Judge temporarily halts the Sullivan County nursing home closure

What happened

The Times Union reported on September 17 that state Supreme Court Justice Kevin R. Bryant in Ulster County temporarily halted Sullivan County's closure plan for the Sullivan County Adult Care Center, also known as the Care Center at Sunset Lake. He ordered the county to stop relocating residents, paused staff layoffs and ordered officials to keep caring for the remaining residents, court records show.

At least 60 residents had already been moved to other nursing homes, according to one of the plaintiffs. The county announced the closure on August 19, citing longstanding financial challenges and rising costs. The lawsuit says the county legislature voted to close the facility in March in a closed executive session, and the plaintiffs' attorney said the clerk told him no record of the vote existed.

What it means for families

A temporary order buys time but does not decide the case. Families with relatives still in the home may have more time to weigh options, and families whose relatives already moved can still ask questions about their care.

For example: if your relative was moved to a home far away, you can ask the new home and the state about transferring closer if a bed opens up.

Quick answers

What did the judge order about the Sullivan County nursing home?

The Times Union reported on September 17 that state Supreme Court Justice Kevin R. Bryant in Ulster County temporarily halted Sullivan County's closure plan for the Sullivan County Adult Care Center, also known as the Care Center at Sunset Lake. He ordered the county to stop relocating residents, paused staff layoffs and ordered officials to keep caring for the remaining residents, court records show.

Answers come from the reporting in Sources.

What to do this week

• If a relative is affected, ask the county and the home in writing what the court order means for them right now.
• Keep notes of every relocation conversation, including names and dates.
• Call the New York Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for free, confidential help.
• Ask your relative's doctor or care team to send an updated care summary and medication list with them if they are moved.

Sources

• Judge temporarily halts Sullivan County nursing home's controversial closure plan (Times Union)
• Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (NYS Office for the Aging)

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