WCCC Undergoing Renovations

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center is undergoing extensive renovations this summer, the board learned at their regular meeting Wednesday. Painting is ongoing right now, with workers running ahead of schedule. Soon, workers will put in new flooring. The pop machine has been moved to the employee break room. Work on the flooring is estimated to start on July 27th.

For June, the facility brought in $210,399 in revenues and had expenses of $165,970 for a profit of $44,429. Year to date, the facility has had $2,572,848 in revenues, $2,309,006 in expenses, and a profit of $263,841. This does not include $292,754 in tax revenue for this year. The facility is spending tax revenue on upkeep.

The resident census has been between 28 and 30 residents.

Six tables that the facility had recently purchased had bubbles in them. The company will replace them for free.

 

 

Worth County Care & Rehab Census at 32 Residents

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center learned at its board meeting that it has a census of 32 residents as of May 20th. The census has held steady for the last six months, with no less than 29 residents or more than 34 residents. 

The facility has a healthy surplus as the fiscal year winds down. The facility got a one-time $235,000 employee retention credit, which pushed their profit margin for April to $302,344. Without the credit, the facility still would have had a $65,000 surplus. The facility had 334 private pay days, 565 Medicaid days, and nine hospice days. The cost per resident last month was $205.78 per resident per day. This does not include capital projects. There are currently $428,965 in receivables.

Census numbers were even more stable in April. There were between 30 and 32 residents during April. There are three in outpatient therapy. The facility is fully staffed. All the issues from a recent state survey were corrected. The facility is about to put in a new fire system; it is awaiting final approval from the State Fire Marshal's office.

Seven members of a motorcycle group called, "Riders for Christ" came and visited the facility Saturday.

The facility is planning to put in a new floor in most parts of the facility. The tentative start date is in July. 

The facility is in the process of implementing a new fax service that will save it from $500 to $600 per month over a regular phone line. 

Board members got a rough draft of the 2026-27 budget. Board member Susan Tucker looked up Medicaid reimbursement rates. Worth County's rate is at $263.69 per day per patient, which is the second highest in the are out of ten. It is above the state average of $251.17. Around 62% of Worth County's revenue comes from Medicaid patients. Worth County's reimbursement rate used to be around $150, which would make it the lowest in the area today. Previously, the state's funding formula rewarded massive capital improvements, which allowed money to line the pockets of corporate chains which were expanding facilities. But four years ago, the state switched to a formula which rewards quality measures such as state survey results, patient care, and staffing. 

If the board approves a Cost-of-Living adjustment for employees, it will involve a 3.9% raise.

The facility's food costs have gone up $1,000 per month over last year due to inflation. The facility uses Graves Foods. The facility focuses on quality, as residents are very particular about their food. The facility has looked at other options, but one could only deliver at 3 am, which would have meant extra work for employees; another required a lot more volume. 

The next meeting will be June 24th at 6:00 pm. All meetings are open to the public.

New Canopy Built at WCCC in Memory of Galen & Mary Lou Cook

A new canopy was built recently at the Worth County Care & Rehab Center in memory of Galen and Mary Lou Cook, the board learned Wednesday. The residents have been making regular use of it. 

For the last month, the facility received $212,829.81 in income and paid out $221,854.32 in expenses. Last month had three pay periods. There were 244 private days, 490 Medicaid days, 31 Medicare days, and 103 hospice days for August. The cost per resident last month was $255.59. Currently, the census is at 29, with the high at 29 and the low at 27. There are five people using outpatient therapy. 

The facility is looking for a full-time housekeeper. They had one person turn in their resignation notice.

The transition from VA to VCA is complete; it is hoped this will mean a higher pay rate for VA patients.

The van needs a new pump for the hydraulic lift. The board voted to pay up to $7,000 to fix it. The van is still in good running condition.

Board member Susan (Gladstone) Tucker said that down the road, the facility would need to look at ways of saving energy. Due to AI, demand for energy is expected to skyrocket, and there have been no new energy facilities built for the last 15 years. Some places are already seeing their rates skyrocketing. 

