Loretto Home, a senior care facility located in Vermont, first opened its doors in 1904. However, it was recently announced that the facility will be closing at the end of September. This decision was made by Vermont Catholic Charities due to financial challenges, including a nurse workforce shortage, high costs of contract nursing, and stagnant Medicaid reimbursement rates. As a result, the facility is no longer financially viable after years of incurring losses.
The closure of Loretto Home will impact residents who will need to be relocated to either the nearby St. Joseph Kervick Residence or another facility within the next 90 days. Unfortunately, details about the number of residents affected and potential plans for the property were not provided in the announcement.
The news of the closure has been met with disappointment by community members, including the Mayor of Rutland, who emphasized the importance of the services provided by Loretto Home. He expressed hope that the property could potentially be repurposed to address other community needs, such as housing.
The history of Loretto Home dates back to its construction in 1904 by the Rev. T.J. Gaffney, with an initial expansion taking place in 1954. The facility was intended to serve elderly women in need of charitable support, regardless of their religious affiliation. Over the years, it has been an integral part of the Catholic community in Rutland, providing essential care to residents.
As the closure of Loretto Home approaches, the community is left to reflect on the impact of this longstanding institution and what the future holds for the property and its residents.