CHICOPEE, Mass. - Four nursing homes in western Massachusetts are set to close in late spring, including the Willimansett East and West centers in Chicopee.

The decision to close the homes comes in response to a mandate put in place by former Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that requires all facilities to only accommodate two patients per room.

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau said about 300 people total are currently living in the four nursing homes in Chicopee, Springfield and Westfield. Despite the potential closure coming soon, Vieau said the state will make sure that all patients will be moved ahead of time to locations of similar quality.

However, Vieau said western Massachusetts as a whole is currently dealing with a major shortage of beds, so loved ones may have to travel far distances to make their visits.

"With the shortage of beds in western Mass," said Vieau.  "It's my understanding that there isn't a shortage throughout the commonwealth, but to tell someone they're going to have to drive over 50 miles to go visit their loved ones everyday, that's real a concern."

Vieau said the closure plan set hasn't officially been approved by the state yet, and they will continue to work with community leaders to ensure that the nursing homes can stay open as long as possible before they likely shut down in early June.