Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA Rural Development is investing more than $40 million in a new assisted living facility.
"Under Secretary Perdue's leadership, partnering to facilitate rural prosperity is a key priority," Hazlett said. "Access to quality health care services is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity in rural America."
LifeQuest, Inc. is using a $40 million USDA Community Facilities Program Direct Loan to construct 123 assisted living units – a 73-unit wing and a 50-unit wing, both attached to the existing nursing center in Quakertown. Funds will be also be used to renovate and expand the kitchen and dining area, renovate the Wing B nursing center to implement a 10-15 bed memory care unit, and convert the laundry facility into an activity room for the memory care residents.
The Quakertown project is part of the $1 billion-plus that USDA provided to rural communities across the country during fiscal year 2017. The loans are from the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program. They can be used to construct, expand or improve health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics and assisted-living facilities, as well as to purchase equipment. Public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized tribes in rural areas and towns with up to 20,000 people are eligible for these loans.
“This is the final day of our celebration of Rural Health Care Week in Pennsylvania so Ms. Hazlett’s visit and announcement of funding could not have come at a better time,” said Pennsylvania State Director for Rural Development Curt Coccodrilli. “With Rural Development’s help, the LifeQuest Nursing Center will add critical improvements to the nursing facility and we are happy to work with this company to provide a vital facility that will help seniors live healthier lives.”
Rural Americans from all walks of life benefit from USDA’s commitment to help deliver access to first-rate health care in their communities. The agency also provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.