GETZVILLE, N.Y. — For the past three months, all the staff at Weinberg Campus, a retirement community in Getzville, has wanted is answers.
On Thursday, they got their answer, only to find out it was one decided months ago.
Weinberg Campus announced in a letter to all residents that the campus’ nursing home will be closing down next month due to “financial strain.” The letter also said it was a decision they first filed for back in August.
“I feel cheated. I feel angry. This never happened before,” said Darlene Gates, administrator with 1199SEIU, the union representing the nursing home’s employees. “It is not a way to conduct business at all. You're playing with livelihoods.”
It comes amid a period of clear financial struggles at the Rosa Coplon nursing home with employees’ paychecks bouncing and benefits not being met, following the union’s newly agreed upon contract on Aug. 1.
The move now displaces 140 residents and leaves 300 employees without a job.
Ann Dillon is one of those residents, who has been living at Weinberg Campus for almost a year. She said the last thing she wants to have to think about at this age is finding a new home.
“I don't want to have to, no, I never planned on moving,” Dillon said. “This is sudden.”
Weinberg Campus President and CEO Bob Mayer released a statement today, saying the decision brings them “great sadness” but that they will help find housing for all residents and work to find new jobs for their employees:
"Rosa Coplon Jewish Home and Infirmary, d/b/a Rosa Coplon Living Center, has been providing services to the aging population of Erie County since 1916. Rosa Coplon is proud of the nursing home services it has provided throughout the years. Nevertheless, financial strain on the provision of services has resulted in the tremendously difficult decision that Rosa Coplon must discontinue operation of its nursing home, effective on the earlier of (i) November 30, 2024 or (ii) the date the last resident is discharged from Rosa Coplon Living Center.
It is with great sadness that the Rosa Coplon Board of Directors and Administration have decided that it is necessary to close this great community resource. Rosa Coplon is currently working with the New York State Department of Health to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible. We will assist each and every resident, their families and our valued employees to secure new housing options, care and job placement.
The Board of Directors cited a potential sale that failed to occur after nearly six years, federal and state regulatory burdens, low Medicaid reimbursement rates, escalating delivery costs, a shrinking skilled health care workforce, and the current incentives to have elders and those requiring medical rehabilitation to remain at home for care as reasons for the closure.”
But the workers say they don’t need new jobs and are pleading with the state to keep the facility open under new ownership.
“Weinberg is saveable. DOH has the power to stop this,” Gates said. “I think we only can do so much. If the state doesn't step in, then it's out of our hands.”
Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon has already responded to the closure of the Rosa Coplon Living Center:
“The closure of the Rosa Coplon Living Center at Weinberg Campus is a deeply troubling development that directly impacts the lives of 120 vulnerable residents and more than 300 skilled and dedicated union members who have served them.
The decision to close this facility has left families anxious about their loved ones’ future care, and hundreds of hardworking staff uncertain about their livelihoods.
We cannot allow the displacement of these residents or the loss of so many jobs to go unnoticed. This community deserves a comprehensive plan to ensure every resident finds a safe and supportive environment, and every worker has the opportunity to continue providing care. My administration will work closely with state and local government partners to explore all options and support all those affected.”
The official closure date is scheduled for Nov. 30 or whenever the last resident has moved out, whichever comes first. 2 On Your Side is told residents could be moved out by early November.