State Closing Down Elderly Home

Attorneys for Alderwood Assisted Living had asked Thurston County Judge Richard Hicks for a stay of the state's move to shut down the home, but he turned them down.

The state maintains the home is unsafe for at least some of its 51 residents, because it lacks fire sprinklers and because some of the elderly residents would have trouble evacuating quickly in an emergency.

State officials say they will try to ensure a smooth transition, which could mean residents can continue living there into next week until other living arrangements can be made.

But Joe Kilkelly, an owner of the home, said liability and other issues will probably force him to shut down on Sunday.