2 finalists chosen for possible sale of Cumberland County’s nursing home

As opposition to the proposal continues, Cumberland County officials have tapped two private firms as finalists for the possible purchase of the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the county’s nursing home.

County commissioner on Wednesday identified the finalists as New Jersey-based Allaire Health Services and Transitions Healthcare LLC, which acquired Adams County’s nursing home.

“This is a very deliberate and robust process which includes, but is not limited to a review of financials, operations and site visits to multiple Allaire and Transitions properties,” Commission Chairman Gary Eichelberger said. “Our commitment is to find the best fit for Claremont. We will only accept a reputable and stable buyer that will deliver the best care for our residents, provide the best opportunities for our employees and keep Claremont a top-notch facility for the county.”

Six companies had submitted purchase proposals. The finalists were chosen based on the findings of a county evaluation team and Susquehanna Group Advisors Inc., a consultant, Eichelberger said.

Money is among the motivators of the sale exploration. Commissioners say projections show Claremont will be an increasing financial drain if it remains in county hands and that a private operator versed in the competitive nursing home industry will be better suited to manage it.

They claim projections show Claremont will post a $2.5 million shortfall this year that is only expected to rise. “The shortfall can’t be covered by reserves and will require the county to subsidize the facility with general fund tax dollars,” commissioners said in a statement identifying the finalists.

That announcement came two days after a public meeting where numerous residents urged the board to call a halt to the sale exploration, at least until the COVID-19 pandemic passes. The opponents, including members of the citizens group Saving Claremont, contended now is a bad time to consider selling the facility for financial and psychological reasons.

One speaker at Monday’s meeting insisted it would cost an average homeowner $20 a year to subsidize Claremont and keep it in public ownership, a figure that Eichelberger greeted with skepticism.

As of Monday, more than 750 people had signed an online petition opposing the sale.

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