Proposed senior-care centers appeal state bed-count decision

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Valley could see two new senior care facilities coming on line, with two out-of-state companies having been awarded a portion of the needed bed totals from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services in December.

But both companies filed appeals to the decision in late December and early January. Each of the two companies, Maple Springs Senior Living and Mat-Su Colony, had originally applied for a larger share of the bed total for their projects than they ultimately received in the Dec. 2 decision.

On Jan. 3, Maple Springs Senior Living asked for an administrative hearing in its appeal.

“It is the desire of Maple Springs to be able to construct the buildings as outlined in our original application,” the appeal states. “We believe the proposal and information set forth within that application stands on its own and should be considered as the best solution for Skilled Nursing services in the Matsu Valley.”

Arleta Healthcare, which had put forth a competing application for a skilled nursing facility called Mat-Su Colony, filed for an administrative hearing on Dec. 27.

“It is our hope that we will be given the opportunity to build our original project with 104 beds and create an alternate plan to accommodate the 134 beds determined by the department,” the company’s CEO, Brian Newberry, wrote in the appeal.

The original decision, rendered Dec. 2 by DHHS Commissioner Valerie Davidson, called for splitting the total number of beds the state determined are needed for nursing homes in the Valley, between the two companies.

Mat-Su Colony was awarded 74 beds for a facility in Palmer. Maple Spring Senior Living was approved for 60 beds for a Wasilla project.