St. Mary's Home of Erie has served seniors and their families in Erie for more than 130 years, with a long tradition of Catholic values and care through the Sisters of St. Joseph, though the facility's name and management may change soon because a sale to Hill Valley Health Care is expected. The community runs as a nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community and sits on a 34-acre campus with locations known as the East campus, Asbury Ridge, and the Carriage Homes at Asbury Ridge, providing a mix of independent living, personal care, assisted living, and skilled nursing services including around-the-clock supervision with doctors overseeing care for those who need it. Residents have different room choices, including private, shared, studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, with each space designed for comfort and safety; staff are trained to help residents move in and out of beds or wheelchairs and provide help 24 hours a day during emergencies. St. Mary's has a long history serving people with memory loss through the Gallagher Center, a secure unit set up specifically for residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, and the staff offer care for people with these conditions, along with other types of personal care, wound care, hospice services, and geriatric health needs. The community can serve up to 139 people in the licensed nursing facility and 131 people in the personal care home, though right now about 40 personal care beds are in use, and there's respite care, adult day services, and short-term rehabilitation available in case families need a break or someone needs special therapy after an illness or surgery.
Residents and their families can take part in a variety of programs, social activities, and outings, including games, recreation, and devotional events held in common indoor spaces or in the beautifully appointed chapel; people can spend time outdoors in pleasant courtyards and walk through scenic grounds on the large city block. St. Mary's also provides access to therapy services such as speech, occupational, physical, and respiratory therapy, with specialists working to help people heal and regain strength, and there's even on-site dialysis provided by DaVita for those who need it. Meals come prepared and served in a spacious country dining room with snacks available, and residents can use the beauty salon, barbershop, massage, podiatry, and reflexology services, or shop at the small gift store. The facility includes indoor gathering areas for chatting, as well as partnership, networking, and referral programs aimed at helping seniors get the right service and support they need to live with dignity and respect. Staff organize movement activities, and help is provided for people with diabetes, incontinence, or high-acuity medical needs, with additional support for those who may not be able to walk on their own. Floor plans suit different preferences, and the team welcomes tours so residents and families can see the environment before moving in.
The Gallagher Center offers a specialized setting with a homelike feel for people living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, creating a safe and comforting space for those needing memory care, while the general focus of the community remains on "loving to care," keeping family connections strong, and upholding the Catholic mission established by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The location of St. Mary's is convenient to stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and financial services. Due to years of financial loss, mostly from lower Medicaid reimbursements, the organization is making changes, but it continues to aim for a respectful, secure, and warm environment for seniors in Erie and their families as it has for well over a century.
