With only a few small family farms remaining in Cumberland country, VibraLife has sought to build on the memories created on one. The Shepherdstown Road farmland in Mechanicsburg changed hands numerous times from the days of William Penn to its recent owners of VibraLife. When the land was a working farm it was a local stomping ground for many families housed under its roof–The Golden’s, The Wevodau’s, The Conrad’s, and The Macy’s–and all told tales of family gatherings, holiday traditions, and of living life in a simpler time. Family was number one and hard work was just a way of life. Hazel Golden Wevodau was the last family resident of the land. She was born in 1915 to Clarence and Elizabeth Golden and later married Nevin Wevodau. They later moved to her father’s farm where they raised four sons and grew larger with multiple grandchildren. Hazel’s grandson, Ed Wevodau, compiled an extensive family history of the farm; a history built on friendships, family, and appreciation of all of the modest pleasures in life. With Hazel’s passing in 1998, her grandson wished to share this wonderful family story with all of us. “A life worth remembering…”
And as these times changed, so did the local area. Farming was pushed to larger, more corporate farms and the Wevodau heirs decided to rezone and sell their land.
Our History in Mechanicsburg, PA
Brad Hollinger, born, raised, and still residing in Mechanicsburg, is the founder and CEO of The Hollinger Group as well as Vibra Healthcare. Both companies are based in Mechanicsburg and collaborated to develop the VibraLife project. One of Brad’s goals has always been to give back to the local community. VibraLife, situated on the Wevodau farm, has allowed him to achieve that goal. Construction began on the senior housing project in October of 2012.
VibraLife consists of two distinct levels of care. Vibra Rehabilitation Center is a 48-bed state-of-the-art, short-term skilled nursing rehabilitation center. Its focus will be short-term rehabilitation for orthopedic, cardiac, stroke, and other levels of acuity.
Affiliated with the best-in-class orthopedic, rehabilitation, and primary care physicians in the community, VibraLife provides individual care programs to return patients to the highest level of independence. Our large therapy gym is designed to take advantage of the latest equipment and technology, ensuring our patients receive the most advanced rehabilitation and restorative care possible. Some of our programs include orthopedic care, post-stroke rehabilitation, post-cardiac restorative care, diabetes management, pulmonary care, wound care, and pre-surgical/post-surgical care.
Patients thrive in VibraLife’s hotel-like atmosphere following an illness, injury, or surgery that requires them to reestablish the functional and physical skills necessary to regain their independence.
Vibra Senior Living is a 46-bed personal care community. Residents enjoy spacious apartments all with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. In addition to the spacious apartments, residents enjoy a library, multiple community rooms with fireplaces, a bistro, a salon offering hair styling, nails, and massage, and chef-prepared restaurant-style dining. VibraLife offers in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapies for its residents as well as local transportation, emergency call systems with 24-hour care and assistance, weekly housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance complimenting its secured living. Also, a variety of activities are scheduled daily and social outings planned.
Our goal at VibraLife is to meet each resident’s needs while maintaining the highest level of choice, dignity, privacy, respect, and individuality. Residents, family members, and VibraLife staff work together to develop a personalized plan that promotes mental stimulation and socialization.
The nearly 60,000 square foot building was designed with spacious interiors and soothing warm colors which blend well with the countryside it surrounds. Frequently, deer can be seen from its windows. Multiple fireplaces and stonework are featured throughout the building.
Giving back to our community is important. VibraLife has brought 100 new jobs to the area. Local vendors have been chosen and activities throughout include local churches, schools, and other community outreach.
Just like the farmland that VibraLife sits upon, a simpler way of life is found within to give its seniors peace of mind. VibraLife compliments the community by providing excellent care, ultimate customer service, and offering resources to return its residents and patients back to a Vibrant life.
Making a referral for the rehab is easy, either through a case manager or discharge planner at a local hospital or personal care facility, or even by a family member.
We offer tours to the community, and apartments are available for lease. Any questions about our rehabilitation center or senior living studio apartments can be directed to LaShawn Hall, Admissions Coordinator at 717-591-2100 or lhall@vibralifemc.com
