The Oaks Assisted Living in Fruita, Colorado, operated by Family Health West, has been a longstanding facility in Mesa County since its opening in the 1980s. Initially established with the help of a grant from the state of Colorado to provide assisted living services through Medicaid, The Oaks has served the senior community in the area for many years. However, due to a combination of factors, including high maintenance costs, the decision has been made to close the facility.
The board of directors of Family Health West made the difficult choice to close The Oaks in order to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. With the facility needing significant repairs and upgrades to meet the standards of newer local facilities, continuing to operate The Oaks was deemed no longer feasible. The closure is also attributed to the financial strain caused by government reimbursements falling short of the actual cost of care, leading to unsustainable expenses.
Despite the closure, Family Health West is committed to working closely with the residents and their families to assist in finding suitable arrangements for their future care. Additionally, the current staff members at The Oaks have been offered alternate employment opportunities within the company, demonstrating a dedication to supporting their employees during this transition period. Efforts are underway to find local placement for the 50 residents at The Oaks, as well as new employment opportunities within Family Health West for the 50 staff members affected by the closure.
The official closure date of The Oaks is set for August 1, pending successful placement for all residents and staff prior to that time. The decision to close the facility is seen as a proactive measure to prioritize the well-being of residents and ensure that they continue to receive the high quality of care they require in more modern and suitable facilities within the Grand Valley community. While the closure marks the end of an era for The Oaks, Family Health West is dedicated to assisting residents, families, and staff members in this transition period with compassion and support.