Galesburg, IL – When a loved one can no longer live independently, the difficult decision must be made about the best alternative arrangement for care. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Nursing Home Checklist, it is important to ask each potential nursing home, “Is emergency transportation readily available?” When Shawnee Rose Care Center Administrator, Liza Dunn is posed with the question, she can now answer with a resounding, yes!

Recently, the Harrisburg facility purchased a well-equipped, wheelchair accessible van that will be used for resident’s medical appointments and activity outings. Dunn said, “Not being reliant on expensive ambulance services or public transportation will give Shawnee Rose residents an incredible new level of independence. It will be a tremendous asset.”

Shawnee Rose Care Center is one of nine nursing homes in Southern Illinois owned and operated by Peoria-based Petersen Health Care. According to Petersen’s Director of Marketing, Trish Stegall, “The purchase was essential. Whether it is a visit to the doctor’s office, the shopping mall or a quick trip to the ice cream parlor; affordable, safe transportation truly improves the lives of today’s senior citizens.”