ST. PAUL – Local nursing homes have started to receive shares of the $300 million infusion in state funding Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, supported and the Legislature provided last May.
Baker said the funding is a step toward stabilizing Minnesota’s struggling long-term care industry, with nursing homes closing across the state and others on the financial brink. Families are waiting months and looking up to four hours away to find a safe place for loved ones, he said, indicating a worker shortage has left around 25 percent of nursing home caregiver jobs vacant.
“Nursing homes and long-term care facilities do an amazing job providing compassionate and professional care for families in Kandiyohi County,” said Baker. “Unfortunately, many have been struggling in recent years because of rising operating costs and workforce shortages. The dollars we provided earlier this year will make a real difference in helping these local facilities continue to provide care while we examine changes at the legislature this year to address structural funding challenges facing the industry.”
Funding for local care providers includes:
Glenoaks Senior Living Campus, New London:
- Total Payment: $433,859
- August 1, 2023: $216,929
- August 1, 2024: $216,929
Bethesda, Willmar:
- Total Payment: $1,213,062
- August 1, 2023: $606,531
- August 1, 2024: $606,531
Carris Health Care Center Therapy Suites, Willmar:
- Total Payment: $538,288
- August 1, 2023: $269,144
- August 1, 2024: $269,144
Baker concluded, “Our nursing homes in the area do incredible things and their employees work so hard and care deeply for our loved ones. Thank you for all that you do, we’re really counting on you all. I will be touring our local facilities this fall and trust they will make every dollar count that we fought for.”
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