Staffing shortage leads to closing of care center for adults with developmental disabilities in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A long-time care center for seniors and adults with developmental disabilities in Springfield closed.

Daybreak Adult Day Care served the community for more than 30 years, offering care and support to those with disabilities. The center closed its doors Tuesday (1/18) because of staffing shortages.

Springfield resident Peggy Waldemer says she and her husband were shocked when they heard the news Tuesday. Waldemer’s adult daughter Jessica, who is wheelchair-bound and has special needs, attended the facility for eight years.

“We’ve been able to depend on that for us to be able to go to work and have that freedom to know that she would be taken care of,” says Waldemer. “We were totally shocked, not even realizing that this could be a possibility... that they would just shut down. And so, we’re not sure what we’re gonna do.”

In a statement sent to KY3, a representative with Council of Churches of the Ozarks explained finding staff was difficult before the pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, the search for staff became even more challenging.

“We lost over one-third of our workforce for our 39 clients who utilize Daybreak with varied attendance,” said CEO Jaimie Trussell. “We know we are not alone in this struggle as elevated care facilities all over the state face difficult challenges. The supply of specialized staff is simply smaller than the present and growing demand.”

Phillip Herzog with the Council of the Churches says staff has sent contact information for organizations offering similar services to families. But, Waldemer says every other organization she called either had a waiting list, or didn’t quite meet her family’s needs.

“I’m disappointed by how it’s been handled,” explains Waldemer. “I wish that there was a way that they could have at least helped the families transition to another facility.”

Families can go by the office on East Kearney from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day this week to pick up belongings.

You can read the full statement from Council of Churches of the Ozarks below.

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