Wauneta nursing home to close

WAUNETA, Nebraska -- A declining population, more in-home services and stricter requirements are being blamed for a decision to close a Wauneta nursing home.

Vetter Health Service Inc., which operates Heritage of Wauneta, issued a news release that it "has made the difficult decision to discontinue operation" of the facility.

"It is with a heavy heart that we are making this announcement," said Glenn Van Ekeren, president of Vetter Health Services.

"The need for skilled nursing beds in this community has continued to decline over the past 10 years," he said. "This is due to a declining population base as well as other services being offered that allow people to remain in their homes longer. To complicate matters, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid is requiring that all skilled nursing facilities, without exception, be fully sprinkled. This requirement would place an additional burden on an already challenging situation."

The release indicated that the closing will occur no later than June 30, 2012, and that residents, families and staff will receive 60 days notice before the operation ends.

"Until then, the facility will continue to operate 'business as usual' as long as we have staff to provide the quality of care that we are known for, and an adequate number of residents to serve," Van Ekeren said.

VHS and Heritage of Wauneta said they will work closely with residents, families and employees to help them explore their options.

"Residents, of course, will have a choice of where they wish to relocate," said Lisa Kisinger, administrator at Heritage of Wauneta. "We are committed to help each resident make the transition to another location as smooth as possible."

The release said VHS has yet to determine the disposition of the Heritage of Wauneta building.

The company plans to establish a community task force to help it identify ways in which the building can be used to serve unmet needs in the area.