After significant discussions amid ongoing assessment, Avantara Ipswich has made the difficult decision to move forward with the closure of its skilled nursing facility, located in Ipswich.

“It is always a difficult decision to close a skilled nursing facility, but the challenges related to staffing and the continued impact of COVID-19, have created an environment where we can no longer keep the doors of Avantara Ipswich open,” said Connie Ortega on behalf of Avantara Ipswich.

“We were fortunate enough to serve a great community, who in return provided incredible support to both our residents and staff, during a global pandemic,” she said. “The staff at Avantara Ipswich are incredibly hardworking and dedicated to the care of our residents and community. They deserve to be recognized for their commitment, especially over the last two years. They are true heroes in the community, and we will be working closely with both our residents and staff to help them through the closure of Avantara Ipswich.”

Each resident, in conjunction with their physician and loved ones, will have individual plans developed to ensure that their health and well-being are the highest priority during this period of relocation. Additionally, Avantara Ipswich will do its best to assist its staff and help them explore alternate employment opportunities.

Since day one, Avantara Ipswich has been committed to investing in the physical needs of the facility, as well as being committed to personnel, community, and state relations, in order to improve the facility and continue its operations. After a significant investment into the facility, an exhaustion of both internal and external resources, and engagement with officials from the state of South Dakota, it is apparent that the facility’s continued operational viability is no longer possible.

Avantara Ipswich has provided a formal written “Notice of Closure” to the South Dakota Office of Licensure and Certification, in addition to providing written notice to each resident and their designated point of contact. Avantara Ipswich’s last day of operation will be May 31, 2022.