Farmington, Conn.-based Athena Health Care Systems intends to close two skilled nursing facilities in Bristol, Conn., according to a Jan. 20 statement shared with Becker's.
Closures of the Sheriden Woods Health Care Center and the Countryside Manor of Bristol are pending state approval, the statement said.
A Dec. 23 WARN notice from Athena Health Care Systems filed with the Connecticut Department of Labor said 253 employees will be laid off as a result of the closures. Patients will be transitioned to other facilities no later than March 22, the notice said.
"Unfortunately, a combination of environmental factors — staffing challenges, facility maintenance needs, and rising operational costs — made it impossible to continue operating both facilities consistent with our high standards for care," the Athena Health statement said.
The state will decide whether to approve the closures after a public hearing.
The health system will connect employees with "all available resources" to help identify job opportunities and secure new employment, the statement said.