EAST PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Management is explaining the decision to close Serenity Assisted Living & Memory Care in East Peoria, citing COVID-related economic troubles, plus a mold problem at the site.
Executives sent a letter earlier this month to residents and their families stating the assisted living facility is closing no later than April 8, with the possibility the shutdown will happen sooner.
Christopher Randall is the CEO of Randall Residence, which is the third-party manager running the facility at 4000 North Main Street.
Randall told 25 News several issues have created “prolonged insolvency from eight consecutive years of operating losses and an unsustainable debt burden.”
He said the facility opened in mid-2018 and had not reached “stabilized occupancy” when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020.
The pandemic, Randall said, impacted occupancy and led to higher costs including providing personal protection equipment, grappling with supply chain problems, and hiring staff.
“Even after the crisis over COVID subsided, inflation has still impacted margins. Food, utilities, and insurance are all up 20-65% or more,” Randall said.
Besides economic troubles, Randall said the facility had to deal with mold created as natural springs in the nearby hills flow underneath the building.
As of Tuesday, Jan. 20, Serenity was caring for about 40 residents in assisted living and memory care, with about 34 employees, Angela Donovan, Serenity’s executive director, said.
“Our absolute priority right now is supporting residents and families through a safe, organized, and respectful transition,” Donovan said.
“We are actively assisting with identifying alternative care options, coordinating tours, transferring records, and working directly with families and referral partners to ensure continuity of care,” she said. “We have also hosted on-site resource events with other senior living providers to make this process as accessible as possible.”
As for the employees, Donovan said Serenity is providing references, networking support and connections to other senior living communities and healthcare providers that are hiring.