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Families must make other arrangements after Kindred announces it is closing
Families must make other arrangements after Kindred announces it is closing
GREENFIELD (WITI) — Wisconsin's largest nursing home -- Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Center in Greenfield has announced it has requested permission from the Department of Health Services to close.
In a statement, the company said the decision was based on several factors, including the fact that Kindred leases its facility from Veritas and a joint decision was made between the landlord and Kindred to close the facility.
The company said in addition, Kindred’s size, age and design is no longer consistent with the current consumer preferences and needs for today’s healthcare delivery system.
The Department of Health Services says the number of residents was down from about 380 people in 2011 to about 290 in 2012.
In a statement, Kindred said: “The health, safety and well-being of our residents is very important to us. We have notified our residents, their families and our employees that we are requesting permission to close. Should we receive approval to close, we are committed to personally working with each of our residents and their families through every phase of this transition. We have assured all residents and their family members that we are committed to continuing to provide the highest quality of care and services to our residents. Throughout this process, we will be taking steps to assure the continuity of our caregivers so that residence experience little disruption to their lives.”
The closure cannot occur until after the completion of the approved relocation plan. When the process begins, staff members will meet with residents to discuss placement options, which will be based on each resident’s needs and preferences.
The announcement of Kindred's closure leaves hundreds of families scrambling to find a new home for their loved ones and a new plan for long-term care.
Kris Engaas' mother is a resident at Kindred. Engaas' 91-year-old mother has Alzheimer's.
"When we come to visit her we get a lot of smiles," Engaas said.
The Engaas family learned of the closure just in the last few days.
"Shock, worry, you know -- to have to move mom now at this point in her life," Engaas said.
Residents and their families were invited to a meeting on Monday evening, October 7th to hear how staff will assist with relocating residents.
Vicki Streich's 43-year-old brother has been living at Kindred since he suffered a brain aneurysm three years ago.
"Location is critical and he’s on disability and Medicaid so finding a place that accepts Medicaid is gonna be important," Streich said.
A spokesperson says Kindred will pay relocation costs for residents, and does not anticipate closing before Spring. Social workers will help families with the relocation process.