Friendship Manor, located in New Ipswich, has been a staple in the community for many years, providing care to residents in need of nursing, retirement, or rest home services. Co-owned and operated by Gary and Cindy Cahoon for 37 years, the facility has been home to around 20 residents at a time, supported by a dedicated staff of eight to ten full-time equivalent employees. However, staffing issues have plagued Friendship Manor, leading to the difficult decision to close its doors in May.
The challenges of hiring and retaining nursing staff have been a long-standing issue for Friendship Manor, exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite efforts to recruit new employees, including advertising on platforms like Facebook, the facility struggled to fill open positions, ultimately leading to the decision to shut down. As a result, current residents are being assisted in finding new permanent placements before the closure date.
While the Cahoons have dedicated many years to providing quality care to their residents, the decision to retire and close Friendship Manor was a difficult one. Despite the challenges faced, they are grateful for the support of the community, including local emergency services and town officials. As they prepare to sell the building and move on to the next chapter, they reflect on the rewarding experiences and the positive impact they've had on the lives of those they have cared for over the years.