Community speaks out against proposed nursing home closure

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GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. -- A possible closure of the Kinney Nursing Home could send residents far away from their homes and families. But with an outcry of community support, efforts are being made to keep the nursing home and its residents right here in Gouverneur.

"Can you imagine the fear to think that they might rip you out of your community and put you down in Long Island or down in Buffalo," asked Rev. Robert LaVeck.

That fear is becoming very real to the people of Kinney Nursing Home. St. Lawrence Health Systems has filed a plan to close the nursing home. The plan is currently under review by the state, but if approved, it would push residents out of Gouverneur.

LaVeck said, "We have these elderly people in the nursing home. There's nothing these people can do to defend themselves. We have to be their voice."

The community is rallying to keep the nursing home right where it is. However, they may be facing an uphill battle. The nursing home is losing patients and money. An aging group of baby boomers and increased healthcare costs make it difficult for nursing homes to turn a profit.

"With restrictions and limited Medicare and Medicaid funding, it becomes troublesome to try and get to a break even point," explained Mayor Ron McDougall.

The town and village have passed resolutions asking the state to reconsider closing the nursing home. However, county legislators say the people should find alternatives to keep a nursing home in Gouverneur.

"The bricks and mortar are there. Lets utilize them. Lets renovate it, a restoration project. Let's see if we can't find some money to support it," suggested Alex MacKinnon, a St. Lawrence County legislator.

Those ideas could keep a nursing home part of Gouverneur.

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Community speaks out against proposed nursing home closure