The Peru Gazette

Clinton County Legislature News Release

July 14, 2022 – Plattsburgh, NY – Last evening the Clinton County Legislature made the extremely difficult decision to begin the process of selling the County Nursing Home. Clinton County operates one of the last county-owned nursing homes in New York State. Over time, it has become clear that despite the County’s best efforts, the Nursing Home has not been able to generate enough revenue to provide the resources the staff requires to provide the necessary high-quality care to the residents of the facility that they deserve.

“This decision was not an easy one, however after many months of deliberation and discussion, it became evident that this was the most prudent course of action,” said Mark Henry, Chairperson of the Clinton County Legislature (R-Area 3, Chazy.)  “Providing our residents with quality, professional, medical and nursing services that enrich their lives has, and remains, of utmost of importance to the Clinton County Legislature. Further, we recognize that the continuous and selfless efforts of the almost 75 employees of the facility has contributed an immeasurable impact on not only the lives of the residents, but of our entire community. We remain dedicated to prioritizing their continued dedicated service to this facility and the Legislature is committed to enlisting an employer that prioritizes their longevity.”

The Clinton County Nursing Home is just one among many rural nursing homes that have been forced to evaluate its ownership and operation.[1]  Almost 1,000 nursing homes have been forced to close since 2015 and most of these nursing homes operate in rural areas with less than 100 beds; Clinton County Nursing Home has the capacity to serve 80 residents.

“As the Chairman to the Human Services Committee, I have seen firsthand the critical role that this facility plays in our area,” said Francis Peryea, Chairperson of the Human Services Committee, Clinton County Legislature (R-Area 2, Altona.) “That is why the Legislature remains steadfast in seeking a buyer that will prioritize residents and employees and be a well-rounded fit for the community as a whole. At the end of the day, we want to support our residents and employees without causing an undue burden on our taxpayers. We remain committed to ensuring this facility remains open and sustainable.”

The County Nursing Home is under-utilized due to staffing shortages.  It is licensed to care for 80 residents, but only 52 residents currently reside there because the County has not been able to fill over 50 vacant full and part-time positions.  The Legislature will continue to financially support the staff of the Nursing Home throughout the transitional process and are prioritizing a buyer who will not only support this concept of wage sustainability, but is able to offer more flexibility and potentially higher wages to retain existing and attract new employees.  There is a critical need for access to long-term care in our region, and the Legislature is convinced that this sale will improve that access. The Clinton County Legislature remains dedicated to supporting its aging population and its altruistic health care workforce.