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Recognizing Westmoreland Manor
Posted 2-25-2003
Westmoreland Manor is an area
of county government that, unfortunately, often goes unnoticed by the
public. I would like to use this opportunity to recognize Westmoreland Manor
for its quality work and service to our older citizens. "The Manor" has been
in existence for more than 150 years and has played many roles for the
citizens of this county. Throughout the years, the Manor has evolved from
the antiquated model of an "old age home" or "rest home" to a dynamic and
modern geriatric hospital.
In the highly-competitive,
ever-changing world of healthcare, Westmoreland Manor provides quality care
in a dignified manner that allows people struggling with infirmities to be
helped with compassion. Complete Health Resources (formerly Complete Care
Services), the management firm responsible for the day-to-day administration
of the Manor, has done an excellent job of preparing the county for changes
in healthcare finances and the delivery of services. In the eight years I
have served as commissioner, we have not had to contribute one dollar of
revenues from the county general fund to operate the Manor. This fact
demonstrates an understanding of how to maximize reimbursements in the area
of Medicare and Medicaid funding. Those areas are the primary funding
sources for the Manor and have become more complex, and less generous,
throughout the years.
The medical and nursing
staffs, as well as the broad range of support personnel, also do outstanding
jobs. They deal with people in the twilight of their lives, often facing
serious illnesses, in a way that allows families to be secure in knowing
their loved ones are receiving quality care. Their jobs are not easy, but
the individuals who work at the Manor are truly committed to their vocation.
Because of sound management
and the creation of more space by the county moving other operations from
the Manor, we are also undertaking new ventures. For starters, we are on the
verge of opening a new independent living wing, the Eagle Tree Apartments.
While the Manor itself is for people needing regular medical care, there is
a growing demand for a level of care that does not require significant
medical attention. The Eagle Tree Apartments will offer comfort and care for
seniors who may no longer be able to fully care for themselves, but who do
not need consistent attention either. This is another important step in our
efforts to diversify the services that county government provides.
The Manor is taking the lead
in Pennsylvania's public nursing homes in another important, and previously
not addressed, area. By the end of this year, we will offer the first Adult
Night Care program in the Commonwealth. Patterned after adult daycare
programs that give seniors a place to "hang-out" during daytime hours, this
program will offer similar help to seniors who feel lonelier, stressed, and
most vulnerable at night. Implementing the program will be a challenge, but
it is an example of the Manor's vision to best serve the public.
We are also ready to open a
traditional daycare service at the Manor for our employees. It will allow
employees who face the logistical challenges of having to drop their
children off at one location and still get to work on time, the opportunity
to have on-site child care service. The concept has been in the works for
many years, and now, because we have the available space, it is one more
positive addition to the Manor.
Too often we read about
substandard care in nursing homes, both in Pennsylvania and throughout the
nation. That is certainly not the case at Westmoreland Manor. It is
recognized as one of the leaders among public nursing homes for its
high-quality, cost-effective care. The Manor is a resource of which all of
us in Westmoreland County should be proud. Its success is a testament to the
commitment of every individual who works there. |
