 "I enjoy coming here," Mitchell smiled. "It's a beautiful home."
The residents enjoyed the visit, too, but they weren't about to let him
off with an easy meet and greet event.
"I want to know what you people are doing about the mess this
state is in," Gladys Moore said, pointing to the representative.
"This state is a mess!"
"I agree," Mitchell responded, "and it will take hard work to get
back where we need to be. It's an embarrassment for us all."
Later, speaking with several board members for the Vonderlieth
Trust, Mitchell promised tough days ahead for state reimbursement.
"While the federal stimulus moneys dictated which bills to pay, a
lot of important services went unpaid. The $500,000-plus we
owe the school district is an example. When the stimulus money ends,
we'll be back to paying everyone as quickly as we can."
That means that some providers will get paid sooner, but nursing
homes will fall back again from the current "quick" turnaround of
30-60 days after service is provided to the pre-stimulus timing of as
much as 180 days or more.
Mitchell took back with him a poster signed by residents, staff,
families and board members. The poster is a promise from the nursing
home to its residents to provide the care and service they deserve,
remembering to show dignity and respect, kindness and compassion.
[By JO HILLIARD] |