Medicaid Changes Discussed, Emergency Manual Updated at WCCC Board Meeting

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center Board of Directors approved its emergency manual and discussed Medicaid changes that were passed by recent legislation.

Retroactive payments have decreased from 90 days to 60 days effective January 1, 2027. That means that for services rendered up to 60 days before a Medicaid application is approved, the facility may not be reimbursed, possibly increasing the costs for both the facility and the state. The WCCC and facilities like it are at the mercy of patients and their families getting in the proper paperwork on time. 

The facility next to Janet Wake Larison's law office will now be open five days a week instead of two and can now process Medicaid applications.

There will be increased criteria for qualifying, but that is still an unknown. There will be costs that will no longer be covered.

There are concerns that the Medicaid daily rate will be reduced. Currently, the reimbursement rate is $271.08, up from $248.47 from last year. For a long time, the rate was around $143, which meant that the Worth County Care & Rehab Center barely was able to make ends meet. The Pay As You Go Act, passed in 2010, automatically triggers cuts if the budget deficit increases too high. 

The bill includes a moratorium on provider taxes, which are a common way for states to finance their share of Medicaid. If the provider tax exceeds a certain percentage of a facility's revenues, then facilities no longer have to pay it. The WCCC is right on the bubble. Currently, the provider tax costs the facility around $10,000 a month. 

Currently, the facility gets 65% to 70% of its revenue from Medicaid. Board President Mark Cadle said he knew of a facility in Iowa that has already decided not to accept Medicaid patients anymore. 

Robin Davidson reported that she had updated the emergency manual that the facility uses. The administration and staff discuss potential situations such as natural disasters, missing residents, and other potential situations, which meant that they were well prepared when recent ground level flooding hit the facility. Many people from the community came to support the facility and help clear the flooding, and they were able to identify resources they didn't know about before. They got more hoses, fans, and an extra pump so that they would have more equipment to fight a future flood. They have agreements with other facilities to house residents, provide food and water, and care for residents in the event of emergencies. They also have a plan in place to keep track of residents' medications as well. When an emergency occurs, everyone at the facility has a role to play.

The tentative date for recognizing employees was set for November 19th.

The board voted to keep the 35 cent levy unchanged.

For last month, income was $204,900. Expenses were $174,620 for a profit of $30,294. They budgeted $182,000 in revenues for July. The figures include higher salaries for employees and higher room rates. 

The facility is transitioning from VA to VCA, with the goal to complete the transition by September 1st. It is a different VA program, which will provide a higher reimbursement rate than the current plan they are on. The process will be different, but direct care will still be the same. The VA did a walk-through of the facility and found no concerns.

The census hovered between 25 and 29 last month, with 29 residents as of Wednesday. They accepted six new residents last month. 

The generator was repaired, but the programming was bad, meaning that someone has to test it manually. 

There are now 45 employees at the facility, up from 28 several years ago. This includes part-time employees. A lot of high school students have been working at the facility. 

The board decided to keep the current property insurance plan. Rates increased by $964 for this year; the facility will pay $11,684 this year. There was a competing provider which offered $28,000 per year but has a lower deductible. 

The board voted to hire Connie Murphy to repaint the facility for $3,500. The facility will provide the paint and supplies. 

The board voted to award the bid for replacing the guttering, downspouts, and drains to DCLI for a cost of $23,870. 

Editorial -- As WCCC is Hiring, Many Facilities are Sedating Residents

As the Worth County Care and Rehab Center is hiring staff and seeking to treat every one of its residents as individuals, many corporate chains are taking the opposite approach.

There was a deeply disturbing article in MarketWatch recently which estimates that around 24,000 additional nursing home residents will be sedated just to keep them under control as a result of the defeat of President Joe Biden’s staffing mandate.

This is because corporate chains are finding that it is cheaper to sedate residents rather than hire enough staff to treat residents as individuals or pay them a living wage so that they can keep good employees.

The staffing mandate would have required skilled facilities to have roughly one nurse for every 10-12 residents during the day and one nurse for every 15-20 residents at night.

The MarketWatch article notes that a recent study found that lower staffing levels and increased anti-psychotic medication use are directly related and that for-profit nursing homes are especially prone to under-staffing and sedative overuse.

