Short-Term Rahab Unit Now Open at Gracedale

In a news release issued yesterday, Northampton County officials announced that its short-term rehab is now open with no waiting list. Its rooms include televisions, and an occupational/speech/physical therapy gym is located directly on the unit. Gracedale accepts Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurances, Department of Veterans Affairs coverage, workers' compensation, and automobile accident claims. Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King has said that the 37 units present a "homelike environment." 

At the nursing home, the average census in February was 408. Stewart-King told County Council earlier this month that the facility is weaning away from agency nurses.

Hiring has increased at the nursing home as well. 

Council member John Cusick observed that in a neighboring county, one nurse was paid $300,000 last year, and was able to retire with a $180,000 pension. Stewart-King responded that she must approve all overtime requests and avoids that situation. 

The home has started its own training program for certified nurse's aides (CNA) and has trained 24 so far. A second class is being conducted this month because of the interest. 

Call-offs are dwindling. 

Medicaid has increased its daily rate for residents form $220 to $260. 

Cusick also questioned a $1.5 million county contribution into Gracedale from the unaudited 4th quarter financials. Fiscal Director Steve Barron explained that the contribution was for budgeted capital improvements and not to make up any shortfall. He added that Gracedale's fund balance right now is around $19 million, the largest he's ever seen. "From a financial standpoint, the nursing hope is in the best shape since I've been here, and that's over 15  years," said Barron. About $9 million of this, however, is American Rescue Plan Act money. 

Insofar as a daycare is concerned, construction bids are due May 15.