Say ‘No’ To Nursing Home

Funding Cuts

To the Editor:

Recently, Governor Rell and members of the state legislature proposed a 2.4 percent cut in the Medicaid rate for all nursing homes in Connecticut. If this cut is approved:

*The quality of resident care will be compromised, as nursing homes will need to reduce their numbers of direct care employees.

*Hundreds of jobs will be lost.

*Nursing homes will not be able to afford physical plant repairs or renovations.

*Only failing for-profit nursing homes in state receivership will be eligible to receive rate increases, while financially viable homes will fall into financial distress.

Our home, The Lutheran Home of Southbury, is home to 120 persons who suffer primarily from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We are full and we have a waiting list because our home is one of the few in the state that serve long-term Medicaid residents with dementia. The need is enormous. However, the current Medicaid reimbursement rate does not cover the cost of care. A reduction of 2.4 percent would be devastating.

I have read that the governor believes that more nursing home residents should be cared for at home. With respect, I must respond by saying that the obstacles to caring for a person with late stage dementia in the home are daunting. Families tell us of the relief they feel once they muster the courage to realize that they can no longer care for their loved one at home.

Our nursing home residents are the men and women who once taught us in school, who delivered our mail, who built our homes, and who fought in our wars. Even though today they may not be able to recognize their wives, sons, and daughters, they are worth fighting for. Please, don’t let them down.

I am urging all who read this letter to contact your local representative and tell them to say “No” to nursing home funding cuts.

Sincerely,

Todd Gaertner

Administrator

Lutheran Home of Southbury

990 Main Street North, Southbury                                June 17, 2009