REGIONAL- Two area nursing homes are among seven northeastern Minnesota facilities benefitting from the nearly $3 million in additional state funds for long-term debt and facility expenses approved last year, with a second distribution of funds happening soon.
Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, announced the additional funding in a press release on Monday.
“Our region has a higher aging population than most and I want our seniors to access care and support services near their families and home communities,” Hauschild said. “That’s why the nursing homes in our communities are critical and why I helped champion support to keep them open. I’m grateful this second round of funding is coming as a lifeline for these nursing homes and I look forward to continuing to advocate for them into the future.”
Cook Care Center, affiliated with Cook Hospital, will receive $170,239 in the second round of funding for a two-year total of $338,315. The funds will be used to pay down long-term debt associated with renovations, said CEO Teresa Debevec.
“We used the funds from last year for our long-term debt payments for the 2016 loan when we remodeled and added on to make the care center all private rooms with private bathrooms and showers,” Debevec said. “We will also use the funds this year for those payments.”
The total allotment for Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely was $395,956, with $199,109 to be received this year.
“This funding made it possible for our team at BWCC to complete capital improvements within our residents’ whirlpool tub room as well as purchase new beds to enhance our residents’ comfort,” said Executive Director Adam Masloski. “We leveraged some of these dollars to partner with Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital in a culinary improvement project that has enhanced residents’ and patients’ dining experiences through capital improvements in our kitchens and dining spaces.”
Masloski expressed thankfulness for Hauschild’s support.
“Sen. Grant Hauschild has been a true champion for BWCC,” he said. “We welcome and deeply appreciate all the support he continues to show our community. We would not have realized the legislative support received last year, such as this funding and that of the Critical Access Nursing Facility (CANF), without the support of our local government officials.”
Masloski acknowledged the important role donations from local community members and partners, including the Blandin Foundation, played in achieving the improvements. With the funds that are still in reserve, the BWCC team is considering dining room improvements and new furniture for common areas, he said.
“On behalf of everyone at BWCC, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our friends and partners throughout Ely and the surrounding area, our incredible residents and families, and our dedicated team members,” Masloski said. “The continuous donations of time, funds, and gifts are countless reasons why BWCC continues to have the opportunity to serve the families of St. Louis County.”