Northland Nursing Homes Receive $1.4 Million Boost, Senator Hauschild Announces Aid For Senior Care Stability In Minnesota

Minnesota's nursing homes, considered a lifeline for senior care, are receiving a substantial financial boost. Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) has announced a hefty package totaling nearly $1.4 million in grants allocated for Northland nursing homes. This is part of a broader $300 million state effort focused on stabilizing nursing home operations, as per the Minnesota Senate DFL. 

Hauschild highlighted that this aid is the second portion of payments directed at covering long-term debt and necessary improvements within these facilities.

With an aging population in greater numbers than many regions, Northland's seniors depend on the proximity of these care centers. "Our region has a higher aging population than most and I want our seniors to access care and support services near their families and home communities. That’s why the nursing homes in our communities are critical and why I helped champion support to keep them open," Hauschild expressed in a statement made by Senate DFL. 

Seven nursing homes within Hauschild's district will benefit from this latest round of funding, which is slated to be disbursed in August. These funds are reportedly to also assist in workforce enhancement, infrastructure repair, and the assurance of quality services for elders.

The breakdown of allocations sees Bigfork Valley Communities receiving a total of $387,315, while the Cook Hospital is set to obtain $338,970, both across the 2023 and 2024 payments. Other notable institutions like Boundary Waters Care Center and Good Samaritan Society – Intl Falls will respectively gather $395,956 and $444,800 in total aid. These figures underline a tangible commitment to maintaining operational stability and service quality in these centers.

Adding to the base funding, certain facilities have been recipients of targeted state support through the Critical Access Nursing Facility (CANF) program. This initiative, revitalized by the efforts of the Senate DFL, looks to safeguard the financial viability of rural nursing homes at risk of closure. In a move to not only throw but to ensure the lifeline remains taut, North Shore Health, Littlefork Medical Center, and Boundary Waters Care Center have received rate increases of 5.9%, 10.96%, and 15% respectively, as detailed by the Minnesota Senate DFL.

SOURCE: hoodline