MHCA Visits Aroostook County for Long Term Care Staffing Discussions

• By: Angela Westhoff
• On: 09/14/2023 14:23:11
• In: Special Events

On Friday, September 8^th, Angela Westhoff, President and CEO of Maine Health Care Association held a meeting with members of the association at the Caribou Rehab and Nursing Center. Providers from across Aroostook County attended the meeting. Special thanks to Phil Cyr, President of Caribou Nursing Home Inc., for hosting the group at his facility. The major focus of the discussion was the severe staffing challenges the long term sector is facing. Rural areas like Aroostook County with a lower population experience added barriers to recruitment and retention of direct care staff. In addition to staffing challenges, the group discussed legislative wins from the past legislative session and provided input for ongoing advocacy efforts. 
 
“I want to thank the Association members who were able to join us last Friday,” commented Angela Westhoff. “Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to advocate for adequate reimbursement and common-sense solutions to the staffing crisis.”
 
In addition, MHCA had an opportunity to meet briefly with U.S. Senator Susan Collins to discuss the CMS proposed staffing rule. MHCA believes that the proposed staffing mandate is not the answer to the current nursing home labor shortage and will only exacerbate the existing workforce crisis. In fact, 2/3 of Maine's nursing homes would not be able to meet with 24/7 RN requirement. The direct care workers necessary to comply with the proposed new requirements simply do not exist. 
 
The long term care sector continues to experience the worst workforce crisis in the sector's history which has contributed to 17 facilities either closing or converting beds to another level of care. Advocacy efforts with all of Maine's congressional delegates continues to be a primary focus for the association. 
 
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org