BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Monday’s announcement that United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care is closing will affect approximately 200 staff workers but the process of potential relocation of these employees to other United Helpers service lines is underway.

“Our Human Services Department has started meeting one on one with staff to determine their preferences and to develop a plan for each person,” stated Stacey Cannizzo, VP Clinical and Quality Services/Compliance Officer.

The 200-person workforce is comprised of full-time, part-time and per diem staff, Cannizzo noted.

The decision to close the nursing home came “after careful consideration” by the board of directors and is due to “inadequate reimbursement” by Medicaid and reduced need as in-home care is increasing, United Helpers said in a prepared statement.

The closure will be effective upon completion of the safe and orderly transfer of all 106 residents, anticipated to be Sept. 1.

An announcement of the plan to cease operations as a skilled nursing facility has been made to the residents and resident representatives, and work will begin immediately to assist residents with making arrangements for safe transfer to care providers of their choosing, United Helpers said.

This decision follows months of deliberation and careful consideration. The state Department of Health has reviewed and approved a comprehensive closure plan and United Helpers officials have begun the process of notifying all parties who receive services or conduct business with the facility, United Helpers said.

Inquiries by residents or their representatives should be made to Cannizzo, at slcannizzo@unitedhelpers.org, (315) 393-0730 or (315) 393-3072 ext. 313.