Over 100 Jobs to Be Cut as Woodstock Senior Care Facility Shuts Down This Fall
WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS — A longtime senior care facility in McHenry County will permanently close its doors this fall, resulting in over 100 employees losing their jobs. Valley Hi Nursing and Rehabilitation, operated by the McHenry County government, has officially announced its upcoming shutdown.
123 Workers Affected as McHenry County Plans Permanent Closure
The closure was confirmed this week after McHenry County filed a notice with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The filing stated that Valley Hi Nursing and Rehab Center, located in Woodstock, would lay off 123 employees due to a “closure of facility,” with terminations taking effect on or after October 15, 2025.
The affected staff include certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), dietary aides, custodians, administrative workers, and activity coordinators — many of whom have served the community for years.
County Officials Cite Financial Unsustainability
While the public-facing reason cited in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) was a closure, officials have discussed the mounting challenges of continuing to operate the facility.
McHenry County Board members previously held closed-door meetings evaluating the future of Valley Hi, ultimately determining it was no longer financially viable. Although no immediate replacement service was announced, board representatives indicated that resources will be redirected to support senior care in other forms.
More detailed insight into the shutdown was reported by WTTW News, which noted that similar closures may affect other publicly run nursing homes across the state.
Families and Employees React With Concern
Many families who rely on Valley Hi’s care for elderly loved ones were shocked by the announcement. A Woodstock resident whose father has lived at the center for three years said she’s now scrambling to find another facility that accepts Medicaid and is within a reasonable distance.
“This was the only place where I felt my dad was safe and cared for,” she said.
Staff members — some of whom are nearing retirement — expressed frustration that they were not given more lead time to plan.
Broader Impact on Senior Care in Illinois
The closure of Valley Hi is not an isolated event. Across Illinois, both public and private senior care facilities have been struggling to stay afloat due to rising labor costs, staffing shortages, and reduced state reimbursements. The looming Medicaid cuts, combined with a growing elderly population, are placing increased strain on nursing care availability.
Advocates warn that rural areas may see an even deeper care gap as facilities close without alternative infrastructure in place.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by a senior facility closure in Illinois? Share your thoughts and experiences with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice matters.
