THE JOHN H. SHOOK HOME FOR THE AGED : A Brief History

The origin of the John H. Shook Home for the Aged relates back to April 1, 1912 when the Children's Aid Society of Franklin County founded a Home for the Aged on Garber Street in Chambersburg. Care was provided for four women. In 1917 a larger building suitable for its use on East Queen Street with accommodations for eleven was leased. In furtherance of the provisions of the will of John H. Shook when the Home received its charter in October 1918, the Children's Aid Society took up the question of transferring operations to the Shook Home.

By March 1, 1919, an agreement had been reached between the two parties for the transfer of guests and all property. Operation of the John H. Shook Home for the Aged commenced on that date. The Shook Home subsequently purchased the East Queen Street property in August 1920. While awaiting the deed transfer, rights were secured to make repairs and additions, which almost doubled its capacity.

During the following fifty years, the Home continued to operate at that location. Periodic improvements were made to the building but its capacity was limited to twenty-one guests. By the mid 1960's it was apparent that the Home's age and condition could no longer meet new, more stringent regulations. It was equally apparent that there was a growing community need to provide care for a larger number of guests. A decision was made by the Directors to build a new facility on South Second Street, just around the corner from the old Home.

Financial assistance was sought from the community through a building fund campaign. In October 1970, the new intermediate level nursing care facility was occupied and within a few years its established capacity of sixty-five had been met.

At its new location, the Home prospered. Over the years, there was, coincidentally, a rather even ratio of guests receiving financial assistance through the State/Federal Medicaid program and others able to privately pay its comparatively modest charges. Income from trusts and investments was used annually to support operations, to retire debt and to make building improvements.

In the mid-1980's, with all debt repaid and with its financial position steadily strengthening, the Directors focused on the future in search for suitable measures to broaden its service to an ever-growing aged population. In 1993 the Board of Directors proudly made the decision to add personal care to meet the growing needs of the Chambersburg area. In 1994 the Quarters at The Shook became a reality as the first resident was admitted into our state of the art personal care facility. In 2006 we became a continuing care retirement community. The Board of Directors continually looks to the future to ensure that The Shook Home and The Quarters remains a viable commodity in the field of long-term care.

Provides Housing for Persons 65 Years
of Age and Older in the Residential
Living Units, Provides Skilled Nursing
and Personal Care Regardless of Age