Following a long 18 months for the skilled nursing industry, it appears one of New Jersey’s largest care providers is evaluating whether or not to move on from long-term care altogether.
In a letter sent by Hackensack Meridian Health to its nursing home residents, the company confirmed it is looking into a potential sale, according to a NJ.com report.
In a statement sent to Skilled Nursing News, Hackensack Meridian Health said it is continuously evaluating its operations to ensure that it is meeting the “ever-evolving needs” of its patients, team members and communities.
“We are currently evaluating the sale of our long-term care, assisted living and subacute facilities,” the statement read. “In line with industry trends and best practices, we have decided to review options to sell our businesses.”
The New Jersey-based hospital system expanded its post-acute footprint in 2019 when it acquired a trio of nursing homes, Prospect Heights Care Center and Regent Care Center in Hackensack, N.J., and the West Caldwell Care Center in West Caldwell, N.J., in a $60 million deal.
It remains to be seen which and how many post-acute care assets the hospital network will look at dealing.
“While we do not have any specifics to share at this time, we can ensure that any shifts in ownership of long-term care facilities will be made thoughtfully, carefully and will prioritize the continuum of care of patients and those who serve them,” the company’s statement noted.
Hackensack Meridian Health offers a wide range of long-term care including nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, post-hospital and post-surgical care, 24-hour skilled nursing, respite care and other services.
“If we do decide to sell these facilities, we will have an ongoing preferred provider partnership with the potential buyer to ensure the continuity of high-quality care,” the statement concluded.