(MassLive – Jeanette DeForge) Multiple state legislators and mayors joined together on Monday to discuss the planned closing of four nursing homes in Springfield, Westfield and Chicopee.
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said at least eight lawmakers met with representatives from Northeast Health Group Inc. to discuss a variety of issues surrounding the plans to close Chapin Center, in Springfield; Governor’s Center, in Westfield and Willimansett Center East and West in Chicopee.
A week ago the company officially filed a notice with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health saying it planned to close the four long-term care centers on June 6. The move will displace about 300 elderly, vulnerable residents and lay off about 360 employees.
Business executives blamed the closures on a state Department of Public Health regulation that is banning homes from having more than two people per bedroom. By eliminating three- and four-person rooms the business will lose an estimated $2.5 million a year is no longer financially viable.
The company initially filed for a waiver to exempt it from the new regulations, but it was denied. Attempts to find a buyer to take over the four properties failed, said David Ianacone, administrator for Willimansett Center East.
Sarno said he joined with Chicopee Mayor John L. Vieau; State Sens. John Velis and Jake Oliveira; State Reps. Michael Finn, Shirley Arriaga, Kelly Pease, and Aaron Saunders and Helen Caulton, Springfield’s Health and Human Service director. Finn and Velis led the meeting. The lawmakers cover different districts in Springfield, Chicopee and Westfield.
“The number one goal for all of us involved in this meeting is to work towards a plausible solution to protect those residents and their families potentially affected by these changes and to save jobs,” Sarno said.
The day after families were notified of the closing, Mayor John L. Vieau contacted the six state legislators who represent the city. In a meeting with families who have relatives in the facilities, he pledged to offer any assistance the city can.
“Though these changes were meant in a good way, they have brought unintended consequences. We all pledged to work together to take our message that other safe public health options/measures can and should be explored to keep all these four facilities open. This is the only way that they can all survive and keep giving those residents and their families a peace of mind,” Sarno said.
Sarno said he has also contacted David Cruise, President and CEO for MassHire, to assist the employees who have received notice they will lose their jobs on or before April 7.
“We’ll keep fighting for these residents, their families and the employees so that no one is left out in the cold,” said Mayor Sarno.
On Monday State Rep. Bud L. Williams, D-Springfield, also called on the Department of Public Health to suspend the regulation for a year so options and reimbursement rates can be explored.