Gino J Merli Veterans Center

Gino J. Merli Veterans Center is a nursing care facility located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, named after a World War II Medal of Honor recipient from northeastern Pennsylvania. The facility serves Pennsylvania veterans and has been operating for over 26 years.

The center provides nursing care, medical services, and a continuum of health care addressing all aspects of treatment plans. Clinical services include drug and nutritional therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dental services. A 24-hour nursing staff tailors care plans to each resident's unique dietary, social, and spiritual needs. An on-site medical director and licensed pharmacist ensure comprehensive medication management and quick access to pharmacy services.

The community emphasizes an active lifestyle with organized daily programs including bingo, birthday celebrations, cards, billiards, and a Victory Garden for planting flowers and vegetables. Residents enjoy social events, scheduled outings, and access to professional sports games and shopping trips. Leisure spaces include a covered pavilion, multi-purpose room, library, and snack bar known as the Canteen, with cable television and internet available.

Personalized furnished rooms allow residents to display military memorabilia, family photos, and quilts. On-site amenities include a chapel with chaplains for religious services and spiritual counseling, a barber shop and beautician, a canteen shop, and transportation via vans and buses equipped with adaptive devices for those with limited mobility. Security staff provide 24-hour protection and emergency response.

The facility honors residents through displays including the Wall of Honor, which features photos of residents in military uniforms, and the Tags of Freedom exhibit honoring former residents. Social Services Department staff provide counseling and problem-solving support for residents dealing with personal or military-service-related issues. Volunteers assist with activities, field trips, mail distribution, and one-on-one visits.