Doomed Middletown Nursing Home To Close In The Spring

MIDDLETOWN, CT — State officials have approved a springtime closure of Middlesex Health Care Center in Middletown.

The approval was rendered on Dec. 29. The skilled nursing center is expected to close on or before March 4, according to parent company Athena Health Care Systems. Middlesex Health Care Center is located at 100 Randoplh Road.

Middlesex Health Care Center is a 150-licensed bed skilled nursing facility that Athena Health Care Systems has managed for the past 23 years. The facility will not close until all residents are "safely discharged" out of the Middletown facility, Athena officials said. There are 55 residents currently at the center.

The Petition for Closure was filed by Athena on Dec. 14. A combination of factors, including the need for significant physical plant updates, staffing, rising operating costs, and other financial considerations left us with the decision to file for closure.

Athena officials cited similar circumstances in shuttering Crestfield Rehabilitation Center & Fenwood Manor, a 155-bed facility in Manchester, which is slated to close on or before Feb. 5.

"It is with sadness that I’m sharing this news regarding the closure of Middlesex Health
Care Center," said Larry Santilli, the president and CEO of Athena Health Care Systems. "We are in
a challenging healthcare landscape and this decision was reached after careful evaluation
of all available options. Our priority remains with our residents, their families, and our
staff. We will make this process as seamless as possible for our residents to ensure their
safety and well-being."

Santilli added, "I want to thank all our staff for their dedication to Middlesex and Athena Health Care Systems. Our administration teams are working with the staff at Middlesex to identify
available opportunities within the Athena network for employment. We are also working
with other local employers in the area for job placement."