In a recent development, Abbott Terrace Health Center in Waterbury, a 205-bed nursing home in Connecticut, faced the possibility of shutting down after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services threatened to terminate its license agreement and cut off Medicare payments. However, the facility has been granted a 30-day reprieve to transition all current residents to new homes.
New Termination Date for Abbott Terrace
Originally set to cease operations on September 10, Abbott Terrace has received a new termination date of October 9, 2024. This extension allows the facility to plan for relocating all 166 residents by November 8.
Residents' Complex Needs
Many of the residents at Abbott Terrace have complex needs such as behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, and dementia. Despite identifying skilled nursing beds within a 15-mile radius, the facility has yet to find secure dementia units for the residents.
Residents' Emotional Struggle
As residents face the daunting task of moving to new homes, emotions run high. Some residents, who have spent their entire lives in Waterbury, are reluctant to leave the only city they have ever known.
Efforts to Assist Residents
Abbott Terrace, in collaboration with the state's long-term care ombudsman Mairead Painter, is working diligently to ensure residents find suitable care elsewhere. The facility's focus remains on supporting residents, families, and employees during this challenging time.
Financial Investments for Compliance
Despite spending $200,000 on repairs and renovations, Abbott Terrace was unable to meet all CMS regulations, leading to the loss of reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid residents. The facility's closure represents a significant loss for the community, affecting 287 dedicated employees, some of whom have been with the facility for decades.
Looking Towards the Future
As Abbott Terrace prepares to close its doors, the community vows to navigate this transition with compassion and care, reflecting the facility's commitment to quality service over the past 40 years.