Demand Illinois to pay back Medicaid to Nursing Facilities

It's been an emotional, mentally exhausting week not only for me, my Mission Partners, but the persons we serve that need the nursing facilities to continue to care for them. Except, not this week.

Challenges, barriers, behaviors, unable to meet needs, Medicaid pending- without the T number. Then pre-auths, not meeting skilled need, out of Medicare days...not safe at home. Restraints, sitters in the hospital. Make sure IDPH/CMS regs are priority even though we know the person should be the priority.

How about forgetting what the next move is or how or who will pay, or the plan after day 21- I promise Medicare will not give 100 days- we let the elderly "move in" not just a temporary home, make it permanent. The cost- ohhh let's not talk about cost for room and board. I had a wife tell me $88,000/year for a semi-private room/meds/supplies. I must tell you, her husband was a veteran. Many can not afford this. Much less be ready for funeral cost.

Medical technology, advances, providers; we're all getting smarter. Medications, procedures, treatments are more costly. It doesn't mean someone doesn't deserve the best. But- we have to pay the person/business that makes the person better.

This also means our elderly are living longer! We can do so much in the nursing home setting instead of the hospital. The settings are different, our mindsets are different. Let's take a step back and find how to help the person instead of how not to help and not to bring them home to us. The nursing home setting is not just the last room before they die...

Someone needs to build me a facility because I have lots of people that I want to bring home! There is nothing else I would rather do then care for the elderly! I am thankful for what they've taught me and how they've loved me in their own special way.

I'm ready to challenge Springfield. Medicaid is so far behind in payments to the nursing facilities. Ultimately, hurting the person's that need the care the most. We can be so impactful with our stories! The love and the care we provide! How can society only listen to cruelty? I'm sure there is lots of bad and hurtful outcomes. This is my industry. I know, that those I have been lucky to know, love and care for did not know hurt. I want you to think instead - How about the smiles! The memories? The laughter shared with the elderly! We owe it to them! We wouldn't be here if not for what they've given us!

One company in the state is owed 2 million past due of Medicaid reimbursement. Another has had to close doors in their community due to a deficit of 2.3 million. Where are those people now? These nursing homes are trying to serve the communities, trying to make a difference. Forget fixing the roof of the building- they need to pay the caregivers that give their love, time, and strength to perform the hardest and most beautiful job imaginable!

How about if the facilities, the companies were to get paid! Buildings would be renovated, staffing numbers would improve! Quality care would be outstanding! There would be less negative outcomes and the lawyers on TV...

It is so easy to listen to the negative stories. The old stigmas have never left. By no means does a person believe they will live out their years in a nursing home..."hi, I'm 88, do you have a room?" NO! Debilitating illness, disease management, inability to care for themselves is what happened.

Transferring, lifting, dressing, cleaning, bathing, brushing someone's teeth or dentures is not easy. Think about all you do for yourself in a day. While maintaining your dignity. Then do this for the elderly person that needs us! We do these cares because it is what we would want someone to do for us. Teach the person, make it fun! Smile, sing and play!

Our elderly are outliving their savings. Now like always, the public wants to judge. My nursing career has been invested in this population. I have loved so many of your moms, dads, husbands and wives, grandparents, even those who chose not to marry or have families. I've fed, bathed, turned, comforted, and loved so many of your loved ones. I've held their hands while they've taken their last breath, then opening the window to let their soul leave.

I've been yelled at, punched by the smallest old woman; just like I've been hugged and thanked for the love I gave a member of someone else's family. I've listened and cried with families who are so overwhelmed with grief because their dad doesn't know who they are anymore. Want to see loss and grief? Hold the wife as she watches her husband hold the hand of another resident because Alzheimer's has taken her husband away.

I've witnessed CNAs and nurses that have worked for me and with me cry over losing a resident. Even cry when they recover and go home! Yes, we have success stories too! Remember, we are just aging. We're still a person! That person is still a wife or husband, mom or dad, a nurse a Doctor, a dancer or a farmer. Ask about their life. Their story!

We will all need help one day; if not for ourselves, maybe our parent or spouse.

I met a family recently; dad is nearing end of life, wife is in assisted living. They need to stay together. 75 years married! Both Medicaid pending- albeit with the T numbers, yet no facility can accept or assume care as it will be charity. No reimbursement will come to the company. That's not good enough for me. They need cared for and loved during this time of their lives.

This needs action. We need to be heard! Gov. Rauner has the bill on his desk! It's time Illinois pays up! We owe this to our elders! They didn't ask for the chronic disease that now makes them immobile or the stroke that has taken their voice. We can be their voice. I'm ready! I'll be their voice!