National long term care provider Kindred is seeking permission from the Department of Health Services to close Wisconsin’s largest nursing home, currently leased by the company from Ventas.
Based on a joint decision between the landlord and Kindred, the company has requested permission to close Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation-Milwaukee—a 473-bed nursing home that is reportedly the largest in the state by a measure of 200 beds.
The request comes following an announcement by Kindred stating it would not renew 60 of its nursing home leases with Ventas, and that those leases would expire in 2014.
Kindred attributed the requested closure to several factors, including the relationship with Ventas as well as the facility’s ability to meet consumer demands.
“It is with regret that, for a number of reasons, Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation-Milwaukee has requested permission from the Department of Health Services to close,” Kindred stated in a release. “The decision was based on several factors, including the fact that Kindred leases this facility from Ventas and a joint decision was made between the landlord and Kindred to close the facility. In addition, Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation-Milwaukee’s size, age and design is no longer consistent with the current consumer preferences and needs for today’s health care delivery system.”
According to a local report by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal, the closure would impact 400 employees of the community as well as 240 patients.
Residents and employees have been notified of the plans, which cannot take place until a relocation plan is approved at least 120 days from the plan to shutter.
“When this process begins, staff members and others personnel will meet with residents and their families to discuss alternative placement options,” Kindred said. “Placement options will be based on a resident’s needs and preferences. We will assist with arrangements for residents and their families to visit other facilities, and we will also cover the moving expenses associated with the transition.”
The community has reportedly experienced a host of recent problems including recent state inspections that have resulted in dozens of citations including 23 last year, a handful of which posed “immediate jeopardy,” to health or safety of residents.
Written by Elizabeth Ecker
