Family Health West plans to soon close its assisted living center in Fruita and relocate the 50 residents there to other facilities.

Korrey Klein, president of Family Health West, said the Oaks has gone beyond its useful life. The center was constructed in the 1980s using salvaged materials from oil boom man camps. “After a thorough discovery process, we have concluded that the ongoing repairs and maintenance required by the facility would not be prudent.”

Lori Randall, chief operating officer, said the limitations of the facility hampered efforts to provide quality care. “Higher-quality care facilities are available locally, and that’s what these residents deserve.”

William Cummins, associate vice president of business development, said the cost or providing care at the Oaks outpaces government reimbursements. “We are reimbursed at roughly half the cost of care. You cannot continue operations in an aging facility where no reserve capital is available for ongoing upkeep and improvements.”

Jason Davis, associate vice president of support services, said the staff at the Oaks will be offered other positions with Family Health West. “We are actively working with staff for placement opportunities within the organization.”

Klein said Family Health West will continue to operate the Willows, a secure assisted living facility, as well as explore other ways to serve the older population. “Our commitment to elder care has not diminished.”

Family Health West operates the Colorado Canyons Hospital and Medical Center in Fruita as well as provides a range of health care services through other practices and facilities. For more information, call 858-3900 or visit www.fhw.org.