Cedar Wood Villa, located in Red Lodge, recently announced its closure due to a combination of financial and staffing challenges. The decision to cease operations came after a thorough assessment of the building's infrastructure revealed significant issues that would be costly to address. This closure is part of a trend seen in other rural nursing homes that have also recently filed for voluntary closures.
The nursing home had a capacity for 76 patients, but at the time of evacuation, there were only 27 residents remaining. Some residents have since been discharged or moved to other facilities, leaving 20 residents temporarily housed at Eagle Cliff Manor in Billings. However, there are still some residents from Red Lodge who wish to stay, adding to the complexity of the situation. The closure has been a challenging and overwhelming process for both staff and residents alike.
Cedar Wood Villa's closure is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by nursing homes in the state. Despite warnings from experts, including discussions with Governor Greg Gianforte, about the need for additional funding to support nursing homes, no action was taken. The closure of Cedar Wood Villa, along with other facilities like Bridger Rehab and Care Center in Bozeman and Big Horn Senior Living in Hardin, highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to support long-term care facilities.
The closure of Cedar Wood Villa has left residents like Mary Jensen, who had already moved between three nursing homes in four months, worried about the uncertainty of her living situation. The exact cause of the closure is not explicitly stated, although heavy snow accumulations may have been a contributing factor. With the completion of a nursing home provider rate study, state officials have outlined how Governor's proposed funding would impact nursing homes in the future. Overall, the closure of Cedar Wood Villa underscores the challenges facing the long-term care industry and the need for urgent action to support these vital care facilities.