Hillcrest rolls costs into new, higher rates Nov. 1

McCOOK, Neb. — Room rates will go up at Hillcrest Nursing Home, beginning Nov. 1.

Hillcrest Board of Trustees unanimously approved the increase at its regular meeting Tuesday.

The increase will include the cost of supplies previously charged separately, said Janet Lytton, interim administrator, and affect those in special care units, private rooms or suites, she said.

Extra charges would be for the use of “wander guard,” an electronic door alert and the use of the van for transportation.

Depending on the level of care, room rates would increase by $20 per day for a private room and $40 per day for private suites and special care units.

Assisted living rates would increase $10 per day. Lytton recommended that rates increase on an annual basis, beginning in July with a new budget cycle, to keep up with costs.

A survey done this year on the operations suggested a rate increase, said board member Jim Howard, as at some levels of care, Medicare was being paid more than what private residents paid. The increases would also help the facility catch-up to actual costs, he said.

Board president Randy Dean and Lytton both agreed that although there might be complaints, “we can’t continue losing money.”

In other action at Tuesday’s board meeting:

* Board members revised two policies in the employee handbook concerning the “chain of command” when filing grievances and holiday pay.

* “Night on the Hill’ is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18. The annual fundraiser, hosted by the Hillcrest Foundation, features entertainment, appetizers, silent auctions and speakers. Proceeds go to scholarships for Hillcrest employees who want to further their education.

* Current census as of Monday is 78 residents, including five in Medicare, 29 private pay, 40 state-paid, three VA-qualified residents and eight in assistant living.

* New staffing includes two in dietary, one in childcare, nine certified nursing assistants, two registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses.

* A nurse consultant from Rural Health Development, the management firm at Hillcrest, conducted a four-day “mock mini survey” of departments at the facility and made suggestions for improvement, in preparation for the annual state survey that is approaching.

* The annual golf tournament is Sunday, Sept. 17, with the winning prize being tickets for a Husker football game.