Community members, Champaign Co. Board work together to decide next steps for University Rehab
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign County Board and community members came together Tuesday night at a study session, talking about the future of University Rehab in Urbana.
It closed its doors in the spring, and now the board is trying to decide what’s next.
Part of that will come from working with the Champaign County Healthcare Consumers and Advocates for Aging Care. They want to work together to bring more beds to the area.
When University Rehab closed, the community lost over 200 licensed beds.
Board members and advocates agree they need to think ahead and make a plan for the current and future aging population. The study session was one step to getting there.
Champaign Co. Board to discuss future of University Rehab space
“Sometimes they have to go as far away as Chicago. That’s a real hardship. It’s such a hardship to be away from your loved one when they’re vulnerable like that,” Claudia Lenhoff said. She’s the Executive Director of Champaign County Healthcare Consumers.
Right now, a restrictive covenant is causing a hold-up on what to do with the space. If it’s lifted, that means the land can be used for something other than a nursing home.
“We do support lifting the deed restriction. We have to salvage something out of this situation,” Lenhoff said.
Steve Summers, the County Executive, explained they’re currently negotiating a settlement with the bank to get it dropped. The County Board will handle the next steps after that.
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