LAKEHURST – Administrators, staff and clients recently celebrated the first year of operation of the Beacon of Life.
The former site of the LaBove Grande banquet hall that sits on the Route 70 and Union Avenue circle opened last year following its transformation into the Beacon of Life. That occasion was marked by a special grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony that featured Borough Mayor Harry Robbins and a variety of special guests.
The facility, based at 800 Route 70, serves as a senior daycare facility for residents in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Like its Monmouth County counterpart in Oceanport, the facility’s mission is to provide healthcare and social service choices for elders.
“It has been a lot of hard work but it has been well worth it and I try to thank everybody every day that works here and let them know how grateful I am. I hope that shows in all my meetings and conversations because you are all like family to me,” Operations Director Greg Pulley said.
The center was established to deliver PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) services. PACE is a nationally recognized program with over 160 organizations. Beacon of Life is the seventh operational PACE program in the state and its flagship site in Monmouth County has been operational for eight years.
Beacon of Life Regional Executive Director Bobbi Runyon joins Operations Director Greg Pulley and Director of Outreach and Engagement Monique Credle in cutting the cake to celebrate Beacon of Life’s first year of operation at their Lakehurst facility. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
The PACE model is centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of seniors with chronic care needs and their families to be served in the community whenever possible.
Beacon of Life President Dan Czermak noted that the facility follows PACE. “We help get a better quality of life for a generation that is now needing more long-term care services, and dignity that they want to maintain their home.”
“We have such a huge population of seniors in our area that really need good services and this wraps all the services around the medical, homecare, dietician, rehab under one roof – and help to their families, which is very important,” Czermak said
The facility’s program staff consists of medical doctors, nurses, social workers, a recreation director and aides as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Staff members also include dieticians, a home care supervisor, companions, certified home health aides, transportation drivers, a kitchen manager, marketing and enrollment, housekeeping, and other support services.
It also has a day center that offers breakfast, lunch, and daily activities. Some participants choose to accept services from their home, while some will be on site to partake in the daily activities offered and to visit with a provider, or meet with a Social Services director to assist with helping to set up Food Stamps, utility bill expenses and other needs.
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