State takes control of Zeigler’s Colonial Manor

By Bruce A. Fasol

Colonial Manor, a care center for developmentally disabled residents, across from the Zeigler City Hall, is trying to make arrangements for their patients as they prepare to close their doors. The state of Illinois says that they were forced to take action when the nursing home did not meet a required 90 day notice prior to their closing. The Illinois Department of Public health, which has regulatory power, has apparently stepped in and will act as an administrator by seeking a court ordered “receivership”

There appears to be a conflict of what current conditions are with the state saying that they were informed that there was limited foods and funding for payroll. The current owner/operator of Colonial Manor has questioned information provided by the state in their news release.

Efforts are being made to immediately place residents in care in nearby facilities, if possible. One of the reasons for the economic problems has been cited as the state funding being redirected into other facilities in a community setting for residents, instead of facilities like the one in Zeigler.

Below is the press release issued by the state:

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), working in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of the State Guardian, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and others, is relocating 32 residents from Colonial Manor, an intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled located in Franklin County. Colonial Manor informed IDPH on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 it could not afford to stay open, only had food for approximately three and a half days, and would not be able to pay staff past Monday, March 18, 2013. The failure of the facility to notify IDPH at least 90 days before closing, as well as the inability to pay for food and staff, prompted the Department to take emergency action to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all residents.

“The health and safety of these residents is our first and foremost priority,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “The Department is working with several state agencies to find nearby facilities or community living arrangements where these residents can move, at least temporarily, to ensure they are receiving the quality care they need.”

At the same time, IDPH is requesting the Illinois Attorney General’s Office seek permission from the circuit court to allow the Department to place a receiver at Colonial Manor who can run the facility until permanent living arrangements are found for all residents. The Department will also pursue the voluntary surrender of the facility’s license or action to revoke Colonial Manor’s license.