For Immediate Release                                                                                                               Contact: Rebecca Reid
December 16, 2015                                                                                                                                         410-212-3843

 

Texas Health Care Association Presents Long Term Care Champion Award To Representative Four Price for Legislator’s Dedication to Seniors

 

Representative’s Legislative Track Record Supporting Senior Health Care and Long Term Care Provider Issues Earns Recognition

 

(Amarillo, TX) –   Lauded for his unwavering support for public policy that advances the efforts of long term care providers to deliver quality, compassionate skilled nursing care to Texas seniors, Representative Four Price, R-Amarillo, was presented the Champion of Long Term Care Award today by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA), the state’s largest association representing nursing home providers.

“Following each legislative session, it is THCA’s honor to recognize steadfast advocates of long term care, who, through their leadership and dedication, work to assist providers in their ability to improve health outcomes of elderly patients and enhance their quality of life,” said Kevin Warren, President of THCA. “Representative Four Price has demonstrated a keen interest in and knowledge of long term care issues impacting providers, caregivers and aging Texans.  He shares with long term care providers the ongoing commitment to elevate the quality of care for seniors.”

Representative Price serves as chair of the House Appropriations Article II Subcommittee, which oversees budgetary matters for health care and sits on the House Human Services Committee that has jurisdiction over most health care issues.

“The Champion of Long Term Care award is one I accept with appreciation and I hope is illustrative of my continuing support of Texas seniors and the quality of their healthcare,” said Price. “All of us would like to age with dignity and grace and remain productive as long as possible. Public policy and our long term healthcare delivery system should encourage and support those goals and ensure Texas seniors are cared for with the compassion and dedication they deserve.”

The award ceremony was held at Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home located in Amarillo. Representative Price was joined by caregivers, elderly residents and their family members and local dignitaries as he was recognized for his leadership on public policy impacting elderly Texans and those who provide them long term care.

In addition to Representative Price and THCA president Kevin Warren, other attendees included Mark McKenzie, CEO of Senior Care Centers and Chairman of the THCA board; Janet Morris, facility administrator for Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home and Mr. Jimmie Ensminger, President of Ussery Roan Resident Council.

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

 

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                               Contact: Rebecca Reid
December 15, 2015                                                                                                                                         410-212-3843

 

THCA CEO Testifies Before House Human Services Committee On the Increasing Population of Aging Texans and the Impact On Long Term Care Providers’ Ability to Adequately Care for Seniors

 Long Term Care Leader Cautions High Workforce Turnover, Low Wages Will Further Diminish the Future Pool of Employees in Long Term Care

 

(Austin, TX) – The President and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) testified today before the House Human Services Committee, noting that while baby boomers caring for elderly patients are aging themselves and will soon be in need of assistance for their own care, the pool of potential staff for direct caregiving in nursing homes remains limited and inconsistent, thus perpetuating ongoing challenges for long term care providers.

“Nursing facilities throughout Texas are struggling to recruit and retain quality staff with limited resources available in a Medicaid-reliant sector,” testified Kevin Warren, CEO of the THCA.  “Our provider members tell us that staff turnover is one of the biggest problems they face. They cannot pay dependable, dedicated nurses and nurse assistants their true value, so many quality employees leave the long term care setting for better paying jobs.”

The House committee met today to consider Interim Charge 1: a study of the ten year anticipated growth, the geographic distribution, and the projected economic impact of aging Texans. The hearing will facilitate a review of state services and programs available to seniors, including independent living services, and determine the capacity and effectiveness of the programs, as well as discuss whether Texas is prepared for the increased demands of aging Texans.

“We are seeing warning signs that the stress of delivering quality care is driving quality caregivers out of the profession,” Warren continued. “The caregivers who work in nursing homes are seeing patients with higher levels of acuity, especially with the growth of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They also find themselves spending more time on meeting extensive and sometimes duplicative state and federal regulations—time taken away from resident care.”

Warren also pointed out that a survey of THCA membership earlier this year indicated the top three challenges to improving staff retention are:

• A lack of available workforce pool in the community
• Wage competition with other healthcare sections; and
• A lack of local available training programs for LVNs and RNs

Moreover, he said, “In March, providers must navigate the new landscape brought about by the rollout of Medicaid Managed Care for residents. HHSC has been very responsive and helpful when problems have arisen but it still adds to the uncertainty for facilities trying to stay above water.”

