PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Time is running short for a senior care facility in Providence.
Davenport Associates announced Friday that, due to “severe staffing shortages,” Charlesgate Nursing Center will cease all operations by the end of the summer.
The North Main Street facility’s assisted living and independent living units will remain open, according to Davenport, which has also pledged the “safe and orderly transfer” of patients to other facilities.
“We recognize the challenges that this decision may cause, but there was no other option due to current industry conditions,” Davenport Associates President Neil Shunney said. “This difficult and unfortunate decision was made necessary due to unprecedented staffing shortages, in particular among nurses, that are impacting healthcare facilities throughout the region and nation.”
Jesse Martin, executive vice president of SEIU 1199 New England, expressed concern with the closure in a statement to 12 News. The union represents staffers at Charlesgate including registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, medical technicians, dietary specialists and housekeeping workers.
“For over five decades, Charlesgate Nursing Center has provided essential nursing home care and affordable housing to Providence’s predominantly Medicaid population,” Martin wrote. “Closing its nursing center will only disrupt the continuum of care and force residents to seek care elsewhere.”
“It is time for the state to step in and find new competent owners who will provide residents with the stable quality care they deserve,” he added.
Charlesgate has been contacted throughout the day by nursing homes across the state regarding the relocation of the facility’s residents and displaced employees.
Shunney said Davenport was grateful to learn that, “there are many opportunities for our employees to secure employment in the same field.” Davenport’s human resources office will be assisting employees with finding new jobs or applying for state benefits.
“Throughout this process, we will continually communicate with residents, their families and our employees,” he said.
The exact closing date has not yet been announced.
