MHCA responds to nursing home closure announcements

• By: Nadine Grosso
• On: 09/02/2021 12:41:51
• In: Legislative/Government Affairs

As you may have seen in the media, several Maine nursing homes have announced their closure this week. In response to multiple media requests for comment, MHCA issued the attached statement, along with the Staffing Crisis Issue Brief referred to in MHCA Advocacy in Action article. 

While we can't comment on a specific closing, MHCA expressed concern about this trend and what it means for residents and their families, as well as employees. In interviews, we noted that although long term care staffing challenges pre-date the pandemic, the ongoing impact of managing COVID-19 has exacerbated the crisis for our members. These staffing shortages, coupled with the extraordinary costs associated with COVID-19 mitigation, are unsustainable for our homes that are responsible for caring for some of our state's most vulnerable citizens.  

In our statement, MHCA also urged the Mills Administration and DHHS to expeditiously release emergency funds appropriated by the Maine Legislature to support long term care facilities. Please see below for some media coverage of the issues: 

More Maine nursing homes plan to close with staff shortages prompting ‘cascade' fears (bangordailynews.com) 
Three Maine nursing homes closed this week, and more closures appear imminent - Portland Press Herald 

Staff contact: ngrosso@mehca.org