Date: January 19, 2005
PRESENT: Arthur Carlson, Linda Borleske, Larry Volz, Tom Bychinski, Paul Endres, Al Dippel, Joan Wheeler, Joan Fordham, Lowell Haugen, John Earl, Cindy Bodendein, Jeanne Leeck, Bill Orth, Carol Jeffers, Sue Hebel, Diane Keylock, Trish Vandre, Lisa Buttonow, Gene Wiegand
Joan Fordham presented seven things she learned.
Linda agreed with Paul and Tommy and added that she learned a lot from the public hearings indicating that residents of Sauk County want services. Also learned more about what services are provided in Sauk County and who provides them.
Paul stated that the Keefe survey indicated that the tax payers were willing to pay more taxes to support the HCC.
Carol indicated that sometimes building assisted living facilities is done to ease the tax burden.
Tommy asked if it were feasible to move the current Reedsburg meal site to a new HCC. Carol indicated the rural location would be a deterrent.
Joan Wheeler asked if her impression was correct that the staffing level is higher at the HCC than at private nursing homes in the area and Jeanne said the Keefe statistics weren't accurate. Asked for clarification. Our staffing ratio is higher but not the extreme that was presented in the Keefe Study. Information was taken from a financial document from our Annual Survey of Nursing Homes and the RN was listed as 2.8 hours per day per person. Actually is .45. Our CNA and nursing staffing is higher. Joan asked if that might be part of the reason that our satisfaction is so high and we have better care. Jeanne indicated yes.
Lowell felt that of all the nursing homes he has visited, those that were run by a government entity provided better care.
Larry indicated our Alzheimer Units are very good and it is a growing population.
Gene thought that a mix of services (assisted living, Alzheimer units etc.) is going to play an important part in the long term success of the facility. Including therapies, adult daycare etc.
Tommy indicated that adult daycare was discussed before and space would have needed remodeling and funding sources are limited - would be private pay mostly per Jeanne. Transportation is also an issue. Commission on Aging could be involved in transportation, but still would need a funding source - private. Gene asked about respite care fund, Bill indicated that there isn't separate funding sources for respite.
Sue asked if the committee talked about the need to maintain the number of beds based on population data and we continue to license at 126 level? Probably next step. Gene felt that if our only response is a skilled nursing facility we can't built one big enough to meet the need that is down the road. Sue felt this committee should make a statement about the size of the nursing home, but don't want to be paying bed tax on beds that are empty either.
Joel indicated that Keefe felt the market here was stable and an increased in population was 20 years down the road. Keefe report used average state statistics which do not agree with Sauk County statistics showing a growing population.
Al indicated that from all information and discussions he feels we should keep it open, but how to do that and what other things should be included are still questions.
Joan Fordham and Art have discussed possible resolutions and presented that information. Proposed that we continue to operate a nursing home, new committee be formed to discuss services which should be addressed, that they could determine alternatives if they choose and present this to the full board in 6 months. We need to be thorough in what we recommend as far as services are concerned. Joan Wheeler indicated that there was a discussion in another meeting regarding the possible combining of the Commission on Aging and HS. Discussion on whether or not an architect would need to be involved in the next committee. Perhaps for part of the discussion. Felt the 6 month time frame needed to be adhered to.
Gene asked if the committee had questions on the continuum of care. No questions, members felt we provide a lot of services well, and with no duplication. Felt we will need to beef up the entire continuum of care to cover future needs.
Tommy brought up Judy's comments and the fact that the big hang up for some members is money. Some county board members want to see the figures, but also need to understand that whether or not we go out of the business, the costs will still be there. Joan Fordham felt the report done by Jeanne and HS on placing our residents needs to be available. Tommy felt that it is very important to make sure we answer questions that members would have. We need to make sure the public understands the statistics and the financial impact of all scenarios. Jeanne suggested modifying the statistics to include (under scenario 6) what it would cost the county to support 48 residents in the community Vs the cost of maintaining the full 103 residents in the nursing home. Do this on a cost per patient day basis.
Gene suggested making the presentation to the county board in February a media event.
Joan Wheeler asked that the report should make clear that the continuum of care needs more study. Gene preferred to have that listed under "what we have learned". Next meeting will be Tuesday, February 1 at 1:00.
Respectfully Submitted: Paul Endres, Secretary