Other consequences include increased risk of neglect and abuse, higher rates of hospitalization, adverse health outcomes, and lower quality of life.

This creates a serious liability issue for nursing homes, such as wrongful death suits, malpractice suits, and a negative reputation for the whole industry. Both our grandmothers were adamant in their later years that they did not want to go to a nursing home.

By contrast, a facility like the Worth County Care & Rehab Center doesn’t need Joe Biden or Donald Trump to tell them to do the right thing. It is locally owned and operated by the taxpayers of this county and controlled by a board representing all sections of the county. Board positions are elected seats.

Sometimes, we take for granted the facility that we have in this county, which is one of Worth County’s biggest employers. Not too long ago, the facility was in a financial crisis, there were shouting matches at board meetings, and they were near the end of the rope in reserves. The facility had an emergency election at one point in which it was a choice between either passing a levy or closing the doors.

Now, the Worth County Care & Rehab Center has $1 million in the bank, finished the recent fiscal year with a healthy surplus, and felt comfortable enough with the financial situation to give its employees a 3% raise and a financial incentive bonus. The census has fluctuated a lot, but after dropping from the 30’s into the teens following COVID-19, it is back up into the high 20’s. We hear many positive comments from residents and people in the community about the high level of care.

Based on our observations, Orilla’s Way is the same way. They put on a fun day where kids came and drew art, blew bubbles, played on the swings, and met the residents. They also brought in Tucker Owens to do a music concert.

But there is always a temptation to take things for granted. The facility and others like it apparently dodged a bullet in recent legislation targeting Medicare; reimbursements for skilled facilities were not affected. But there is a lot of uncertainty with the current administration, which has shown a willingness to freeze funding or close governmental agencies on a whim. We will oppose any cuts which affect our way of life.

 

 

WCCC Finishes June With $53,570 Surplus; Census at 27

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center finished June with a surplus of $53,570.27. Total revenues were $197,951 and expenses were $144,381. For the recent fiscal year, income was $1,925,000, which was $175,000 higher than budgeted. Patient expenses were in line with last year's budget. For the year, the net income was $289,249, of which the facility spent $21,000 on remodeling. Cash on hand is around $1 million, with the facility standing to get around $175,000 for an employee retention credit from COVID-19. 

In 2020, the facility had a census of over 30 residents. But pressures from COVID-19 and more competition, with a new assisted living facility opening up in King City drove the census down into the teens at one point. But starting last year, the census has steadily grown to 27, and it has been as high as 29 residents. 

The WCCC Board held their regular meeting Wednesday to approve the budget. Justin Green was appointed to represent Smith Township (Allendale). He replaces Rick Dierenfeldt, who did not seek reelection this year. 

The board voted to give a three percent raise to employees along with a bump in incentive pay, which is used to reward employees who are on time and who don't call in. Administrator Kera Galanakis recommended the raise. "I think the staff needs to hear that we appreciate them," said board president Mark Cadle. 

Galanakis said that the long-term care groups she follows, which lobby at the federal and state level for facilities such as the WCCC, did not expect any funding changes from the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" passed by Congress, which targeted Medicaid for cuts heavily. However, Galanakis said a lot is not known at this point. "They don't think long term care is affected, but nobody really knows yet," she said. A new round of cuts, which includes eliminating funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and ratifying the cuts that Elon Musk instituted as part of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), is currently making its way through Congress. The Trump Administration has instituted mass layoffs since January 20th, which could mean longer processing times for claims submitted by the facility.

Among items on the facility's wish list for 2025-6 include ceilings, lighting, and floors. The board is in the process of looking at new guttering, which could improve water flow. The recent flood was discussed; Randy Allen has been by to try to locate an old drain, which carried away a lot of water and which was covered up by dirtwork. 

The facility is trying to release itself from DOT funding for the van. The van is paid off, and currently, new rules by the DOT requiring more training by drivers is making it cost more than what the DOT is putting in.

