Waterview Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Center remains open beyond its planned closure date as state officials work to find appropriate placements for its remaining residents.
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 in August. The nursing center was set to close on Aug. 25, but the shutdown timeline was repeatedly pushed back as officials try to find new spots for residents.
The New York State Department of Health said the facility must remain open until all residents are safely discharged to an appropriate location.
“We are sympathetic to the residents and understand this is a difficult
time. The department will continue to monitor the situation as part of its oversight of the facility’s closure,” officials said in a statement. “Department monitors remain onsite daily and are working to ensure residents are appropriately placed and that the closure process proceeds as smoothly as possible.”
The termination comes after the NYS 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.
Waterview Heights was flagged as a special focus facility in December 2023, meaning it was subject to more frequent inspections and penalties because of a history of serious concerns.
Assemblywoman Sarah Clark said that from her understanding the facility has less than 30 residents left to be relocated and that CMS will do a 14-day window of extended reimbursement payments to continue to have staff there to care for the remaining residents.
“It’s mostly ensuring that there’s safe and adequate care for every resident until they are all safely transferred somewhere else and in a new facility,” Clark said.
Although the facility's future after closure is beyond Clark's control, it remains one of her ongoing concerns.
“Obviously closing any facility and losing beds in this region is not something we can afford to do given the lack of beds that we currently have to serve the population that needs it,” Clark said. “It is my hope that there is a way that the facility can be brought back by a new owner who can meet the standards and ensure good quality care.”
— 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. Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Waterview Heights remains open as residents await placement
