proudly stood in the 90-degree heat during the procession of the United States and Delaware flags by the American Legion Color Guard and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Back inside people were entertained by guitarist Russell Ferrarra and given tours of the facility while enjoying cocktails and hors d’ouerves prepared by Harrison Senior Living chefs.

David Rementer, son of a Harrison House resident, provided an invocation to begin the ribbon cutting ceremony. Michael J. Jacobs, chief executive officer, and Harrison Saunders of Harrison Senior Living paid tribute to those involved in the two-year project, including everyone from the architect to the supervisor of housekeeping and also thanked the Harrison family. Jacobs also presented a special recognition to Dr. Beshard Helou, medical director of the facility, for his service and dedication to the facility.

Jacobs read a special tribute from the Delaware Senate initiated by Sen. Joseph W. Booth, R-Georgetown. The tribute marked the occasion and acknowledged the service Harrison House provides the community.
A ribbon cutting outside the doors to the rehabilitation center included Harrison Senior Living staff, Harrison family members, project leaders and members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce.

Harrison House of Georgetown answered the growing needs of Sussex County with this new rehabilitation center. The center includes new state-of-the-art machines and equipment, special bariactric rehabilitation equipment, and a private speech therapy room. Within the center a new full kitchen was built, as well as a washer and dryer and a full bathroom with a tub/shower combo and a standing shower to simulate a resident’s home and provide the most custom occupational therapy possible. Harrison House contracted with Genesis Rehab Services to provide the rehabilitative therapies in the new center.

The construction project also included 30 new beds, 12 in the new rehabilitation suite and eight private rooms with private baths, a unique feature in the industry. Additionally, a new activity and dining room and an outdoor patio with beautifully landscaped walking paths were added to the existing facility originally built in 1985.

For more than 25 years Harrison House of Georgetown has been providing quality care for Sussex County seniors. Providing a full range of health services including 24-hour skilled nursing care, IV therapies, Alzheimer’s/dementia care, respite/short-term accommodations, post-surgical care, hospice and comfort care, and outpatient therapies Harrison House meets the needs of the aging residents of Sussex County.

James P. and Katherine S. Harrison, R.N. founded Harrison Senior Living in 1972 when they built their first skilled nursing facility. Since then Harrison Senior Living has expanded to include five communities in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. With 40 years serving seniors, they provide diverse levels of care, from skilled care to assisted living to personal care and independent living. For more information go to www.HarrisonSeniorLiving.com.