To address the greatest challenges facing long term care providers, Warren recommended the following:

• Invest in the assurance that a capable and sufficient workforce is available for both current and future demand.
• Ensure patient access continues under managed care by making permanent the protections provided under SB 7 in the 83rd Legislature. Nursing facilities that meet the requirements for Medicaid licensure should remain an option for all residents.
• Consider adopting a needs based assessment before allocating new Medicaid beds for all new facility construction.
• Reform the process by which the state regulates nursing homes to be more equitable and predictable while still ensuring that seniors are protected.

In closing, Warren noted, “The challenges of providing quality long term care to a rapidly growing population of elderly Texans is not one that will be easily solved. It requires diligence, imagination and the collaboration of stakeholders and state leaders and a continuous effort. THCA providers serve those who have worked to make Texas great by raising good families, developing businesses that generate jobs and build on a healthy economy, educating our children, and defending our freedoms. They met the challenges of the past to give us the lives we now enjoy. Now, it is our turn to meet these challenges and make their lives better.”

 

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

 

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                               Contact: Rebecca Reid
December 8, 2015                                                                                                                                         410-212-3843

 

Texas Health Care Association Presents Long Term Care Champion Award To Rep. Richard Peña Raymond for Legislator’s Dedication to Seniors

 

Laredo Representative Recognized for His Leadership on Senior Health and Long Term Care Provider Issues

(Austin, TX) – Recognized for his leadership on key policy issues impacting long term care providers and his dedication to Texas seniors, state Rep. Richard Peña Raymond, D-Laredo, was presented the Champion of Long Term Care Award today by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA), the state’s largest association representing nursing home providers.

“Following each legislative session, it is THCA’s honor to recognize steadfast advocates of long term care, who, through their leadership and dedication, work to assist providers in their ability to improve health outcomes of elderly patients and enhance their quality of life,” said Kevin Warren, President of THCA. “As Chairman of the House Committee on Human Services, Rep. Raymond has consistently advocated for sound public policy that will advance the quality of care in Texas’ nursing homes.  He has a keen understanding of the challenges faced by long term care providers and the legislative action required to meet the healthcare needs of our state’s aging population.”

Most recently, Rep. Raymond authored HB 3523 to extend managed care protections for providers and co-sponsored SB 914, which established a council to examine the skilled nursing facility survey process.

“The Champion of Long Term Care award has real significance for me as it is our Texas seniors who never fail to inspire me and their dedicated and compassionate caregivers whom I greatly admire,” said Raymond. “The care of our elderly Texans must always be a priority as all of us wish to age with grace and dignity and to be cared for with compassion.”

The Long Term Care Champion award was presented to Rep. Raymond at a luncheon in Austin attended by state long term care leaders.

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

 

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                               Contact: Rebecca Reid
December 2, 2015                                                                                                                                         410-212-3843

 

Texas Health Care Association Presents Long Term Care Champion Award To Senator Craig Estes for Legislator’s Dedication to Seniors

 

Senator Recognized for His Attention to Senior Health and Long Term Care Provider Issues

 

(Wichita Falls, TX) – Praised for his attention to key issues impacting long term care in the state of Texas, Senator Craig Estes, R- Wichita Falls, was presented the Champion of Long Term Care Award today by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA), the state’s largest association representing nursing home providers.
“Following each legislative session, it is THCA’s honor to recognize steadfast advocates of long term care, who, through their leadership and dedication, work to assist providers in their ability to improve health outcomes of elderly patients and enhance their quality of life,” said Kevin Warren, President of THCA. “Senator Craig Estes demonstrated a commitment to meet with long term care providers, learn the many complex issues impacting skilled nursing care and discuss the best strategies for sound public policy that supports nursing home care.”
Senator Estes serves on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that has jurisdiction over most long term care issues impacting skilled nursing facilities in Texas.
“The Champion of Long Term Care award is a great honor and I accept this with appreciation for the hard work and dedication of Texas’ long term care providers and caregivers,” said Estes. “I look forward to continuing to address skilled nursing care issues and how public policy can positively impact the quality of care for our seniors.”
Following the luncheon, the Senator toured Advanced Rehab and Healthcare of Wichita Falls to meet with caregivers, residents and their family members.
In addition to the Senator and THCA president Kevin Warren, attendees included Ron Payne, THCA Board; Scot Kibbe, THCA Director of Government Relations; Dennis Haus, Administrator, Midwestern Healthcare Center, Wichita Falls; Norman Mason, Administrator, Advanced Rehab and Healthcare of Wichita Falls; Marcia Jacobi, Administrator, Iowa Park Healthcare.

