Rhode Island: Closures hit R.I. nursing homes amid staff shortages, experts share potential solutionsRhode Island:

March 18, 2024

In 2020, the nursing home Hallworth House closed its doors permanently. 

According to CEO Stephanie Igoe, Hallworth House struggled due to its admission of more patients with complex conditions and Medicaid beneficiaries, which decreased the reimbursements provided for the highly specialized care of the facility. 

Amid challenges related to Medicaid reimbursements and labor shortages, other nursing homes like the late Hallworth House have shut down across the state in recent years. Since 2020, six nursing homes have closed statewide, forcing the relocation of more than 100 residents, according to Governor Dan McKee.

But not all nursing homes have fared the same: Bethany Home of Rhode Island, which Igoe also oversees, is fully staffed, she told The Herald. She attributed the facility’s success to its admission of patients with fewer complications and access to Medicare or private insurance, which have higher reimbursement rates of providers. 

Read the full story from the Brown Daily Herald here.