Following news this week that The Commons at Tall Pines, a skilled nursing facility in Belfast, plans to close on June 18 — a closure that will affect 37 residents — Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, issued the following statement in response:

The plan to close The Commons at Tall Pines is devastating for our community. I am deeply saddened and very frustrated by this news.

My heart goes out to the residents, their loved ones and the dedicated caregivers at the facility who serve them.

The Commons at Tall Pines has a duty to work with residents, their family members and with the state’s Long-term Care Ombudsman to secure placements for all of the residents in facilities that can safely meet their needs.

Maine nursing homes are facing a real crisis. While the state has raised reimbursement rates for long-term care and funded wage increases for direct care professionals, it simply is not enough.

Our system of funding and delivering long-term care is broken. It’s why I’m doing all I can to ensure the stability of our health care system for all Mainers; especially those who require long-term care.

My office stands ready to help the families, patients and employees of Tall Pines in the difficult transition before them. You can contact my legislative office at (207) 287-1515 or email me directly at Chip.Curry@legislature.maine.gov.