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                               Contact: Rebecca Reid November 17, 2015                                                                                                                          410-212-3843

 

 

Statewide Medical Director’s Association Endorses Nursing Home One a Month Campaign to Reduce the Use of Antipsychotics In Skilled Nursing Care

 

Data Show Texas Skilled Nursing Providers Making Strides to Reduce the Use of Off Label Antipsychotics and Implement New, Effective Care Strategies

(Austin, TX) – The TMDA: Texas Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine announced today, it is an official supporter of the statewide One a Month initiative aimed to reduce the use of off label antipsychotics in the treatment of some Texas nursing home residents. The One a Month campaign launched October 1^st and is spearheaded by leading Texas organizations including, Leading Age Texas, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) and TMF Health Quality Institute (TMF), the regional Quality Improvement Organization (QIO).

“The One a Month campaign represents a purposeful effort among long term care providers to learn and implement new care strategies that present effective alternatives to the use of antipsychotics as treatment for some nursing home patients,” said Teresa Albright, MD, CMD, president of TMDA. “As the leading state association for post-acute and long-term care medicine, TMDA heartily endorses the One a Month campaign and commends the Texas long term care community for initiating this statewide effort. One a Month is intended to improve upon the progress Texas nursing homes have made in reducing the use of anti-psychotics.”

Texas recently outpaced the nation on an average monthly reduction of the use of antipsychotics in the treatment of nursing home residents. The One a Month campaign calls for partnering with nursing home providers statewide to commit to transitioning at least one resident a month off of these medications by using appropriate resident-centered non- pharmacological interventions.

“TMDA is a key leader in long term care in the state of Texas and its support and advocacy for the One a Month campaign is significant.  “We appreciate working side by side with TMDA’s leadership to reach the goal of reducing the use of off-label antipsychotics” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of THCA.

Antipsychotics are a medication that works in the brain, which may help to block certain chemicals that can cause symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions. Studies in nursing homes show many times it is safe to gradually reduce the dosage of these medications and ultimately discontinue their use, for residents who do not have a diagnosis for which the medication is designed to treat and is considered off label.  During this gradual dose reduction process care givers individualize non-pharmacological interventions to assist with the symptoms the antipsychotic medication was prescribed to address.

TMF’s concurrent review of quality measures in August 2015 revealed Texas nursing homes outpaced the nation’s average reduction of the use of antipsychotics during the month of June 2015. The National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes report in August 2015 lists Texas at 22.7% usage, compared to the national average of 18.3%. Texas has improved in this area since the data from the 1^st quarter of 2012, when antipsychotic use was at 28.9%.

The One a Month campaign points out that in one quarter 3500 + residents could be released from the effects of off label antipsychotics and in one year, 14,000 + residents – or approximately 15% – could be antipsychotic free.

A website focused on the One a Month campaign has been developed. Nursing facility providers   committed to the One a Month goal can go to the One a Month website and download strategies to help them appropriately reduce the use of off label antipsychotic medications, thereby improving the quality of life for their residents.  To learn more about the One a Month campaign visit http://www.oneamonthtexas.com/.

For more information on long term care leaders leading the One a Month campaign, visit their respective websites: http://www.dads.state.tx.us/, http://www.txhca.org; http://www.leadingagetexas.org; http://www.tmfqin.org; http://www.tmda.org/.

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For Immediate Release                                                                                                               Contact: Rebecca Reid
November 3, 2015                                                                                                                                         410-212-3843

 

Texas Reducing Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes (T.R.A.I.N) Seminar Kicks Off Multi-Stop Tour Around State To Educate Long Term Care Providers and Leadership

One a Month Campaign in Texas Gains Steam as Nursing Home Providers Commit to Reducing One Person a Month from Antipsychotic Medicines

 

(Austin, TX) – Reinforcing the momentum in Texas nursing homes to reduce the use of off-label antipsychotics for residents, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) today, lauded the kick off of a two day seminar spearheaded by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) that will be conducted in several Texas cities over November and into December and feature nationally renowned speakers on the topic.

 

“THCA is a proud sponsor of the Texas Reducing Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes (T.R.A.I.N.) seminars and we encourage long term care providers and caregivers to attend this educational session that will enhance our efforts to implement the latest techniques and strategies proving effective in reducing the use of off-label antipsychotics for elderly nursing home residents,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of THCA. “The timing of the T.R.A.I.N. seminars dovetails with the One a Month campaign unique to Texas and initiated by our state’s long term care leaders.  One a Month encourages providers to build on the progress Texas nursing homes have recently made in utilizing the appropriate resident centered non-pharmacological interventions where applicable with individualized resident care.”

 

Headline speakers featured at the free two-day T.R.A.I.N seminars include Dr. G. Allen Power, Dr. Madeline Biondolillo and Dr. Susan Wehry who will speak to the following topics respectively, A Life without Drugs: A Proactive, Strengths-Based Approach to Dementia, Ensuring High-Quality Dementia Care in Long-Term Care and From Patienthood to Personhood: The Oasis Approach to Dementia Care. For the full agenda, dates, locations of the T.R.A.I.N. seminars and to register, click here.

