In Bristol, an emotional hearing was held in Bristol as a nursing home residents, and others prevented it from closing.
Many fear that this will lead to layoffs and difficult searches to find new places for residents to live in.
“My concern is that they will close this beautiful place. It's a great place to live,” said resident Wilton Hawse.
Residents, their families and staff are hoping to prevent the closure of a nursing home called Sheriden Woods in Bristol.
Staff and others hope to keep the property open until a buyer is found.
“It's heartbreaking to see my sister going through this. It's heartbreaking to see residents. It's heartbreaking to hear employees wonder where they work. It's heartbreaking to have to go through this. Jerry Gizondi of Bristol said:
On Thursday, the Department of Human Services held a hearing on the proposed closure.
Last year, Athena Health Care Systems announced that it was looking for a state permit to close the facility, along with another facility in Bristol.
“With increased costs and increased care costs, Sheriden Woods operates at economic losses. As a result, there is no resource available to the building to perform critical physical plant updates,” said Carol Ansalbetti, local manager at Sheriden Woods Health Centre.
The company said it is working on plans to move patients elsewhere from the 146-bed facility.
But the family is worried that it won't be easy.
“As I said last year, I had to move my sister. I physically saw 20 nursing homes in five weeks. None of them had beds available and some facilities weren't that good,” Gisondi said.
Athena previously warned that 253 staff members could let go. They said they are working to help workers find new jobs.
“It's very devastating. I've been a nurse for five years as of January. “It's Sanderia Boone, an employee of Sheriden Woods, said:
The state is said to accept comments until March 7th and will then decide on the closure request.
Previously, Athena said they were looking for all residents to move in by late March.
