Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Central New York’s largest operator of nursing homes is cutting 100 jobs as part of a restructuring plan. Loretto says the move is necessary to ensure its future.
Most of the layoffs are at the management level, while others include clerical and financial positions and don’t involve those who work directly with the residents. The cuts are across the board and do not impact any isolated facility.
With 18 different locations in addition to specialized programs for the elderly, Loretto serves more than 6,000 Central New Yorkers and their families.
“Most of the families who go into our facilities on a day-to-day basis are going to see no difference whatsoever…really the positions affected are not resident-care oriented,” said Loretto Senior Vice President Steve Volza.
While Loretto leaders say no further cuts are planned right now, they are continuing to work with a health-management firm to improve their efficiency as they adjust to new financial difficulties. Those challenges are tied directly to Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements from the government.
“Today, our funding levels are at 2006 levels. While everything is moving forward, ours has moved back. The reason why is to move people out of institutions and into more community-based settings and we understand what that message is about and that's what this change is about,” Volza said.
In order to adjust to that model, Loretto says they are going forward with plans that were once sidelined to build community-based housing for more independent seniors. They’re hoping to build off Route 11 in Cicero and to move residents out of the aging Rosewood Heights building. A grant will help to fund some of the project but there is no timeline as to when it will be completed.
Loretto is a non-profit organization that currently employs about 2,300 people.
