Avantara Arlington, a nursing home located in Arlington, South Dakota, is set to close its doors in February. The decision to close the facility was attributed to staffing issues, Medicaid underfunding, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Avantara Arlington has served a community of 22 residents with dedication and commitment.
The spokesperson for Avantara Arlington, Connie Ortega, expressed gratitude for the support received from the local community throughout the pandemic. She highlighted the hard work and dedication of the staff at Avantara Arlington, acknowledging their efforts in providing exceptional care to the residents. Ortega referred to the staff as true heroes and emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions during the closure process.
Avantara owns a total of 15 care centers in the state of South Dakota. The closure of Avantara Arlington adds to the trend of nursing home closures in the state, with approximately 10% of nursing homes shutting down in the past five years. In response to the challenges faced by nursing homes, Governor Kristi Noem has prioritized improving the Medicaid reimbursement rate to support the long-term sustainability of these facilities.
As Avantara Arlington prepares to close its doors, the staff and residents will be supported through the transition by the management team. The closure of the facility marks the end of an era for the community it served, but the dedication and compassion demonstrated by the staff will be remembered as a cornerstone of the care provided at Avantara Arlington.