Mason Point to close in September
Close to 44 residents will be displaced as parent company Petersen Health Care announced the closing of Mason Point in Sullivan which first opened in 1904. Approximately 75 employees will lose their jobs as well on September 11.
In a statement released last week, the company noted the decision to cease operations was made necessary due largely to unsustainable, poor financial performance due to longstanding state of Illinois reimbursement shortfalls, the current regulatory environment, the cost of maintaining the aging physical plants, and the many challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic, most notably staffing and labor issues.
Prior to July of 2008 Petersen Health Care was approached to purchase the struggling operations at Mason Point and to save it from inevitable closure. At that time, they made a commitment to invest in the home, the staff and the Sullivan Community in order to save local jobs and the landmark facility.
“Unfortunately, despite the valiant effort of our staff, and the investment of upwards of 15 million of dollars by Petersen Health Care through the years, we have not been able to make the facility financially viable. The costs of maintaining the massive, aging physical plant – coupled with the very tough long-term care business environment in the state of Illinois – has become too great for us to absorb any longer”, said Greg Wilson, Vice President of Operations.
Dawn Stroup, corporate director of marketing and communications for Petersen Health Care said in the statement, “We want you to know that we remain unwavering in our dedication and commitment to do all we can to ensure the well-being of our residents and employees and continue to embrace them all as a part of the Petersen Health Care family. Our residents and families will be given ample support and time to make decisions about relocation to a new residence.” A relocation team has been developed to help coordinate this process.
In regard to their dedicated staff she stated, “We want you to know that it is because of you remaining on the front line, helping us serve this especially vulnerable population that we have been able to forge ahead through this difficult time. We deeply appreciate your unwavering dedication to keeping our beloved residents safe and continuing to compassionately care for them. Thank you for your loyalty!”
Petersen Health Care employees will be offered employment at other area Petersen Health Care Facilities which include Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Eastview Terrace, and the Courtyard Estates of Sullivan.
