The Kent long-term care center makes plans to close

KENT — The Kent Specialty Center (also known as The Kent) filed a letter of intent to close with the state Department of Social Services on Monday, Aug. 31.

In a press release dated Sept. 1, Apple Rehab, the parent company of the facility, said the decision came after years of “painstaking efforts to revitalize the center’s declining census,” which was caused by changes to the New York Medicaid reimbursement program for Connecticut-based nursing homes. 

Another reason given was a growing trend in health care toward using home-based care services.

Currently, the center is home to 50 residents. 

Full-time staff are on hand at The Kent to assist any residents and families who wish to transfer to a different facility.

Area retirement communities are already getting inquiries from patients of The Kent and their families.  

Sharon Health Care Center Administrator John Horstmann said that, “The Kent cannot close without permission from the state, but Sharon Health Care Center has already received several inquiries for availability from families of patients who are concerned with the potential closing.”

According to the press release from Apple Rehab, the Department of Social Services has the right to deny or modify the application to close. 

Noble Horizons in Salisbury reported that they began getting inquiries on Tuesday, Sept. 1,  and had received a total of four as of Friday, Sept. 4. 

In North Canaan, Geer CEO Kevin O’Connell said they had received one inquiry as of Sept. 4 but said that available space at Geer is extremely limited, with only about three beds currently open. Their ability to take on new patients will also depend on the type of care needed as some areas of specific care, such as dementia, are completely full.

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