Haidider House closure explained; Wentworth-Douglas to provide hospice services and warming center construction proceeds

County commissioners told the Strafford County Delegation May 8 that Haidider House will close because declining census and reimbursement changes made continued operation unsustainable. Commissioners said 14 RNs who worked at Haidider were reassigned as possible—two moved to Riverside, two to the jail, and others found different employment—and that donated fixtures and room renovations would be repurposed to support hospice rooms at Riverside.

Commissioners said Wentworth-Douglas Hospital is negotiating to run hospice services in the facility and that hospice agencies will continue to provide care; some community stakeholders expressed disappointment that assisted-living conversion was not pursued. County officials emphasized that donor relationships and memorial events connected to Haidider will continue under the new arrangements.

Separately, commissioners reported they signed a construction agreement with Hutter Construction for a warming center (demolition of the former piggery expected within a week). Officials said permits are in place and that supply-chain issues have moved a realistic opening to about Dec. 15, later than the typical Nov. 15 target; cities and grant applications may reduce municipal contributions if successful.

Ending: Commissioners said the Haidider decision was difficult but financially necessary and pledged to provide more detailed budget breakout information requested by delegates; the warming-center schedule will be updated at the Q2 report.