Daniels House Nursing Home, located at 59 Middlesex Ave in Reading, has been a long-standing provider of care for local seniors in the community. Operating since 1986, Daniels House has been a safe haven for residents, offering a small property nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood across from the Reading Public Library. However, due to a combination of economic and regulatory challenges facing nursing homes in the state, Daniels House has announced its closure.
The closure of Daniels House is attributed to a lack of state reimbursement and stringent regulatory requirements that would have necessitated significant renovations to the property. Leo Curtin, director of the Whittier Health Network, explained that the underfunding of nursing homes like Daniels House is a widespread issue in Massachusetts, leading to the closure of over 30 facilities in the state this year. The closure of Daniels House will result in the relocation of its residents to nearby facilities within the Whittier Health Network.
Originally established as a boarding house in the early 20th century, Daniels House transitioned into a nursing home in the 1960s. Over the years, the facility has garnered a positive reputation, often being rated among the top nursing homes in the country by U.S. News and World Report. With a licensed bed capacity of 33, Daniels House is owned by RDG Corp and is part of the Whittier Health Network, which includes other healthcare centers in the region.
In addition to funding challenges, Daniels House also faced building requirements set by the federal government, which posed obstacles to its compliance with regulations. Curtin highlighted the difficulties in obtaining waivers for building equivalency, which became increasingly stringent, making it financially impractical for Daniels House to meet the compliance standards. Despite its closure not significantly impacting the total availability of beds in Reading, the trend of nursing home closures in Massachusetts underscores the need for increased funding to sustain long-term care facilities.
As Daniels House bids farewell to the community it has served for many years, the closure serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by nursing homes in the state. The Whittier Health Network expresses regret over leaving the town of Reading and acknowledges the impact of the closure on residents and staff.