Workers Walk Out, Residents Left with Nothing
ST. LOUIS — In a shocking turn of events, the largest skilled nursing facility in St. Louis, Northview Village Nursing Home, has closed its doors without warning, leaving approximately 170 residents in a state of confusion and disarray. With no time to prepare, many residents were bused to other care centers, forced to leave behind their belongings and personal items. The sudden shutdown occurred after workers discovered they might not be paid and subsequently walked out, leaving residents and their families in a state of chaos and uncertainty.
Families Left Searching for Loved Ones
The abrupt closure of Northview Village Nursing Home has left many family members anxiously searching for their loved ones. Alvin Cooper, whose son was a resident at the facility, expressed his distress, saying, “They don’t know where he is. I’ve burnt two tanks of gas going back and forth to that nursing home trying to find out what’s going on. I don’t know if he’s somewhere safe or what’s going to happen to him.”
Financial Troubles and Violations
The shutdown of Northview Village Nursing Home was triggered by financial troubles. More than 130 workers went unpaid, and there was uncertainty about whether they would receive their checks. The facility has faced federal violations and fines totaling over $140,000 since March 2021, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services giving it a one-star rating out of five. Additionally, the state health department has conducted numerous investigations into the facility since 2016, highlighting ongoing concerns about resident safety and care.
Residents Relocated, but Challenges Remain
Emergency measures were taken to relocate residents to other nursing homes after the closure was announced. However, the process was not without its difficulties. Some residents arrived at their new facilities without proper documentation of their medical history or medication needs. The closure of Northview Village has created a significant challenge for many residents, particularly those on Medicaid who may struggle to find alternate long-term care options.
A Sudden and Devastating Blow
The sudden shutdown of Northview Village Nursing Home has had far-reaching consequences for both residents and employees. Workers were caught off guard when their paychecks failed to arrive, leaving them facing financial uncertainty during the holiday season. Cherie Ford, a certified nursing assistant at the facility, expressed her frustration, saying, “This was the only job I had and am facing eviction and no Christmas for my family. We were all looking forward to this check.”
The closure of Northview Village Nursing Home has left a void in St. Louis’s long-term care services, with many individuals relying on the facility as a safety net. While the full implications of this sudden closure are yet to be seen, the immediate impact on residents and their families is clear. The need for better oversight and support for nursing home facilities is evident, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals who depend on them.