Dear Editor:

Over the last few months, I have been talking about the many challenges impacting nursing and skilled nursing facilities across our state, with Lincoln County being no exception. We also announced recently that Sandy River Company, a developer specializing in senior living facilities, has begun evaluating whether building a new facility in Damariscotta and consolidating nursing and skilled nursing care at St. Andrews Village and Cove’s Edge makes sense.

Sandy River Company is assessing if a new facility with roughly 90 beds can work for our residents, our communities and their company. Their model of building a multi-million dollar facility and partnering with North Country Associates to provide services has worked in several locations and could ensure nursing care in Lincoln County for a long time.

As it stands today, LincolnHealth is not in the financial position to build a new multi-million dollar facility or complete extensive repairs at existing facilities. We cannot sustain staggering financial losses in nursing care services in the long-term. Similar challenges have caused four nursing care facilities in Maine to close this year, and another may shut down soon. If Sandy River Company’s building of a state-of-the art nursing home in Damariscotta can help us achieve our goal of assuring nursing care in Lincoln County, it makes sense to consider the project.

One of the burning questions in the Boothbay region is “What are you going to do with the vacated space at St. Andrews Village?” That’s a great question, but one that is premature. The decision about building a new facility will not be made for several months.

What’s critically important for Boothbay area residents to understand is our commitment to St. Andrews Village remains strong. While the nursing care and skilled nursing programs may eventually move, assisted living and independent living will remain and if the space becomes available at the Village, we’ll plan to address the needs of the community with services that align with existing programs.

In short, we’re not going anywhere.

If you have any questions, please send them along via the Contact Us link on our web page. I am committed to transparency throughout this process and will provide updates via Facebook and community newspapers when we have information to share.

Cindy Wade BSN, MHA

President, LincolnHealth