Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center will be shutting down after being hit for years with several violations, fines and failed inspections.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services terminated Waterview Heights' Medicare and Medicaid provider agreements this week, effectively forcing the facility to close. CMS said the termination takes effect Aug. 25 and that the state will oversee the transfer of residents to other facilities.
The termination comes after the New York State Department of Health ordered Waterview Heights to pay the full $560,000 fine for failing to do any corrective actions and continue another 60-day hold on admitting new residents.
Assemblymembers Sarah Clark and Josh Jensen said in a statement that, at this
moment, requiring the facility to close is unfortunately necessary.
“Despite those interventions and repeated opportunities to address these problems, ownership failed to make the meaningful changes needed to ensure residents were safe and receiving the quality of care they deserve,” Clark and Jensen said.
Throughout their time in office, Clark and Jensen said, they have heard complaints about the facility from residents and care providers and know, at the end of the day, the well-being of residents and their families has to come first.
“We look forward to reviewing the facility’s closure plan and working closely with the Department of Health, residents, families and care providers to make sure every current resident is safely transitioned to a new home where they can receive the care and dignity they deserve,” the officials said in a statement.
Sen. Jeremy Cooney released the following statement regarding the closure:
“Our aging population in Monroe County deserves to be met with dignity and care. For years, my office has closely monitored repeated violations at Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and advocated with the New York State Department of Health to address them.
Protecting the health and safety of residents remains a top priority, and I’m grateful to the Department of Health for taking action and ensuring that displaced individuals are transferred to other facilities with care and attention.”
Waterview Heights Administrator Cheryll East released the following statement:
"On behalf of our community, we are saddened to report that after 54 years of providing care to those who need it the most, Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is closing its doors. We want to thank those who have dedicated their lives to our residents and pledge that we will take all the steps necessary to help ensure that our residents and staff alike find new and comfortable homes."
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Waterview Heights nursing home to close after CMS action