Robin Davidson is New Administrator at WCCC

Mark Cadle, President of the Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center, announces the Board approval of the hiring of a new Administrator.  Robin Davidson has been hired as the Administrator effective August 1, 2022.  Robin brings very strong experience and education to the position.  She is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant providing services in long-term care and in-home facilities for over 10 years.  Robin recently passed both the National and State of Missouri Nursing Home Administrator Licensing examination and is fully licensed by the Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators.  She and her husband, Scott, live in Grant City and are both long-time residents of Worth County.  

Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center is a community owned facility located in Grant City, Missouri, with a goal to surround our residents with compassionate and personal 24-hour care. The facility offers in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapy to its residents and out-patient physical therapy to the local community.  

The support of the community is so important to the vitality and continuity of services we are able to offer at our facility.  The staffing issues that many are experiencing are an ever-increasing concern as to the viability of our local nursing home.   We are reaching critical status with our limited number of nursing and CNA staff.   If you, or someone you know, is able to offer even one day a week or month to relieve some of our hardworking staff, please contact us at (660) 564-3304 or email finance@worthcountycarecenter.org.  

Marcus Jimerson Named New WCCC Administrator

Mark Cadle, President of the Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center, announced the Board approval of hiring Marcus Jimerson as the Administrator.  Marcus brings diverse experience and education to the facility.  He was graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor in English and a Masters in Construction Management from Washington University in St. Louis.  He has been a licensed administrator since 2018.  Mr. Jimerson previously worked for Reliant Care Management at their facilities in Moberly and Kansas City Missouri.  He served as Director of Maintenance & Environmental Services in Moberly and Administrator in Training at other facilities.  

Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center is a 4-star community owned facility located in Grant City, Missouri with a goal to surround our residents with compassionate and personal 24-hour care.  The facility offers in-house physical, occupational and speech therapy to both its residents and the local community.  

Farrah Lager Named New Worth County Care & Rehab Administrator

Mark Cadle, President of the Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center, announced the Board approval of the hiring of a new Administration team.  Farrah Lager has been promoted to Nursing Home Administrator from her position as Business Office Manager.  Farrah came to the Center with an extensive history in long term care, having previously worked at both Laverna Village of St. Joseph and Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.  She brings a solid background in skilled care with both business office management roles and patient care. Farrah and her husband reside in Stanberry, Missouri.

Kera Galanakis has been hired in the new role of Director of Business Operations and Project Manager.  Kera will be responsible for the financial operations and management of projects.  The facility is currently upgrading to a new IT system, in addition to various infrastructure and remodel projects that Kera will be responsible for managing.  Her work experience at Welgaard CPAs and Advisors in addition to her previous role at the facility will be an excellent addition to the management team.  Kera and her husband reside in rural Worth County along with their three children.  

Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center is a 4-star community owned facility located in Grant City, Missouri, with a goal to surround our residents with compassionate and personal 24-hour care. The facility offers in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapy to both its residents and the local community.  

Worth County Care & Rehab Visitation Policy

Revised 2/22/2021

Policy:

It is the policy of Worth County Care Center to facilitate safe visitation practices and to keep the residents as safe as possible from being exposed to COVID-19.

Procedure:

All visitors will be screened in and must follow the Infection Control Policies.

Residents, their guardian, or legal representative may designate up to five (5) visitors total.

Each scheduled visit will consist of up to two (2) visitors at one time with social distancing (spaced by at least six (6) feet), hand hygiene before and after each visit for both the resident and the visitors and use of a cloth face covering or facemask for both the resident and the visitors. In the event a resident cannot safely wear a cloth face covering or facemask, a plastic partition or plexiglass barrier will be utilized to prevent the spread of virus. The cloth face covering, or facemask will be provided by the facility and will be returned to the facility for laundering.

Visits will be conducted inside in the designated areas. These designated areas are:

• Covid Cabana located in the Therapy room.

• Covid Cabana located in the Dining room.

• Room 35, which is set up for social distancing.

Indoor Visits

Indoor visits will be limited to:  

• Residents who are COVID-19 negative or asymptomatic and not suspected to have COVID-19; or Previously COVID-19 positive but have been released from isolation.

Indoor visits will be implemented under the following conditions:

• The facility must not have any COVID-19 staff or resident cases, or it has been fourteen (14) days since the last facility acquired COVID-19 positive case.

