Cottage in the Meadow Soon Transitioning to Skilled Nursing Facility

Cottage in the Meadow, a facility cherished by the Yakima community, will temporarily pause operations beginning August 21, as officials at Multicare Yakima Memorial Hospital address unsustainable financial challenges.

THE FACILITY IS NOW AWAITING AN APPROVAL FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEATLH

Marcus Perry, Corporate Communications Specialist for Multicare, says the facility is pursuing a Certificate of Need to repurpose the building into a skilled nursing facility. Despite the pause, Perry emphasized that Cottage in the Meadow is not closing permanently. "We hope to better utilize the building in the future, with several beds still designated for offering in-patient hospice care."

IT'S BEEN TOUGH ECONOMICALLY

The decision comes in light of increasing operational costs, which have prompted the hospital to rethink how it serves the community’s healthcare needs. As home hospice care continues to grow, Multicare officials say they remain committed to providing in-patient hospice services at Cottage in the Meadow when it resumes operations. Patients will still receive hospice support through existing agreements with other skilled nursing facilities during the transition. Perry assured current staff members that they would be offered opportunities to serve in other areas of the hospital system.

AFTER AUGUST 21 IT'S THE HOSPITAL WILL BE WAITING FOR A DECISION

Following the pause on August 21, authorities will await approval from the Department of Health before reopening the facility. Once operational, Cottage in the Meadow is expected to specialize in short-term rehabilitation services while continuing to reserve beds for in-patient hospice care later next year. As the community processes this significant change, hospital officials reaffirm their dedication to maintaining the beloved facility as a vital healthcare resource in Yakima.