 

For more information on the One a Month campaign, click on One a Month on the THCA homepage at http://www.txhca.org and for more information on all of the team leaders for the One a Month campaign, click on their respective websites at http://www.dads.state.tx.us/,; http://www.leadingagetexas.org; http://www.tmfqin.org.

 

“Texas nursing homes outpaced the nation’s average reduction of the use of antipsychotics during the month of June 2015 and we intend to continue that leadership with the One a Month campaign,” said Gloria Bean-William, RN, Director of Clinical and Quality Services.  “Many of the non-pharmacological techniques in treating dementia are yielding results that enhance the lives of these residents and bring joy and relief to their loved ones. We know dementia is a progressive disease and incurable, but the latest non-pharmacological techniques are frequently proving to be compassionate and effective alternative treatments.”

 

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

To learn more about Commitment to Care, please visit txhca.org/quality-care/commitment-to-care. For ongoing Twitter updates and information, follow @TXHCA and the #Commit2Care hashtag

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                 Contact: Rebecca Reid
October 12, 2015                                                                                                                               410-212-3843

 

Texas Health Care Association Presents Long Term Care Champion Award To Senator Lois Kolkhorst for Legislator’s Dedication to Seniors

 

Senator’s Legislative Track Record Supporting Senior Health Care and Long Term Care Provider Issues Earns Recognition

 

(Victoria, TX) –   Lauded for her unwavering support for public policy that advances the efforts of long term care providers to deliver quality, compassionate skilled nursing care to Texas seniors, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, R-18, was presented the Champion of Long Term Care Award today by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA), the state’s largest association representing nursing home providers.

“Following each legislative session, it is THCA’s honor to recognize steadfast advocates of long term care, who, through their leadership and dedication, work to assist providers in their ability to improve health outcomes of elderly patients and enhance their quality of life,” said Kevin Warren, President of THCA. “Senator Lois Kolkhorst exemplifies the champion for the elderly and those in the long term care profession who provide care for their needs.”

Senator Kolkhorst serves as Vice Chair for the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, both committees of jurisdiction for long term care issues in the State Senate.

“The Champion of Long Term Care award is a great honor and one that I accept with both pride and gratitude,” said Kolkhorst. “Our wonderful seniors and their compassionate and dedicated caregivers are the true champions and I pledge to continue to advocate for them before the Texas state legislature.  Our Golden Texans deserve to age with dignity and grace while receiving the highest quality skilled nursing care and I extend my deepest appreciation to those who choose the noble profession of caring for them.”

Hosted by Retama Manor South, a Victoria, TX skilled nursing facility located in the state Senator’s district, caregivers, elderly residents and their family member and local dignitaries joined to praise Kolkhorst’s leadership on public policy impacting Texas elderly and those who provide them long term care.

In addition to the Senator and THCA president Kevin Warren, other speakers included the Honorable Paul Polasek, Mayor of Victoria, Mark McKenzie, CEO of Senior Care Centers, Chairman of THCA Board and Oscar Flores, Facility Administrator for Retama Manor South.

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2015

Contact: Rebecca Reid
410-212-3843

Sine Die Leaves Unmet Need for Eldercare

Texas Nursing Home Providers Request to Lawmakers to Close the Medicaid Shortfall Gap Goes Unheeded

 

(Austin, TX) – After a rigorous effort to educate lawmakers this legislative session on the challenges Texas nursing home providers face in hiring staff and improving quality measures when the state’s Medicaid rate hovers near the bottom nationally, those in charge of caring for the elderly watched adequate funding for low-income seniors never make it to first base in budget talks.  The state announced a $343 million Medicaid shortfall for nursing home care in Texas at the outset of the session, yet closing the gap in funding for eldercare never became a priority, leaving nursing home providers without the necessary relief to address the significant recruitment and retention challenges facing the industry.

“The nurses, facility administrators and nurse aides that visited Austin during the legislative session to encourage lawmakers to raise the Medicaid rate so it actually covers the cost of care, were advocating for their elderly patients,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Texas Health Care Association.  “The individuals who care for our aging Texans serve as the voice of the frail elderly who have diminished financial resources and increasingly complex health conditions.  The ability to recruit and retain hardworking, dedicated staff for a consistent, stable workforce is contingent upon adequate Medicaid funding.  This is a hard reality to take back to nursing home staff working 24/7 and to their patients who need them.”

