Rising Census Leads to Changes in WCCC Alzheimer’s Program

Rising census figures led to some changes in the Worth County Care & Rehab Center’s Alzheimer’s program, Administrator Kelly Summa told the board at their regular meeting Wednesday. The census has risen from the teens to 24 residents and has held steady for the last few months. Summa did some checking and found that the facility could offer an Alzheimer’s program, accept patients under the program, and not have to block off an entire wing of the facility. The Activity Room could still be used as it is now.

The facility would have to secure all Alzheimer’s doors and all side doors except for the front door in order to keep residents from wandering off. The facility could set up a support group for families with a loved one with the disease. That would allow for more flexibility in staffing and in placing residents. If the facility were to create an Alzheimer’s Unit, it would have required them to run it separately and hire entirely separate staff.

The facility will get approval from the state for the program, purchase locks, and have the state come and inspect the facility. The goal is to have the Alzheimer’s Program running by mid-April.
Another revenue generator that is already up and running for the facility is a CNA program. The facility is one of the few in the area that can offer such classes; King City plans to bring five people to the facility for a training in April.

The facility is still in the process of trying to fix a plumbing problem. Digging of the bathroom in the west wing did not find the pipes they were looking for.

Summa reported the facility had gotten some shelves from the Shopko in St. Joseph that is closing down; they will be used for the basement and the shed. The store donated a bunch of items to the facility.

The facility has hired Randy Fletchall for the maintenance position to work with Alec Ware.
Board member Patty Spainhower will not be seeking reelection after 10 years of service. She will assume the role of dietary cook under the direction of Summa. The board will appoint a new member for East Fletchall, since nobody filed for the position.

Summa and board members reported a lot of positive feedback from the Farm to Table Program, where people can give food from the garden to residents, subject to certain rules.

The facility is seeking bids for mowing the facility. They are also looking for someone to do the flower beds. A new front door will be put in. The facility will sell off unneeded items at a future garage sale.