Otterbein Homes acquires Pioneer Home Health Care

LEBANON – Dec. 14, 2009 – Otterbein Homes has acquired Pioneer Home Health Care, a Medicare-certified home health agency currently with operations in Wilmington and the surrounding area. Pioneer provides a new range of services for Otterbein, complementing the already strong independent senior services, outpatient capabilities and clinical facilities. Together, this wide array of services establishes one of the most extensive portfolios of independent care capabilities in the state.

Pioneer Home Health Care was established in 2005 by licensed physical therapists Tim McCormick and Kimberly Neikirk. They have an established reputation for high-quality services, have documented experiences in producing exceptional patient outcomes and maintain a zero deficiency and complaint record with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Ohio Department of Health. Neikirk has been named executive director for the new venture for Otterbein, while McCormick will assume the position of therapy supervisor. In addition, all of the other current employees will remain with the company and become further extensions of the Otterbein family of “partners.”

The acquisition of Pioneer by Otterbein Homes is another important step toward fulfilling the strategic direction initiated in 2005 to “liberate elders, and those who serve them, from the mindset of institutional care.” Otterbein remains dedicated to providing a more home-like environment in its existing retirement communities and nursing homes; to develop wellness and life enrichments centers at all Otterbein communities; to implement alternative living environments to traditional hospital-like nursing homes, such as Avalon by Otterbein which offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation; and to provide “home healthcare” to the community, enabling elders to have access to rehabilitative and support services while staying in their current homes longer.

Jill C. Hreben, president and CEO of Otterbein Homes, said, “Extending the Otterbein brand to include home health services was critical to our continuing strategic goals, and we recognized an outstanding alignment with the level of care and the values displayed by Kimberly and Tim and the other partners at Pioneer. They are a welcome addition to an already strong set of services for independent seniors.”

The team at Pioneer is thrilled to be part of the Otterbein family, a move that enables all of them to focus exclusively on extending their capabilities and bringing their services to an increasing range of clients, ultimately throughout Ohio.

McCormick, one of the original founders, said, “To me this is a very logical decision, and a perfect fit, not only because of the natural extension Pioneer brings to Otterbein, but also because of the cohesion with the ethics and values we have found throughout the Otterbein family. Kim and I believe this is a great move for Otterbein, and for the future of the vision we had when we created Pioneer.”

Pioneer will soon establish business operations on the Otterbein Lebanon campus and, while continuing to provide outstanding care for existing clients, will gradually extend service offerings to those living at the Otterbein Lebanon Retirement Community, and over time, expand its services to the community at large.

For more information, call 937-382-2255.

Shown are several staff members of Pioneer Home Health Agency, which was recently acquired by Otterbein Homes. From left, Lisa Meyn, nurse; Barb Burke, occupational therapist; Diana Castellano, nursing supervisor; Tim McCormick, therapy supervisor; and Kim Neikirk, executive director.