Seniors may be forced from NJ home
SEWELL, N.J. (WPVI) -- Dozens of senior citizens may be soon looking for a new place to live.
Gloucester Manor in Sewell, New Jersey - a private nursing home that specializes in rehabilitation and care - is beloved by most residents.
However, the home has had a number of problems in the past, and those problems are threatening the government funding needed to provide those seniors a home.
"I love this place. I don't have another place to go to," said resident Lillian Miller.
However, Miller and roughly 70 of her fellow residents will likely need a new place to live come August 1st.
"Last night we had a meeting and, as of August 1st, Medicare and Medicaid wouldn't be supporting this place anymore," said Miller.
According to public records, in March, the New Jersey Department of Human Services inspected the facility and found allegations of abuse, insufficient fire protections and other safety violations.
The nursing home has had a history of problems and was designated a Special Focus Facility.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid informed management in recent weeks it would cut off federal funding, affecting all but a little more than a dozen residents.
Despite the reported findings, residents said they like the well-kept and maintained facility.
"Now we are all going to have to find a place to go, and I love this place. This is my home. I don't have a home, this is it. I don't want to go anywhere else," said Miller.
Joseph Nastasi's wife suffers from dementia and lives at Gloucester Manor. He says the services provided have been excellent for the past 3 years.
"I don't what to do with my wife. I can't handle my wife. How can I handle her? I can't handle myself," Nastasi said.
"They've done their job here, they really do. They are good workers here these people," said Monica Gilroy.
Management at Gloucester Manor refused a request for an interview.
State officials said Gloucester Manor can appeal, and state government workers will help relocate any residents if the need arises.
