Interim nursing-home administrator cites lower May census, outstanding payments and staffing needs; board approves RFP for culinary services

Anna Johnson, interim administrator for the LaSalle County Nursing Home, told the board the facility experienced a dip in average daily census in May driven largely by hospital admissions and discharges. She reported five discharges, three deaths and several hospital readmissions that reduced census; new referral relationships (including Liberty Estates and inpatient rehab case managers) are beginning to increase referrals.

Johnson described the facility’s finances and receivables: staff are awaiting roughly $48,000 in Medicaid payments, are working to recoup a private-pay balance of about $21,000 from a resident who is applying for Medicaid, and have a separate resident account owing more than $38,000. She said the facility maintains a cash position of more than $2.5 million and that payroll timing and a one-time interim-administrator related expense contributed to a monthly operating shortfall.

On quality metrics, Johnson said the nursing home holds an overall five-star rating on CMS’s site but a three-star health-inspection rating because two G-level tags from last year remain on record; she emphasized that RN hours are a key driver of the facility’s staffing rating and said continued RN coverage is critical to maintain current ratings. Clinical indicators cited included 15 falls in the month (no injuries reported), one in-house pressure ulcer, and eight hospital readmissions; Johnson said infections contributed to many of the hospital transfers.

Johnson outlined workforce needs and program changes: the facility is recruiting RNs and LPNs (she cited a current need for six RNs and two LPNs), recently hired a CNA who completed orientation, and is developing a restorative-care program intended to increase Medicare skilled-stay lengths and improve resident outcomes. Management is pursuing operational assessments and recommended outside assistance for billing, MDS coding and reimbursement processes.

On facilities and capital work, maintenance staff reported concrete and floodgate repairs, courtyard safety remediation, cleaning of the water tower per state guidelines, and planned studies for chilled-water piping and pump-house work. Johnson said the kitchen has a sewer/drain issue under review and that bus replacement is approved in the budget but may require an additional procurement step; staff are also seeking proposals to replace an aging nurse call system and are evaluating alternatives to Omniare pharmacy due to price increases.

The board approved a motion to issue bids/RFPs for new dietary/culinary services (the current contract with HCSG requires 60 days’ notice). Board members also approved nursing home bills and accepted Johnson’s report. Johnson said the facility is preparing for the annual survey and continuing plan-correction work from the prior inspection.