Brain injury rehab center opens in Harbeson

Officials celebrated the opening of PeachTree Health Group, a community-based brain injury rehabilitation center in Harbeson, with an Aug. 24 ribbon cutting and facility tour.

PeachTree Health Group President Jim O'Connor said the center’s goal is to improve the lives of people who have brain injuries so they can live with dignity. When the center opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, it will house 76 new residents, he said. 

O’Connor said the facility is the only 24-hour residential assisted-living center of its kind in the state, and it provides rehabilitation, recreational and socialization. All rooms are private apartment-style spaces, with refrigerators, microwaves and TVs, he said. 

Greg Rogerson, principal at J.G. Petrucci Company, which owns the facility and is landlord to PeachTree, said it has created 170 new jobs in Delaware. 

Also on hand to celebrate the opening of the rehabilitation center were U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. Through her experience with Delaware Health and Social Services and the Labor Department, Rochester said, she saw firsthand the need for such a facility and the jobs it creates.

“Seeing the manifestation of the work done by advocates and family fighting for care for those with traumatic brain injuries makes this a great, great day,” Rochester said.

Carper said as a boy riding his bike in Danville, Va., he hit a rock on the street, lost control of the bike and plowed headfirst into a parked car. Carper said he suffered a concussion and spent some time in the hospital. Although his injury wasn’t life-threatening, his parents were scared to death, he said, and worried about the long-lasting effects of a head injury. In Danville, there was no such facility to care for people with brain injuries, he added.

“You offer respect, a sense of belonging and relief for parents, grandparents or guardians of those seeking care here,” Carper said.

Patients with traumatic brain injuries and acquired brain injuries may seek treatment at PeachTree Health Group. Clinicians offer assistance dealing with the difficulties of the brain injury rehabilitation process, including aiding speech; providing occupational, educational and physical therapy; and offering counseling for patients and families.

Residents receive instructional assistance in daily living skills, behavioral management, cognitive therapy, community activities, and educational instruction and socialization. 

PeachTree Health Group is located at 26890 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Harbeson. Call 302-684-4002.