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July 13, 2001/Tamuz 22, 5761, Vol. 53, No.40
Benley Manor closes doors
BARRY COHEN
Editor
After failing to receive approval for post-petition financing from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Benley Manor officials on short notice closed the facility Tuesday July 3, forcing family members to find alternate housing for their elderly parents and grandparents.
Benley Manor, a retirement home with a kosher dining facility, had opened its doors seven months ago.
"(Rabbi) Alan Bright spoke to us (July 1) and said he is meeting with the (bankruptcy) judge on July 2 on the Chapter 11 case," said Lois Miller, whose 91-year-old mother Sylvia Slafer was a Benley resident. "He said in the worst case scenario, (Benley Manor would) be open for two weeks more," said Miller.
However, on Tuesday morning, July 3, Miller's husband received a call at work from a Benley spokesman. "He was advised they would not be able to make payroll and they are shutting down," she said. When he asked when Slafer needed to move, the response was "she can have lunch," Miller added.
"Every move is a terrible shock to the system (for elderly residents)," said Miller.
The second night Slafer was home, she fell and broke seven ribs. She since has moved into Orangewood Retirement Community, a skilled nursing facility in north central Phoenix, said Miller.
Concerning her mother's condition, she said, "Sometimes she is fine. Sometimes she (is confused)."
"We were originally told putting money into Chapter 11 would not be a problem, (in order to receive the post-petition financing to keep the facility open)", said Bright, partner in the Benley Manor project.
When staff members and operating expenses could not be paid, the facility had to be closed, said Bright.
Dr. Mark Magier, executive director and certified assisted living facility manager, said the staff had not been paid for more than four weeks prior to the July 3 closing. He said Benley Manor, LLC, filed bankruptcy documents June 18.
According to Magier, on June 22, Bright and Seva Selvaratnam, an investment partner, met with staff members to explain they lacked current funding for paychecks but that money would be made available.
Through July 2 staff was still not paid, said Magier. However, they were "willing to hang in there until that next day, Tuesday, July 3 at 6 p.m.," he said.
"When money was not available, they walked," said Magier.
When that happened, Benley Manor closed its doors.
Phyllis Gelb, whose 95-year-old mother, Rea Altman, was a resident, attended the July 1 meeting.
"I was assured for two weeks she would be in a place and safe," said Gelb. With that assurance, she went on vacation to Reno, Nev.
Gelb said her daughter received a call from Benley Manor on Tuesday, July 3. "She was told it was closing and (Altman) needed to be out by 6 p.m. Tuesday night or she would be turned over to adult protective services," said Gelb.
Arrangements were made to put Altman on a plane for Reno, she said. When it stopped en route in Las Vegas, Altman thought she was in Reno and left the plane, said Gelb.
"She was wandering around looking for her baggage and wondering where we were," said Gelb. A Southwest Airlines employee helped her board a connecting flight to Reno, Gelb added.
Gelb confirmed that people attending the July 1 meeting were told that Benley Manor would be operational for at least two weeks.
Bright was not available for additional comments, and Dennis Wortman, Chapter 11 attorney for Benley Manor, LLC, did not return phone calls.
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