It prides itself on its ability to provide the highest level of care to its residents in a homelike safe and supportive environment.

Perhaps that best explains why the Village at Palmerton continues to thrive a decade after it first opened at 71 Princeton Ave. in Palmerton.In honor of that milestone, the Village at Palmerton celebrated "10 Years of Caring" at its facility on Wednesday.The Village at Palmerton is a personal care home that provides individualized personal care services addressing the physical, social and spiritual needs of each resident.Regulated by the State Department of Public Welfare, the village has two licensed practical nurses on staff, as well as certified nursing assistants, patient care assistants, and medication technicians, according to Norma Kunkel, marketing and admissions director.Currently, Kunkel said the Village has 64 residents. The cost to stay varies depending on accommodation and services needed, she said.Kunkel said the Village has been able to endure for a decade through a combination of its services, as well as its ability to meet the wants of its residents."The Village at Palmerton has been able to sustain itself for 10 years by listening to our consumers needs," Kunkel said. "And we offer a variety of accommodations and services based upon those needs."ServicesThe Village at Palmerton has been selected as a "Caring Star of 2014" as part of an annual nationwide program honoring service excellence based on consumer ratings and reviews posted on Caring.com, the leading senior care website. Only the top 1 percent of senior living communities nationwide achieved this recognition.Caregivers provide individualized personal care services that address the physical, social, and spiritual needs of each resident. This support comes in many forms, from assisting with medications, bathing and dressing, to providing well-balanced meals and social or leisure activities. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are also available on site during any type of stay.Resident Dottie Crown has been with the Village since its inception."I'm the one and only," said Dottie, 94. "I have no complaints."Her son, Barry Crown, said the family is happy to know the family made the right choice for their mother, as she is well taken care of."We checked it out, and thought it was nice, and closer," Barry said. "She does her wash here, her medication is here, her hair, her blood work."While Dottie may be the longest tenured resident, she isn't the only person to be with the Village from the get go.Employee Crystal Benninger has also been with the Village since its opening.A PCA/Med Tech, Benninger said she enjoys her job to the fullest."I love working here; it's a great job, we have wonderful residents," Benninger said. "We've grown close as a family, and while there's always changing going on, we work with the changes."Benninger added, "we're just one big family here.""I look at all these residents as grandparents," she said. "We have a very good staff here, and we take very good care of their (families') loved ones; we tend to their needs as they need them."Of course, no celebration would be complete without a visit from Elvis, who charmed residents with his voice and striking resemblance.