State Funding Will Help Keep Kirkside Open

ROXBURY, 04/13/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that the 2015-2016 state budget includes, at his insistence, $150,000 to assist Kirkside A Retirement Home of Distinction in Roxbury. 

“Kirkside Retirement Home plays a vital role in the lives of area senior citizens and is a cherished part of the Roxbury community,” said Senator Seward.  “Ensuring Kirkside is able to continue operating and offering services contributes greatly to the health and well being of the residents and markedly enhances the local quality of life.”

The funding secured by Senator Seward will assist Kirkside with operational expenses resulting from an aging building, new regulations, and other economic factors.  A new long-term business plan and marketing strategy is being developed to address the situation moving forward. 

“Kirkside holds an important place in Roxbury’s history and thanks to Senator Seward, the home has a bright future ahead,” said Bonnie Walker vice president of the Kirkside A Retirement Home of Distinction board of directors.  “This funding award will allow us some breathing room as we adjust to a host of recent changes affecting long-term senior care in New York and develop a new approach to meet the latest challenges.”

Kirkside A Retirement Home of Distinction’s resident population currently consists of seven private paying individuals and twelve Social Security Insurance recipients.  Closure of the home would result in the relocation of all of the residents and would put twenty-two individuals out of work.

“Kirkside is a unique facility in more ways than one and does not fit into the mode of other retirement homes that currently exist in New York State.   While the business plan may need to be updated, the level of care exhibited by those who work here does not.  I am extremely pleased to offer some short-term assistance to ensure this special home continues to make a difference in the lives of our senior citizens and their families,” Senator Seward concluded. 

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