• The County positivity rate must be below the levels recommended by CDC, CMS and DHSS.

Accommodation for visits:

• All visits will be scheduled through the Business Office Manager, Monday through Friday between 9 am – 3 pm. If the Office Manager is not available, the Administrator will schedule appointments. If the Administrator is not available, the Director of Nursing will schedule appointments.

• Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

• A maximum of 2 visitors per resident will be allowed in the facility.

• Visits will be scheduled on the hour, allowing the visitor into the visitation room to be screened, properly donned with PPE and handwashing and sanitation to take place. The 30-minute visit time will start when the resident has been donned with the appropriate PPE, hand hygiene performed and/or placed on the opposite side of the plexiglass barrier.

• Visitors must maintain six (6) feet between themselves and the resident throughout the visit.

• PPE will be provided by WCCC. Cloth masks will be laundered after each use.

Safe practices for visits:

• Visitors will enter and exit the building through the door nearest the designated room.

• All visits will be monitored for adherence to proper use of masks and social distancing, while allowing for auditory privacy.

• A complete screening will be performed before each visit begins to ensure that only those visitors that meet the screening criteria are allowed.

• The screening will include temperature checks and a questionnaire to be filled out every time a visitor arrives.

• We will not allow any visitor with signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or who are unable to demonstrate proper use of infection control techniques to visit.

• Visitor logs will be filed and kept for 180 days. Logs will record the names of visitors, who they visited, staff that assisted the visit, date of visit, and contact information to be used in the event of subsequent COVID-19 outbreak among staff or residents will be filed and kept for 180 days.

• All visitation areas will be sanitized between visits, including tables, chairs, and partitions between each and every visit using an EPA approved disinfectant in accordance with instructions for dilution and contact times.

Visits will be stopped:

• If at any time a resident test positive for COVID-19, or a staff person tests positive for COVID-19 and if the staff person was in the facility in the ten (10) days prior to the positive test, all general indoor visits will cease except for compassionate care situations. Indoor general visitation will not resume until the facility achieves a continuous fourteen (14) day period without a facility acquired resident or staff COVID-19 case (if staff person was in the facility in the ten (10) days prior to the positive test), excluding dedicated units/wings accepting COVID-19 cases from the community.

• County percentages are above the levels that are recommended by CDC, CMS and DHSS.

Yes, the WCCC Allows End of Life Visits by Spouses

Yes, the Worth County Care & Rehab Center allows end of life visits by spouses. They have to be screened, and the facility provides full personal protective equipment. 

That is not always the case elsewhere. In New Mexico, a husband and a wife live together in the same facility in Santa Fe (MN); however, they were not allowed to see each other after the Coronavirus pandemic hit. 

As KOAT of Springfield reported, the husband, Gary Hein, filed a successful suit arguing that his constitutional rights were violated and that the health of both him and his wife, Ann Severine, had deteriorated. A judge agreed, saying that the New Mexico health order was too broad.

Under Medicare rules, people have certain rights while living in nursing homes. Residents have a right to be free from abuse and neglect. This means that they cannot keep residents apart from everyone else against their will. 

Residents have a right to take part in developing their care plan and participate in decisions that affect their care. Nursing home residents also have a right under Medicare rules to share a room with their spouse. 

42 Total Coronavirus Cases in Worth County

There are 42 total Coronavirus cases in Worth County as of Friday, the Tri-County Health Department reported. There are currently 8 active cases. There are now 245 cases in Gentry County and 35 active cases.

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center reports that one of the positive tests was a staff member. They are self-isolating at home. On Friday, all the residents and other staff members were tested and all tested negative.

Worth County Care & Rehab Hiring Supervisor

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center is hiring a work supervisor with cooking and cleaning responsibilities. Duties include oversight of the dietary department, including scheduling and covering shift call-Ins. Knowledge of rules and regulations is a must. Preferred experience is in long-term care dietary and/or Certified Dietary Manager. If not certified, must be willing to complete the course. Applicants must have a high school diploma. To apply, contact the facility at (660) 564-3304.

