Getting older is not something many like to think about, but the truth of the matter is that it happens to everyone.

Thursday, January 11, 2001

Getting older is not something many like to think about, but the truth of the matter is that it happens to everyone. And when it happens, individuals like to know that they have an adequate place to live, with the proper assistance if needed.

There are currently more than 40,000 individuals in nursing homes in Minnesota because there are no other options. If things don’t change, 1.2 million beds will be needed by 2030.

Minnesota’s two largest associations representing providers of elder support services, Care Providers of Minnesota and Minnesota Health and Housing Alliance, are working to change that.

They are pushing for legislation this year that will place more of an emphasis on community based services rather than the mere number of nursing home beds.

In an interactive grassroots meeting broadcast at the Comforcare Good Samaritan Center in Austin on Tuesday, Rick Carter, president and CEO of Care Providers of Minnesota, Tim Penny, a former US Congressman, and Lori Meyer, manager of government relations for Minnesota Health and Housing Alliance spoke to nursing home staff, customers and community leaders about their vision.

The group, whose plan is entitled S.O.S. (Self reliance, Options, Security), plans to allocate $500 million for long-term care and reform in the state of Minnesota.

Their goals include community based services, redefining nursing homes, supporting professional caregivers, innovation and finance and regulatory reform.

Penny, speaking at the conference, said that Minnesota is ready to act.

"Minnesota’s elderly want reform, not fine tuning," he said. "They also want independence. The system is bogged down by excessive regulation.

"As a result, everyone must get involved. Unless people speak out now, they’ll be ignored." Penny called voices the "critical difference."

Carter, speaking on behalf of S.O.S., said that these are the golden years for elderly, saying that "times have never been better."

"There are new opportunities for recreation, work, and the environment," he said. "Society also offers more products for seniors."

Soon, however, Carter explained that Minnesota will be faced with a population boom never before seen in the state.

"The cost of reform is expensive," Meyer said. "If we don’t act now, it’ll be unaffordable tomorrow. The time has never been better to create a system that we, as Minnesota(ns) deserve."

Employees and staff at Comforcare have large amounts of support for this program, as they are largely aware of the issue firsthand.

"It’s a monstrous plan-they’re asking for a lot of money," said R.N. Cynthia Neumann, "if everyone gets involved, it can be done."

Neumann’s fellow colleagues agree it has to be done; if not, people will be out on the streets.

Carter also mentioned the shortage of nursing home workers and its effects.

"There’s a 60 percent turnover rate in nursing home assistance and their salaries are less than that of fast food workers," he said.

Neumann voiced her opinion on this shocking fact.

"(Nursing home workers) want competition for benefits so it’s good to attract new workers into the field," she said.

The group of Comforcare staffers who viewed the teleconference felt that while the plan is a good idea, they felt the group was trying to read ahead to the future, to plan a little, which is not an easy thing to do.

However, the program will save $24 million in the future.

"It’s important to make voices heard," Carter said. "We’re hoping to make S.O.S. a priority, encouraging self-reliance, promoting options and providing security for elderly."

To learn more about this ground breaking plan, visit the following Web sites: www.careproviders.org and www.mhha.com.

Comforcare will also be showing the teleconference to community members on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming more informed can attend, however, employees ask that you call ahead so they know the exact number of attendees.