Legacy Garden Rehabilitation & Living Center in Pender, Nebraska has been a staple in the community for over 50 years, providing long-term rehabilitation and living care services to its residents. However, due to the staffing crisis affecting healthcare facilities nationwide, the center has made the difficult decision to close its doors on May 14th, 2022. The closure is a result of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed a strain on healthcare workers across the country.
Despite the closure, Legacy Garden is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents during this transition period. The center's staff will be working diligently over the next 60 days to assist 18 residents and their families in transitioning to other skilled care facilities in the area. The priority remains on providing quality care to residents, even as the facility prepares to close.
The board of directors of the Pender Community Hospital District, which operates Legacy Garden, expressed gratitude towards the center's staff for their dedication and service to the residents. The staff members have shown unwavering commitment to the organization and its residents, making a lasting impact on their quality of life. In recognition of their hard work, all 15 full-time and part-time staff members will continue to work and receive their current pay through the transition period. They are also encouraged to apply for job openings at Pender Community Hospital and will be supported with stay/severance packages for their continued dedication during this challenging time.
Closure of Legacy Garden Rehabilitation & Living Center is a significant loss for the Pender community, as the facility has played a vital role in providing care to its residents over the years. The decision to close the facility was made with the residents' safety and well-being as the top priority, in light of the ongoing staffing challenges faced by healthcare facilities. Despite the closure, the board of directors is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for residents and staff members, and to supporting them through this challenging period.