WCCC to Offer Farm to Table Initiative

The Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center is pleased to announce a ‘Farm-to-Table’ initiative.

The Farm-to-Table program will accept raw fruits and vegetable grown by local gardeners and use it in the meals served the facility residents.

Local residents who are planning their upcoming gardens are encouraged to plant extra to share with the Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center residents. Raw fruits and vegetables grown from local gardens will be prepared and served through the facility kitchen. The produce must be in sound condition, free from spoilage and other contaminants.

Worth County is home to some of the best gardeners in Missouri, it is a hobby for some and a passion for others and facility residents can benefit from their bountiful harvest.

Local gardeners who would like to participate in the ‘Farm-to-Table’ program are asked to contact Kelly Summa @ wccc.kelly@yahoo.com

Editorial – WCCC a Model for Fighting the Coronavirus

On Friday, Pro Publica, an investigative news outlet, wrote about how certain nursing homes around the country had violated basic standards, allowing the Coronavirus to explode. The article was a perfect primer on how not to run a nursing home:

–Near Seattle, the Enumclaw Health & Rehabilitation Center had three residents come down with the Coronavirus. While they were moved to an isolation wing, roommates were left in their rooms and staff was given no direction on how to care for them. Subsequently, the roommates came down with the virus as well. The employees were told by corporate not to start the roommates on isolation. Subsequently, 38 residents and 10 staffers tested positive for the virus as of April 2nd, and 5 residents died.

–Also near Seattle, the Life Care Center of Kirkland had 40 residents pass away.

–At Beaconshire Nursing Center, near Detroit, a nursing assistant ate her lunch while feeding a resident who had virus symptoms. She didn’t have on protective gloves or a gown, and her mask was below her chin so she could eat her food.

–At Hearthstone, near Seattle, a nursing assistant without eye protection walked into the room of a resident in isolation for suspected symptoms, changed the resident’s soiled briefs, and fed the resident without washing her hands.

We understand that many facilities are short of testing equipment, personal protective equipment, and staffing resources. But right here at home, facing the same problems other facilities have dealt with, the Worth County Care & Rehab Center has handled the situation with flying colors. They closed the facility to visitors in early March. Their employees and administration have taken aggressive measures to protect against the virus. They have implemented social distancing measures and have still managed to give their residents a semblance of normalcy and community. The residents plan to plant a garden this years, and the facility is seeking donations.

When one resident did contract the virus, the facility gave clear direction to their employees, including self-isolation when not at work and strict hygiene measures. Thankfully, these measures ended on April 15th, and nobody else has contracted the virus as of this writing (Friday).

These are the sorts of things that we take for granted here. When our grandmother went to a nursing home after a fall, the place was understaffed, and it took forever for staff to answer the call button. At the Worth County Care & Rehab Center, calls are answered right away.

There is a clear difference between facilities like the Worth County Care & Rehab Center and many others. The WCCC is answerable to the taxpayers of the county, and offers many services to the community beyond housing residents who need skilled care. Many others are owned by corporate chains which are only answerable to the bottom line; one facility that closed in the area recently was owned by a New York City hedge fund. In order to protect against more such pandemics, we need more facilities that are answerable to the taxpayers and the people they serve, not large corporations and wealthy investors who don’t live in the communities.

Worth County Care & Rehab Center Seeks Donations for Gardening

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center is seeking donations for gardening equipment. Some residents want flowers, and some want vegetables. They are looking for large pots, planters, and mineral tubs. If interested, call the facility at (660) 564-3304.

Worth County Care & Rehab Center Gets N95 Mask Donation

On Sunday, the Worth County Care & Rehab Center received a donation of N95 masks from the Atchison-Holt Ambulance District, which had some surplus masks. On Saturday, State Representative Allen Andrews called the facility and asked if there was anything he could do to help. On Sunday, the masks were delivered. Trooper Harris and Trooper Farmer of the Missouri State Highway Patrol made the delivery.

The facility had been trying to get N95 and surgical masks for weeks, but their vendors do not have them, and they are on long waiting lists.

