MILFORD, PA – What began as an anonymous tip from a concerned individual brought multiple agencies to Belle Reve Senior Living Facility in Milford, PA on Tuesday afternoon, February 17, and transport of more than a dozen residents to four separate hospitals for medical evaluation.
Pennsylvania State Police told Mid-Hudson News on Wednesday that a tip had been received alleging suspected medical neglect of residents. As a result, State Police Troop R Major Case Team, in conjunction with Pike County detectives and the Pike County Area Agency on Aging, initiated an on-site response to Belle Reve, which houses 83 residents.
Troopers said 15 residents were transported for further medical evaluation to Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY, Garnet Health Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill, NY, Newton Medical Center in New Jersey, and Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania.
Due to the number of residents involved, and to ensure the welfare of all individuals were evaluated in a timely and thorough manner, State Police said a coordinated multi-agency response included Pike County Department of Public Safety Emergency Management and various fire and EMS resources.
Belle Reve’s Chief Strategy Officer Heather Terhark confirmed on Wednesday that an onsite review was begun by Office of Aging at about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and that some of the residents were sent for evaluation. She said a number of those evaluated had returned by Tuesday evening, and others were expected back on Wednesday.
“These evaluations were precautionary in nature and part of the review process. At no time was the community evacuated, nor were any neighborhood units closed,” Terhark said. “Belle Reve remains open, fully staffed, fully operational, and focused on delivering safe, compassionate, and attentive support every day.”
In a written statement sent by Termark it was noted that resident, family member, and employee safety, care, and well-being remain Belle Reve’s highest priorities.
While unable to comment on individual health matters, Terhark said those sent for evaluation were all from the Memory Care 3rd Floor area of Belle Reve.
One family whose mother was among those taken to a hospital, said she was still in the hospital as of Wednesday afternoon, but was expected to be released on Thursday to a new care facility. These family members said they were at Belle Reve during the investigation on Tuesday. One family member had left to pick someone up and was not allowed back in while the patient transport was taking place. The other was still there as the mother, and other patients, were prepared for transport.
In keeping their mother’s privacy, this family disagreed with Belle Reve’s view of the safety and care of residents.
“Our mother has been over-sedated and has passed out and fallen. She’s been taken to the hospital four times since she moved in around Christmastime, 2025. Patients are ignored and left dirty. We feel 100 percent better knowing our mother will never step foot in there again. Patients are not safe there. No one should be there,” they said.
Brandon Cwalina, press secretary for Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, confirmed responding to complaints received about Belle Reve. He said DHS takes seriously the safety and wellbeing of everyone in personal care homes licensed by DHS.
“Last night, members of our team responded to complaints we received concerning Belle Reve Senior Living Center. While we are actively investigating those complaints, we cannot comment further on specific investigations due to patient privacy,” he said.
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