Seward Delivers Key Assistance to Delaware County Senior Homes

ALBANY, 04/11/16 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that the 2016-17 state budget includes, at his insistence, $250,000 to replace the roof at Mountainside Residential Care Center in Margaretville and  $75,000 for budgetary concerns at Kirkside A Retirement Home of Distinction in Roxbury.

“Both Mountainside and Kirkside play vital roles in the lives of area senior citizens and preserving the vitality of these longtime homes is a key priority,” said Senator Seward.  “These special state budget awards, which I secured, demonstrate how important both senior homes are to the local quality of life and the health and well being of the senior residents.”

The $250,000 budget award for Mountainside Residential Center will be used to replace the home’s roof.  The Margaretville home is ranked as one of the best nursing homes in the country by U.S. News and World Report.  It is home to 82 individuals and employs 105 area residents.  However, a great percentage of the residents have limited resources with most relying on Medicaid.  As such, the care center is not able to generate the necessary funds for the much needed repairs.

The $75,000 budget award for Kirkside will be used to assist the Roxbury facility 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 implemented to address the challenges moving forward.  Kirkside is home to seven private paying individuals and 12 Social Security Insurance recipients and employs 22 area residents.  This marks the second year in a row that Senator Seward was able to secure assistance for Kirkside ($150,000 was included in the 2015-16 state budget).

“Senior citizens and their families rely deeply on Kirkside and Mountainside.  Both homes have a strong tradition of providing exemplary care and help provide residents with an ongoing connection with the community.  These retirement homes are also key components of the local economy and their stability means a great deal to the region’s future success,” added Seward.    

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