After a significant water problem earlier this year caused substantial damage, a Trumbull nursing home announced its intention to close.
Following a water problem in March, all 187 residents at Genesis St. Joseph’s Center were safely evacuated and transferred to other nursing homes.
“The safety, care and comfort of our patients is our priority, and while we have made extensive repairs and upgrades to the facility over the course of the past several months, unfortunately the center still requires significant renovations and structural improvements for which we were unable to get the necessary waivers from the state and CMS in order to comply with the required timeline,” according to a spokesperson.
The spokesperson stated that it is unable to continue operations due to the damage and other considerations, such as insufficient state Medicaid funds.
According to St. Joseph’s Center, they will close as soon as the state gives its clearance.
“We are working with the Connecticut Department of Health to develop a closure plan and comply with all requirements. We value our patients, residents, caregivers, and team members, and we are truly grateful for their continued support,” according to the spokesperson.
Having been “very concerned for the health and safety of [St. Joseph’s] residents,” First Selectman Vicki Tesoro said in a statement, adding that the people had been evacuated twice in the previous several months.
According to the first selectman, the nursing home’s lawyer wrote to the Connecticut Department of Social Services, asking for the closure of the establishment.
According to Tesoro, Trumbull’s director of business and community development will communicate with the state Department of Labor to guarantee that employees who lose their jobs have access to employment resources.
It’s unclear how many employment specifically will be affected by the shutdown.
Following multiple inspections over the past few months, the state Department of Public Health declared that the nursing facility did not meet health and safety regulations.
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Consequently, St. Joseph’s Center was put on a termination track.
“If the facility does receive permission to close, DPH will ensure the center’s closure plan complies with all state regulations and requirements to ensure the health and safety of their residents and staff,” according to a DPH spokesperson.
“This site has been home to hundreds of residents. Any closure and transition of the property needs to be planned with the utmost care and concern for our community,” Tesoro stated.
