Michael R. Walker, the founder of Kennett Square-based Genesis HealthCare, has died at 71 following a long-term illness and complications from the coronavirus, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
“I am overcome with sadness, as we lost a true leader and pioneer in the skilled nursing industry,” said George V. Hager Jr., CEO of Genesis. “Mike was not only a friend, but a mentor and true visionary for our industry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Walker was born in 1948. He founded Genesis in 1985 and built it into one of the largest providers of post-acute and nursing-home care in the nation. He served as chairman and CEO of the company from 1985 to 2002.
Walker built the company on the philosophy that nursing homes need to be proactive centers of healthcare, instead of centers focused primarily on custodial care for the elderly. As a result, Genesis HealthCare’s centers serve high-acuity Medicare patients who require intensive nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, and other support services, in addition to long-term care.
The company operates close to 400 skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities in 25 states.
Read more about Michael R. Walker in the Philadelphia Business Journal here.
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