EMPORIA (KSNT) - City of Emporia officials are releasing new information Thursday on the reason behind a local retirement home closing this month.
Christine Torrens with the City of Emporia said in a press release the Holiday Resort retirement home sent a notice to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) on Monday, Dec. 2 regarding its imminent closure on Friday, Dec. 6. The home's closure comes after its administration received word from the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency that it no longer qualifies for financial support.
“The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is committed to ensuring the well-being of Kansas seniors," said KDADS Secretary, Laura Howard. "KDADS and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office have staff onsite at Holiday Resort to assist residents and their families in making the transition out of the facility a safe, supportive process that is as seamless as possible. KDADS will continue to work with its partners and the Holiday Resort administrators to ensure all state and federal laws are followed and adequate time for transition is afforded to residents impacted by this closure.”
The Centers Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) designated Mission Health as the temporary manager for the facility in light of the closure. This is a temporary arrangement that can remain in place for up to 30 days past Dec. 6.
Torrens said federal and state regulations require residents at the Holiday Resort to receive at least a 30 day notice before being transferred or discharged. The temporary extension will let residents and their families find more time to make arrangements for transitions to new facilities.
"The priority remains ensuring a smooth and supportive transition for all residents during this challenging time," Torrens said. "Families are encouraged to work closely with the temporary manager and facility staff to facilitate a seamless transition."
People impacted by the closure of the Holiday Resort are encouraged to get in touch with KDADS for help. The agency can be found at 503 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka and can be reached at 785-296-4986.
The Holiday Resort's closure follows the announcement that Emporia's local Tyson Fresh Meat plant will also be closing early in 2025. The City of Emporia issued a statement on Dec. 4 reassuring residents that work is being done to help those impacted by the closures.
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