Brain Trauma Residence Granted Approval In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Her son was 24, college educated, and working. And then one day he was struck by a car, suffering head injuries that changed his life and that of his family.

His mother, Karen Trowick, told the Bensalem Township Council that her son was in a nursing home and not a good one. But with the help of Delaware Valley Residential Care, he's now walking and talking again.

Her story at last month's council meeting along with facility tours by two council members helped Township Council grant preliminary final land development approval for a residential home for those who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries.

"This is a good thing in my opinion," Council President Edward Kisselback said.

Attorney Mike McGinness, speaking on behalf of DVRC, told the council that the medical care center on 875 Mill Road had received zoning approval for a special exception on 15 acres of property in which it is acquiring 8 acres with St. Valentine's Church retaining ownership.

"The church had been approached to develop the site but had financial hardships," McGinness said. "This is a good fit with the church and the church's mission. I want to commend the community, on Walnut Avenue in particular. This was 15 acres of undisturbed land. People are going to have some concerns because it's their backyard. Everyone has treated us with an incredible amount of grace and respect."

He said that DVRC provides services exclusively for traumatic brain injuries, people who have been in car accidents, wounded in combat in the military, or other life-changing events.

Residents are heavily screened and are a non-violent group. He said the plan is for DVRC to assist patients in integrating them into the community, helping them to find employment as well.

McGinness said the site is secured, with a security outpost at the entrance from Mill Road.

He added that there are five separate residential buildings with 90 beds and a community center.

The company has another facility in Warminster.

"DVRC is an owner-operated. They want to be a long-standing member of Bensalem community," he said, adding that the company would bring many high-paying jobs to the township.

There was no timetable mentioned as to when construction would begin or the facility would be completed.

Jessica Walker, DVRC's director of admissions, said families are first shown the specialized residential program and received medical and financial screening.

She said there are three private rooms for each townhouse with a kitchenette that can only be connected with staff supervision. She said staff really works for the patients to be able to do things for themselves.

Council Vice President Joseph Pilieri said he toured the Warminster facility and said "everything was first class, the patients were safe, the staff was safe. I got to see it firsthand. I didn't know if I was fully involved in the beginning."

Pilieri said that more needs to be done on the state level to help those with brain trauma.

Councilwoman Stacey Champion said she did the same, adding that she had a "very positive experience," and that the facility was "very clean."