Celebrating 40 years of caring: CommuniCare’s journey through the decades

A picture of CommuniCare corporate leadership cutting the ribbon at their new corporate headquarters overlaid with a badge that reads "40 Years of Caring."

In 2024, the CommuniCare Family of Companies proudly marks its 40th anniversary as a family-owned company. Over the last four decades, we have evolved into one of the nation’s largest providers of post-acute care, encompassing skilled nursing rehabilitation centers, long-term care centers, assisted living communities, independent living communities and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH).

As we embark on this milestone year, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating 40 years of compassion, dedication and the art of creating caring communities.

What began in 1984 as a visionary undertaking by our Founder and Chairman of the Board, Stephen L. Rosedale, has blossomed into a legacy that spans seven states: Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Missouri. Our dedication to cultivating caring communities has been the driving force behind our expansion, originating in Ohio in 1984 and later extending to Pennsylvania in 2005.

Our founder’s vision and mission

The story of CommuniCare intertwines with the entrepreneurial journey of Stephen Rosedale. After serving in the U.S. Army and being wounded in action during the Vietnam War, Steve’s academic pursuit at Brandeis Graduate School solidified the concept of “Caring Community.”

In 1984, Steve established CommuniCare Health Services, Inc., overseeing six facilities. This marked the beginning of a journey of strategic investments, acquisitions and expansions:

  • 1989: Investment in Home Health as Nurses Calling
  • 1991: Opening of Burlington House Rehabilitation and Alzheimer’s Care Center
  • 1996: Established Homeward Rehab, Inc., a therapy operation
  • 2004: CommuniCare Health Services, Inc. renamed CommuniCare Family of Companies
  • 2005: Entry into the Pennsylvania market and acquisitions of Emery Health Services and Cleveland Senior Care, Inc., which included the first assisted living location in Parma, OH
  • 2006: Entry into the Missouri market
  • 2007: Acquired property in Toledo, OH, and developed a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital
  • 2008: Entry into the Maryland market
  • 2011: Opening of the first Advanced 360 operation at Pebble Creek Healthcare Center
  • 2016: Entry into the West Virginia market
  • 2017: Expansion into Virginia and Indiana markets
  • 2019: Acquired NeighborCare of Chapel Hill – IN independent living
  • 2020: Establishment of CommuniCare Cares as a 501c3, along with ventures like Longevity Venture Partners and Personalized Health Partners

The journey continued in 2021, 2022 and 2023 with numerous establishments, partnerships and expansions, a testament to our commitment to innovation and growth.

Serving with Pride: At the heart of what we do

At the heart of our organization is the philosophy of “Serving with Pride.” We recognize that we are called to reach out with our hearts and touch the lives of others. This recognition instills a great sense of purpose in the work we do each day. As a result, we take immense pride in our opportunity to deliver the highest quality of care.

As our CEO’s favorite book, The Little Prince, wisely notes, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” This sentiment encapsulates the demeanor of the care we provide—care that transcends the visible, touching the core of our residents’ and patients’ needs.

Celebrating 40 years

As we stand on the brink of this significant milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the residents, patients, family members, employees, community members and vendors who have played integral roles in our journey. Your collective contributions have woven a rich tapestry of compassion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to creating caring communities.

We look forward to celebrating our history with fun facts and stories that showcase the caring hearts within our organization. This year-long celebration honors our collective achievements, the challenges we’ve overcome and the enduring commitment to care that has defined us for four decades.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey—here’s to 40 more years of making a difference, one caring community at a time.