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Monday, January 13, 2020

Think Gracedale - "We Don't Smell Like a Nursing Home!"

Accidentally, Gracedale Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King might have come up with a great advertising line for people thinking about sending their loved ones to the county's facility. "We Don't Smell Like a Nursing Home!"

Stewart-King was responding to questions from Northampton County Council member Kerry Myers about sanitation at Northampton County Council's January 9 meeting of its Human Services Committee. Without hesitation, she said the home has the "best housekeeping staff." Whatever problems might exist at Gracedale, the home is very clean.

November's census is 647. The year-to-date average is 655. It's usually higher, up to 670, but is still at 94% capacity. In 2010, it was down around 540.

One troubling point is that the home is spending more than it takes in. It did have a number on one-time expenses, like new food carts. It projects it will have a fund balance, but it's unclear exactly what that will be. It is deficit spending.

The nursing home continues to be plagued by call-offs, especially during the 3-11 shift.

According to Stewart-King, the home is still waiting for its annual inspection. The facility still has just a two-star rating from Medicare, making it "below average." But the facility also accepts residents that other homes refuse.

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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2020 at 3:27 AM

    If Tara Zirinski wants to help people so much and send things to Harrisburg, why doesn't she help Gracedale. She should ask for extra help since the Home helps very poor and sick people.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2020 at 11:51 AM

    How about high school community service projects for seniors. Maybe they would appreciate senior citizens in a more positive caring way

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2020 at 5:07 PM

    Caring for other human beings is one of the most rewarding jobs in the market. Now if some of the employers would make it possible for employees to keep this as a life long situation with healthcare?

    ReplyDelete

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