WCCC Up to 28 Residents

The Worth County Convalescent Center is now up to 28 residents and is on track to meet a goal set by Administrator Bev Miller to hit 30 by the end of the year. It was at a low of 19 at one point. There were 7 admissions and 7 discharges this past month. The influx of new residents has led to Miller scrambling to get new supplies for the staff.

By the end of the year, the WCCC will be able to report year to date expenses and be able to compare it with last year's numbers, Miller told the board. The general operating account was sharply lower this month. Miller said part of the problem is that NCA, which does the Medicare and Medicaid billing for the facility, has grown so big so fast and they are undergoing a major shakeup, meaning that they are not taking care of their customers like they have in the past. Thanks to the increased census, the facility's cost per resident is sharply lower this month.

The shower room is nearly finished on the north wing. The east wing developed a sewer leak; Randy Allen and his crew were in the facility Wednesday evening working on finding the clogged area. The women's bathroom in the main area has been out of order for the last two months. For the shower room, the floor has been laid, the room repainted, lights and a new tub have been put in, and the goal is to complete the project by next week. Hookup work still needs to be done. The goal is to work on the therapy room; the size of the new room will double the present one and allow the facility to improve its rehab care.

The board approved bonuses for WCCC employees. For employees present for 0-3 months, the bonus will be $200. 4-6 months will be $300 while 7 months or more will be $500. PRN's will get a $100 bonus.

Miller reported the mammoth dryer in the laundry room is about to go; she said she would get a quote for a new one.

At the request of Miller, all WCCC board meetings will be held on the third Wednesdays of each month rather than second Wednesdays. She said this would give them more time to prepare an accurate financial statement for board members. Meeting time will remain at 6:00.

The board took no action on putting solar panels on the facility. The problem is that the panels weigh 300 pounds; although they are spread out over 6-8 feet, it would still create a lot of weight on the roof. There is no place on the ground to put them. Board President Mike Hall said that he had visited with someone about putting in new solar panels and that wind undercurrent would be an issue on his shop. One possible issue would be how to get at the roof should there be leaks in the future; there have been roof leaks in the past. Another issue is trees blocking the sun. Board member Kathy Miller said that her family had solar panels on her house and that they would pay for themselves in 2-3 years. However, there is still a steep up-front cost. KCP&L buys back electricity that is not used, meaning that the burden on their existing lines is reduced.