I just returned from a visit with my mother who lives in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Maryland. One of Mom’s favorite activities is attending the regular Business Meetings conducted by the Executive Director of her community. I can see how it really helps her stay informed and engaged.
This time she had a lot of news to share from those meetings! The announced changes and cuts in services have some of the residents in turmoil. I saw the effect at breakfast one morning. But, before I get to that incident, let me share some of the changes at Mom’s CCRC.
- Staff salaries have been cut 5%; executive salaries 10%. This has enabled her CCRC to retain all staff and keep residents’ expenses stable. The executive director made it very clear they felt a commitment to the staff and residents and found this was a way to help both. From my point of view, it also made a clear statement about their culture of caring.
- They closed their onsite pharmacy and have arranged for a local pharmacy to deliver prescriptions on a scheduled basis. Mom said some residents are upset with this because they can’t get immediate refills and she thinks, they are just having trouble accepting any change.
- They cancelled their Annual Birthday Bash. She found out that cost $40,000 a year for one event. Mom was amazed that event cost so much and said she won’t miss it.
- They have changed Sunday dining. They went from serving 3 meals in the multiple dining rooms to just one main meal in one dining room (by reservation). The Coffee Shop is still open for 3 meals on Sunday, so anyone on the 3 meal-plan can still get their 3 meals.
This last item has caused the greatest outrage. I was in the Coffee Shop last Sunday morning. I could tell the ordering and serving processes were not yet defined. Many waited 30 minutes for their food. One very elderly gentleman got upset to the point that he was yelling at the waiter. He was one of the first in line and last served and they got his order wrong. I felt sorry for him and the server. But, as we walked away, my mother said, “you know they just need to work the kinks out, it will be ok.”
I marvel at my mother’s positive outlook. Certainly her CCRC is not the only one in the country having to cut costs and services. But, I do think her CCRC could serve as a model on how to make the changes in the most positive way with the least impact. They have thoughtfully considered their financial situation, made necessary changes, communicated them clearly to staff and residents, and are working to smooth out “any kinks”.
Transparency and a culture of caring are two things about my mom’s CCRC that make me thankful she is there!
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I wish the facility where my parents live was as informational towards their residents. They’re not, so the residents are left to make up their own stories about what is going on, which is not a good way to manage seniors.
The national company that owns their facility is nearing bankruptcy so has been making changes and cuts, including the quality of the food. That has been the biggest complaint. If the food is lousy where you live, it makes for a pretty miserable time. I’d move them but they’ve lived there seven years and my mom has made too many friends to manage that kind of change.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alex Slocum 954-483-6089
Email: Alex.slocum@att.net
Website: http://www.alinx.net
Internet Video Phone has Power to
Attract Upscale Private Pay Patients
MIRAMAR, FL: October 19, 2009 As Medicaid funding for nursing home residents has dried up, executives in continuing care facilities scramble to gain elderly, upscale private pay patients who can afford premium facilities. Benefits that make the transition from independent living easier for both patients and families will give those facilities a powerful, competitive edge in the marketplace.
Currently, there’s a waiting list for these facilities, however this won’t be the case much longer. In the next two years, the number of beds at premium care senior facilities will double. The result? Tighter competition for private pay patients than ever before.
Alex Slocum, CEO of ALINX Communications, says one big trend to attract these patients is providing technology which makes it easier than ever for family members to stay in touch with their loved ones in meaningful ways. Slocum, an expert in telecom and telecommunications computer telephony integrations (known as CTI) for over 20 years in the health care and nursing home industries says, “Providing Internet video phone systems in patients rooms is the next wave in desirable amenities.”
Slocum says, “The system is like having video conferencing service with the latest in user-friendly internet (VOIP) technology. Families can choose the service for their loved one as an option. At more expensive centers it can be provided in every room. Slocum can be contacted by calling 954-392-5160 or via email at: Alex.slocum@att.net
On a personal note Slocum says, “In 2007, I had to place my mother in a nursing home in another state – a very emotional decision. It was a three hour flight away so I only saw her about once or twice a month. She was only expected to live several months. It would’ve been great if I could’ve spent more time with her during those final months. The contact keeps seniors’ minds sharp, and, she could’ve seen her grandchildren more often before passing away.”
“The nursing homes and continuing care facilities that add these video phone systems will definitely have a powerful, marketing edge when family members choose where mom or grandma will live out their remaining days,” say Slocum.
The ALINX internet video phone uses a LAN or wireless internet connection and costs less per month than a local phone line. It’s also compliant with the HIPAA and Resident Privacy Act.