Lewis Memorial, a once-thriving assisted living community located in Franklin, announced its closure in January 2024. The decision to cease all operations, including personal care and independent apartment services, was made due to increasing costs and low occupancy levels. The facility, which included the original Lewis Home, a nursing home that closed in August, struggled to maintain residents and financial stability after the end of the COVID-19 epidemic.
The closure of Lewis Memorial left many empty rooms and vacant chairs, symbolizing the end of an era for the facility. With a capacity of 32 residents in the assisted living facility and six in the independent living apartments, Lewis Memorial faced challenges in reaching full occupancy. The personal care section had already closed in August, further adding to the financial strain on the facility. Despite efforts to assist current residents in finding alternative retirement opportunities in the region, the closure marked a significant loss for the community.
Various factors contributed to the closure of Lewis Memorial, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on resident admissions and financial concerns. The fear of spreading the virus and limited financial resources for new residents to move in posed significant challenges for the facility. Additionally, the construction of the assisted and independent living facilities during the pandemic further exacerbated financial issues, with construction costs exceeding initial estimates.
The closure of Lewis Memorial was a heartbreaking development for the board of directors, residents, and staff, who were left in a state of shock. The decision to close the facility was not taken lightly, with all other options explored before reaching this conclusion. The loss of Lewis Memorial was described as akin to losing a home, signaling the end of an era for the beloved assisted living community in Franklin.