Facility Closure
On February 16 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an involuntary termination notice to Parkview Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center in Pikeville. CMS determined that Parkview Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center failed to substantially comply with Medicare and Medicaid health and safety participation requirements. The facility has decided to close.
The Big Sandy LTC Ombudsman Program serves the residents of this facility and will have a daily presence in the facility during the closure process. The LTC Ombudsman Program created and provides a guide to each resident and/ or their guardian or legal representative if the resident is unable to make decisions. Residents have rights during a closure.
A placement worker from Adult Protective Services is assigned to each resident to assist in the relocation process including identification of potential residences. A Person-Centered Discharge Planning process is used. This includes the resident sharing their preferences and wishes and making an informed choice about their new home. The resident’s wishes and preferences remain the focus at all times. It is estimated to take approximately 30 days for a safe and orderly relocation of residents.
Those residents relocating to another LTC facility will receive a follow up visit from their area ombudsman program representative to see how the move went, if they have any missing items and if they need additional care and services.
When a facility voluntarily or involuntarily closes residents may experience transfer trauma or relocation stress syndrome. Relocation Stress Syndrome is defined as physiologic and/or psychosocial disturbances as a result of transfer from one environment to another. It is the combination of medical and psychological reactions to abrupt physical transfer that may increase the risk of grave illness or death. Residents may respond to the stress caused by relocating to a new facility by experiencing depression, agitation, withdrawn behavior, self-care deficits, falls, weight loss, and premature death. Nursing Home residents with a diagnosis of dementia are at a higher risk of relocation stress syndrome. When faced with relocation, residents with dementia are often confused and do not understand what is happening. Residents may suffer from transfer trauma and be at risk for isolation, depression, anxiety, resistance to care, and similar behavior disturbances.
New facilities should evaluate residents for transfer trauma and residents should receive counseling accordingly. New facilities should be prepared to comfort new residents, help them adjust, and be ready to meet their needs.
Nursing Home closures are serious situations that should not be taken lightly. Residents may be living in difficult and dangerous situations making it essential that they relocate to a new home. Closure is typically the last resort.
Agencies, providers, residents, and families regularly work together to address problems and improve care. It is important to report any suspicions of sub-standard care and concerns to the facility administration, the LTC Ombudsman, the Office of Inspector General and Adult Protective Services to help prevent future closures by getting problems addressed before they escalate and result in a closure.
