MILFORD, Neb. (KMTV) — Four nursing centers in Nebraska announced closures Monday due to poor financial performance.
Blue Hill Care Center in Blue Hill, Crestview Care Center in Milford, Mory's Haven in Columbus and Utica Community Center in Utica have a closing date of Nov. 21.
All four facilities were part of a portfolio acquired by Azria Health last week. Because of the poor financial performance of the facilities over recent years, they were forced to shut down.
“Unfortunately, Nebraska’s fiscal landscape doesn’t make it viable for many long-term care facilities to continue providing the high-quality care residents deserve. In this case, we had to make the incredibly difficult decision to close four buildings so that others are able to successfully stay open, said Carrie Ramaekers, Regional Director of Operations for Azria Health. “Azria Health is committed to investing in the remaining buildings, staff, and those we serve in order to ensure long-term viability.”
The four closures impact 205 state-licensed beds and 240 employees.
“These closings follow an unfortunate trend in our state – a trend that should be highly concerning to all Nebraskans,” said Heath Boddy, President and CEO of Nebraska Health Care Association. “Fifteen nursing facilities have already closed in our state this year. The amount that long-term care providers receive from Nebraska Medicaid is approximately $30 per person per day less than the average cost of providing care to Nebraskans who need it – a model that no business can sustain. I was pleased to learn that Azria Health would be operating more buildings in Nebraska because of my experience with the company and its team members in their current operations. They’ve shown they’re interested in improving quality and reinvesting in operations.”
Azria Health notified its affected team members, residents and family members of the closings Monday and is working with team members to explore other employment opportunities.
The Nebraska Health Care Association says team members are already helping residents and family members with finding other nursing facilities.
