Schallmo Assisted Living Center
ClosingAfter 43 Years of
Dedicated Service

 

It is with saddened hearts that the Okeene Municipal Hospital is announcing the closing of Schallmo Assisted Living Center. For the past 43 years Schallmo has provided a loving home for those needing assistance with daily living.

The decision to close Schallmo has not been an easy one and the board of directors understands the concern of its residents, employees and the community. For the past 17 years Schallmo has been unable to avoid a financial loss. Financial consultants were brought in to evaluate Schallmo’s economic history and it was recommended that continuing operations at Schallmo any longer would put the financial health of the hospital at risk.

Various options have been explored over the years to increase revenue and decrease expenses. Schallmo converted to an assisted living facility in 1996, which helped to slow the profit losses but not eliminate them. Daily room rates were reviewed and increased periodically but could not be raised adequately to maintain the facility.

Built in 1965 Schallmo has undergone several remodels to keep up-to-code and provide its residents with a safe and comfortable living environment. The board of directors looked at the cost of major renovations including adding private or semi-private bathrooms but found the costs were not feasible and still keep daily living rates affordable.

To maintain Schallmo it takes an average of 18 to 19 residents per month. In the past two years Schallmo as averaged only 12.2 residents. The majority of those who inquire about residency at Schallmo are choosing newer built facilities with private baths that are closer to family outside the Okeene area. Others have been able to stay home longer with the assistance of home health care and by the time they decide to enter an assisted living facility they no longer qualify for admission at Schallmo.

In an effort to help residents find alternative care, each resident will be evaluated individually to assess their needs. Every effort will be made to make the transition as stress free as possible for not only the patients as they relocate to a new facility, but also for the employees of Schallmo as they are assisted with job relocation.

Again, the decision to close Schallmo was not an easy one to make. It was discussed in length with financial consultants and many options were explored, but it soon became clear that it was not economically sound to continue operations. The board of directors and employees wish only the best for Schallmo residents and wish them well in the future.