First Worth County Resident Tests Positive for Coronavirus

On March 31st, a resident from the Worth County Care & Rehabilitation Center was taken by ambulance to Mosaic Medical Center. Later that day, they were notified by the Tri-County Health Department that they had tested positive for the Coronavirus.

Visitation has been restricted since March 14th, and strict protocols have been in place. They have been following guidance from the Department of Health and Social Services, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CDC, and Tri-County Health Department.

People from the community have been sending pictures, cards, popcorn, masks, and more.

Census Hits 34; Worth County Care & Rehab Gets First VA Patient

The Worth County Care & Rehab Center saw its census rise to 34 residents as of Thursday, Administrator Kelly Summa told the board at their meeting Wednesday. This was the highest it had been in around 10 years. The high was 34 for the month and the low was 28. There were 13 admissions and 6 discharges for September, while there were 5 admissions and 1 discharge so far in October. There were two Part A patients, while there were five Part B and 6 outpatients, with two referrals. At one point, the facility was down to 14 residents. There were referrals from as far away as St. Joseph and North Kansas City. In total, they got eight residents from the closure of the King City facility.

Also, the facility got its first VA patient, and had a lot of queries and interest. The VA will only designate so many facilities as VA facilities based on demographics and need. The facility went through the final hoops, as it went through a VA and a nursing inspection for the facility. The inspectors had positive comments about the friendliness of the facility as well as the cleanliness. The VA has its own transportation for their patients, which means that it will not be an extra burden for the facility.

The facility now has 45 employees. At one point, the facility was down to 28 employees. The ones who work at the facility now have more hours. They also have PRN’s, who they can call on an as-needed basis. Seven employees have come to Worth County from King City.

With the increased census, the facility is now looking for signage. There have been people from out of town with family members in the facility who have had trouble finding it.  Economic Developer Gene Auten has been looking for possible solutions. The facility will use some funds from a special donation that was made some time ago towards the expenses.

The facility got a new washing machine from the closing Afton facility, and King City has been donating items as well. Summa said that they have cleaned out the shed and threw out unneeded or soiled items. She said they were going to bid on some items from Afton as soon as they go online to be auctioned off. One thing that will help is the fact that they don’t have to buy things based on the fire rating.

The sprinkler system was tested and inspected, and the antifreeze didn’t test. It now has to be replaced annually due to new regulations. They can put in new antifreeze annually, or they can go to a powder fire extinguisher system at a cost of $5,000 to $50,000, but not have to do as much maintenance.

For September, revenues were $136,268.33, while expenses were $116,231.66 for a net income of $20,036.67. The Halloween Party will be on October 31st at 2 pm. The family of Marynell Richards donated a bench in her memory to the facility.

Worth County Care & Rehab Awarded VA Contract

The Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center, a designated CMS 5-Star Quality facility, has recently been awarded by the Veteran’s Administration for their Community Nursing Home program.  “This program is offered so Veterans can receive care near their homes and families.  VA nursing home care is for veterans too elderly, sick, or disabled to care for themselves, but do not require hospital care,” stated Administrator Kelly Summa, LNHA.  “Many of the local VA care centers have waiting lists and are unable to accommodate new residents; we have openings and are able to immediately accept new residents under the program.”  Veterans can live full time and receive skilled nursing care any time of day or night.  There is no limit on the length of time a veteran can remain in a VA paid contract nursing home.

As a community owned facility, the Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center is locally owned and controlled, dedicated to creating a home-like atmosphere and the most loving care possible.  Our home style meals feature fruits and vegetables from our ‘farm-to-table’ initiative with local gardeners sharing their harvest and strive to eliminate prepackaged and processed foods.  The facility offers on-site physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation therapy and a handicap-equipped van is available for transportation to medical appointments.  Our facility as 24-hour, 7-days a week nursing care by an experienced and gerontology trained staff.  Activities for residents are key to our success, from baby showers  to bingo, cookouts and rodeo attendance, you can follow our Facebook page, Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center to keep up on all the fun.

Worth County Care and Rehabilitation Center is located at 503 E. 4th in Grant City, Missouri.  If you are interested in more information regarding this program or other skilled care needs, contact Kelly Summa at 660-564-3304 or email worthccc@windstream.net.