Words cannot describe my feelings when I received a call from a longtime friend informing me about the closure of Pittsfield Nursing and Rehab. He received notification of its closure because his wife, also a longtime friend of mine, is a resident at the nursing home.

He called me because he needed information regarding the relocation of residents. I forwarded his contact information to the appropriate state department, and a representative of that department called him the next day with the information he needed.

I called Pittsfield Rehab and Nursing and requested a meeting in hopes that we could come up with a plan to keep the facility open. I was told the decision was final and unfortunately nothing could be done to reverse it. The facility already had begun working with residents and their families on relocation efforts, and Maine Department of Labor had been contacted to assist employees.

This year, I supported measures that increase funding for nursing homes by $38 million and ensure reimbursement rates are regularly reviewed, because I know how important these facilities are to the care of our aging neighbors and to our local economies. I am truly saddened these steps could not prevent the closure of Pittsfield Rehab and Nursing, which is a terrible loss to our community. As a legislator and neighbor, my priority always has been and always will be the people of my district.

If I can assist the residents, their families and employees of Pittsfield Nursing and Rehab in any way, they should contact me without hesitation at 660-2434. As they travel through these difficult times, I hope I may be able to lighten their trouble some and make their path a little smoother.

Rep. Stanley B. Short Jr.

D-Pittsfield


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