Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- The Diocese of Providence has told a state nursing-home association that it will close its St. Francis House assisted-living center at 167 Blackstone St. later this year, a spokeswoman for the association said.

A diocese spokesman could not be reached, and a call to St. Francis House was answered with "no comment, no comment, no comment."

Mary K. Talbot of the Rhode Island Association of Facilities and Services for the Aging, said the diocese told the association that it would have to pay between $250,000 to $500,000 to bring the facility into compliance with the state fire code.

The facility has a capacity of about 50, Talbot said, but she added she didn't know how many of those beds were in use. Over the next few months, she said, the staff of St. Francis House would be working with current residents to find new arrangements.

"St. Francis was a unique community whose residents received excellent care," Talbot said. "Its closure will have a significant impact. Residents will have to find appropriate new homes and dedicated staff will be displaced in a bad economy."

 Tags  Diocese of Providence Woonsocket RI

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