by Marjorie Moore, Executive Director of VOYCE
Everyone at VOYCE remembers where they were and what they were doing when they heard Northview Village was closing immediately. A year ago, on December 15, 2024, at 5:00 PM, I had just switched to the backseat on hour two of a road trip for an extended family Christmas gathering. I got the call from Anneliese Stoever, the Executive Director of the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA). I remember saying over and over that they couldn’t do that and had to give 60 days’ notice. That was the regulation. She said it was clear from the calls she was getting from staff and family that it was happening. Vans were already piling up on Highland Avenue, threatening to cause traffic jams on Kingshighway. Some residents were already gone.
For me, the rest of the holidays and all of January were a blur. But it was nothing compared to what the people who lived in Northview Village experienced. I continue trying to put myself in their shoes… to already be down to the bare essentials in life, but told you’re moving- right now- and being rushed so quickly that you couldn’t take anything. Leaving behind not only your clothes, wallet, and cell phone, but also your family bible, your comfy robe, the quilt your aunt knitted just for you years ago. Some things can’t be replaced. Trying to say goodbye to those who have been friends with for years at Northview, only to find out they’re already gone. Then, show up to a place you didn’t even know existed that’s supposed to care for you, but find that they don’t have your medicine, medical records, or even your daughter’s phone number. The sudden loss of familiar surroundings, the lack of personal belongings, and the absence of necessary medical information and contacts made the transition even more challenging for the residents.
After what is now well documented as a horrific night marred by abuse of residents, theft, and building failures, the days and weeks that followed were a testament to the strength and resilience of those most impacted. Residents faced the daunting task of leaving their home and community, adapting to new environments, and rebuilding their sense of stability. Despite the upheaval, their courage and determination to forge ahead was a beacon of hope that inspired us all.
I will never forget how proud I was to see the VOYCE team come together to protect the residents. How June, who had been a volunteer ombudsman at Northview for 20 years insisted on being on site as a resource for families over the next two days. How our regional ombudsmen coordinators worked overtime visiting all of the nursing homes that residents were sent to be SURE that’s where everyone went and not stopping until we were sure where everyone really was. How our team supported one another before, during, and after every hard day.
Equally inspiring was the outpouring of support from the broader community. The phones did not stop ringing with people who wanted to help. Organizations, agencies, and individuals stepped forward to ensure residents were not navigating this journey alone. This collective response was a testament to the strength of our community and made us all proud to be part of it.
The St. Louis City Senior Fund and SLAAA stepped up to lead an effort to make sure residents had the essential items they needed. The plan we had been talking about for several days came together at the Senior Fund and Mental Health Board’s Holiday Party. Leaders from many organizations working in the aging and behavioral health world pledged support and staff that evening to make what looked like an impossible plan a reality.
Jamie from the Senior Fund, Anneliese from SLAAA, and I several hours spent a good part of “Christmas Break” on Zoom planning. On January 2, 30 caseworkers from 17 different organizations filled the conference room at the St. Louis City Health Department to get training and their marching orders. They visited residents who were now in 23 different nursing homes, checked in on how they were doing, and found out what they needed. The Senior Fund and Mental Health Board spearheaded funding, ordering items, and coordinating deliveries. And while we could not replace some treasured items, we got clothes, snacks, lotions, and other items to start a new life.
As we reflect on the past year, we honor the resilience of the former Northview residents and their families. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the community partners who stepped up in extraordinary ways. The closure of Northview was a painful chapter, but it was also a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community unites in the face of adversity.
When I reflect on the community response, I am incredibly grateful knowing that if this tragedy had to happen, it happened in St. Louis City, where we were most prepared to handle it. First, when the city was called to respond, it did so with a branch already well-versed in working with older adults and people with physical and mental disabilities- the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging. Second, St. Louis is home not only to an active and supportive senior levy board- the St. Louis City Senior Fund. In Missouri, counties can vote to levy an additional property tax to support older adults, and St. Louis City was one of the first to do so. Third, VOYCE, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for long-term care residents’ rights and quality of life, was here. If St. Louis City had relied only on its single ombudsman, many residents would have been lost in the shuffle and not found for days. However, because the city works with VOYCE, we were able to reallocate our team temporarily to ensure Northview’s residents were safe quickly. And finally, where else is such a strong network of aging and behavioral health organizations ready to drop everything the day after the holiday break to put the mission into action?
I’m concerned this was not the only nursing home closure we saw over the past year. Over 40 Missouri long-term care facilities have closed, and 5 of those were large facilities like Northview that housed many people who used Medicaid as a payor source and many people with mental and behavioral health problems. While Centers for Medicare and Medicaid records show that Missouri’s nursing homes are, on average, 75% full, the system is further stressed each time we lose a facility. The impacts on residents can not be understated. Collectively, we must hold owners accountable and remove bad owners, not residents. The closure of Northview Village disrupted the lives of its residents and highlighted the vulnerabilities in the long-term care system, calling for continued support and advocacy for those affected by such closures.
The other problem? VOYCE is currently the only nonprofit organization connected to all nursing homes in our community. And sadly, while many grants fund work with older adults, many specifically exclude work that happens in nursing homes to focus on keeping people at home. Two vetos from Missouri’s governor to increase funding to the ombudsman program statewide have left the program desperately underfunded and stretched to the limit. Cuts to other funding for older adults have trickled down to cut funding from the Ombudsman Program. VOYCE relies on community support to continue making a difference in the lives of nursing home residents.
At VOYCE, we remain committed to supporting those in long-term care and advocating for systems that prioritize dignity, respect, and safety. While we commemorate this anniversary, let us also recommit to ensuring that every individual in our community has the opportunity to age with justice and compassion.
Let’s continue the conversation. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind.