114th Year, 32nd Issue Thursday, March 20, 2003 Sparta, North Carolina

Stanley says he will give up license; revocation procedures continue

Alleghany Assisted Living abruptly closes facility on Ballpark Road

By COBY LaRUE
Staff

About 18 residents of Alleghany Assisted Living were quickly moved to other facilities last week when the Alleghany County Department of Social Services learned the facility was planning to close.

Jane Wyatt, who handles inspection of such facilities for DSS, said she received phone tips that the facility was planning to close without the required 30 day notice. She said the abrupt closing constitutes an additional violation of state codes by the rest home, adding to the already numerous violations already on file.

"He was supposed to give the residents and us a 30 day notice, he gave no notice," she said. "If it weren't for the phone calls we received last Tuesday (March 11), we might not have known as soon as we did." Wyatt said DSS helped place the residents of Alleghany Assisted Living, which occupies the former location of Britthaven and New River Country Cares, in suitable rest homes and that they have been dispersed to other homes across the state.

"Friday was the last day that they were open," Wyatt said. "We were able to get in and talk to residents and help to place them. We were able to work with them and their families and by Friday the last resident moved out.

"I know people have been wondering what is going on," she said. "We got several calls. The residents were able to go where they or their families wanted to go."

Wyatt said DSS went to the facility last Tuesday morning after receiving tips that the facility was planning to close. At that time, business owner Scott Stanley informed Wyatt of his intention to close. He also asked DSS to help in placing the residents.

Even though the facility is closing, Stanley still holds a provisional license to operate. Therefore, revocation procedures already underway will continue as long as he continues to hold the license to operate a rest home with 98 beds in the county.

In an interview Tuesday, Stanley commented that Alleghany Assisted Living will not reopen. "I am not planning on reopening it," he said. He declined to comment on the abrupt closure.

As for the license he currently holds, he said he is not interested in keeping it in his possession.

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