By Susan Koomar

Pike County Press Correspondent

CHERRY VALLEY – More than 14,000 residents of Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties have diabetes, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates.

That’s one reason why Jerome Perry decided to convert his assisted living center to a facility focused on diabetes management. Diabetics range from 8.2 percent of the population in Pike to 9.5 in Wayne, according to the CDC. Throughout the Poconos, diabetes is one of the top six killers along with heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disease and accidents.

“There are so many people with the disease. It’s much easier to fight it as a group rather than an individual,” said Perry.

Perry, with more than 35 years experience in health care, has seen the frustrations of diabetic patients up close – especially in a care center where they get Jell-o for dessert while non-diabetic residents enjoy a tempting slice of cake or pie.

“Meals are one of the main activities of the elderly,” said Perry.

Now, Perry’s Gluco Lodge offers assisted living/personal care to anyone who needs it, but the center’s menu and programs focus on managing diabetes.

“If you don’t have diabetes you just get healthy food,” said Perry. The menu features three meals and three snacks per day, all detailed on a menu posted at the dining room. Lunch, the main meal of the day, might be baked lemon cod, roast beef with gravy or glazed ham. Lighter evening selections include favorites such as a tuna melt or macaroni and cheese.

“This is what they look forward to,” said Caroline Reitz, administrator of Gluco Lodge.

Diabetes is a metabolism disorder resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels. All forms of diabetes can be treated with insulin, but there is no cure. Complications can include eye damage and possible blindness, as well as poor wound healing – especially on feet – and possible amputation.

Gluco Lodge draws patients from throughout northeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Perry has run the center, in scenic Cherry Valley about six miles south of Stroudsburg, since 1985. The business was known as Pocono Valley Health Care Center until mid-2007 when a total renovation project began. Perry had a second story added.

The center is licensed for 51 residents and offers both private and semi-private rooms. Residents can bring their own furniture or select a furnished room. Each room features a flat-screen television and DVD player.

Activities include pet visits, games, karaoke and crafts. There’s even an activity room with an exercise bike and two slot machines. There’s also a computer equipped with Skype – software that allows users to make phone calls over the Internet and, thanks to a Webcam, see family and friends while they are conversing.

Gluco Lodge employs 12 workers full- and part-time, but Perry expects to have up to 20 people on staff when the center is fully occupied.

The center is located on eight acres and features a deck off the dining room, creek and garden where residents can relax.

Details and rates are available online at www.glucolodge.com or contact Gluco Lodge, Kemmertown Road, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 at (570) 992-7270.