Report: 1 In 4 Nursing Homes At Risk Of Closing

One quarter of the nursing homes in Massachusetts are at risk of closing, according to an industry trade group.

The Massachusetts Senior Care Association reported Thursday that an analysis conducted by the firm CLA and presented at the group's annual meeting concluded that 95 nursing homes are in danger of closing across the state.

The report underscores the need for "immediate action" to prevent the displacement of thousands of frail elder and disabled residents, and the loss of jobs held by thousands of people who work at the homes. Homes are at risk due to underfunding from the state, rising labor costs, and competition from assisted living and home care operators, the association said.

The Legislature boosted funding for nursing homes in this year's budget and created a Nursing Facility Task Force, which is scheduled to meet in Boston on Friday, Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

"Our report shows that many Massachusetts nursing facilities have been operating at negative margins for the past five-plus years, which simply is unsustainable," Michael Slavik, of CLA, said in a statement released by the association.

While the association highlighted the CLA report in a press release, the report itself was not immediately available.