Middlesex Health Care Center sits in Middletown, Connecticut, and has operated as a skilled nursing facility for over 23 years under Athena Health Care Systems, though there's a plan to close by spring, on or before March 4, following a petition filed because of rising operating costs and other financial factors, so the state approved a closure plan where all residents will be safely discharged before the facility shuts its doors. Right now, the center has about 55 residents though it can license up to 150 beds for skilled nursing care, and over the years, it's provided a range of services like long-term nursing care, assisted living, dementia care, respite care, hospice care, as well as short-term rehabilitation for folks recovering between hospital and home. The team helps with daily tasks, including bathing, dressing, transfers, medication management, and non-ambulatory care, and provides 12 to 16 hours of on-site nursing support with a 24-hour call system for emergencies.
Doctors from the clinic, connected with Middlesex Hospital, manage health needs, and the facility uses hospital-grade equipment and furniture, so care can get tailored for frail seniors or those with serious conditions after illness, surgery, or hospital stays, as well as people needing intermediate nursing or rehab. The building has a physical plant that could use some large updates and it's got comfortable, furnished rooms that include private bathrooms, cable TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and kitchenettes, with both community areas and quiet lounges, plus a nice outside courtyard with a gazebo, all set up to feel warm and homelike. Amenities cover restaurant-style dining available all day, with special diet options for allergies or diabetes, plus housekeeping, laundry, dry cleaning, transportation, parking, and a concierge. There's a move-in coordination service for new residents and family support, and staff speak English, plus some other languages.
Daily life includes a mix of scheduled activities like movie nights, sports, arts, music programs, fitness classes, and wellness events, with community rooms, a library, activity areas, a fitness room, spa or wellness space, and even walking paths outside. The place offers help and information about insurance for long-term care, supervises resident safety and well-being, and runs both resident-run and community-sponsored activities, so folks can stay social. Family members can get expert advice on caregiving through the center's resources, and the management team also helps staff find jobs in the Athena network. Financially, the center accepts Medicare and Medicaid. The Connecticut Department of Public Health assigned the center a rating of 2.4 from 20 reviews, which isn't the highest.