Texas nursing home providers have long maintained a direct correlation between adequate staffing and the enhancement of care quality for nursing home residents. In a first quarter 2015 survey of Texas nursing home providers, 74% cited frontline staff turnover as significantly impacting their ability to achieve facility improvement goals.  The current state Medicaid rate pays nearly six dollars an hour to care for patients who suffer from dementia, chronic conditions and challenges in meeting the activities of daily living.

“An overwhelming majority of Texas voters polled this year – eighty percent – favored increasing Medicaid funding for nursing home care, yet that too was not enough to trigger budgetary support for the more than 57,000 nursing home residents who depend on that program,” said Warren.

State statistics show that 3.2 million Texans are currently over the age of 65 and that number is expected to grow to 7.5 million by 2040.  Similarly, the percentage of people ages 85 and older is expected to double over the same span.

“Moving Texas to the top in the nation for nursing home care will be that much more difficult if providers do not have the resources to invest in the day-to-day care for the frail elderly,” cautioned Warren. “The commitment by providers and the investment by the state legislature will elevate the level of care for Texas elderly.  That must be a shared goal.”

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect

For Immediate Release
May 18. 2015

Contact: Rebecca Reid
410-212-3843

Nursing Home Provider Survey Indicates
Improvement in Quality Measures, Challenges with Staff Recruitment and
“Wish List” Should the Legislature Address the Medicaid Funding Shortfall

THCA Commitment to Care Survey Utilizes Provider Responses to
Illustrate Successes and Challenges within Long Term Care Delivery System

 

(Austin, TX) – A survey released today by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) compiles direct responses of nursing home providers making the “Commitment to Care,” an initiative designed to intensify efforts to elevate the quality of care in Texas skilled nursing facilities, and indicates a majority have improved several quality measures over the last year while being challenged with high staff turnover rates and a $343 million Medicaid funding shortfall.

“The Commitment to Care survey is an accurate reflection of the areas of care where facilities are making actual improvements as well as the ongoing challenges of stabilizing a workforce that is essential to elevating the quality of care on a consistent basis,” said Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the THCA. “As our state legislators make final decisions on funding, we urge them to close the gap in the funding shortfall for the 60,000 elderly Medicaid beneficiaries requiring skilled care in Texas nursing homes.”

The current daily Medicaid rate for skilled nursing care pays approximately six dollars an hour per patient to care for elderly beneficiaries requiring assistance to manage various complex conditions, including dementia, loss of mobility and challenges in independently completing the activities of daily living (ADLs).

The Commitment to Care survey, taken from January this year up to the first week of April, indicates the following:

• Nearly seventy percent of responding facilities have reduced the use of antipsychotics
• More than fifty-five percent have reduced re-hospitalizations
• Nearly fifty-seven percent have reduced pressure ulcers

However, seventy-four percent cite direct care staff turnover as the chief obstacle to achieving facility improvement goals. Should the state legislature close the gap in the Medicaid funding shortfall, providers cited their top three priorities moving forward:

1. Increase staff wages
2. Hire additional direct care staff
3. Invest in staff education and training

Results from the entire survey can be viewed here.

“Texans understand the importance of providing quality care for our state’s aging population and the significance that appropriate Medicaid funding plays in meeting their health care needs,” noted Warren. “The current Medicaid rate falls far short of covering the actual cost of caring for seniors today. Nursing home providers must also be able to plan for the future influx of baby boomers who will depend upon long term care.”

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

For Immediate Release
April 23. 2015

Contact: Rebecca Reid
410-212-3843

TX Nursing Home Providers to House Budget Conferees: Fully Fund Medicaid Rate to Government-Recommended Levels to Cover the Actual Cost of Seniors’ Care

Statewide Baselice Poll Indicates Eighty Percent of Voters Support Increasing Medicaid Funding for Texas’ Frail Elderly Who Depend on Nursing Home Care 

(Austin, TX) – The Texas Health Care Association (THCA) today urged newly appointed state House of Representatives budget conferees to fully fund the Medicaid rate for skilled nursing care, following an April 2015 statewide poll of nearly 1,000 Texas voters that showed eighty percent of respondents say they are in favor of increasing Medicaid for nursing home care for elderly beneficiaries.

“The current Medicaid rate for nursing care reimburses nursing homes about six dollars an hour,” said Kevin Warren, President of THCA.  “We respectfully urge the Texas House of Representatives’ key decision-makers on the final state budget to fully fund the Medicaid rate so that it covers the actual cost of caring for our seniors requiring 24 hour nursing care.”

Appointed House budget conferees announced late yesterday include: Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, Vice Chair of Appropriations; Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston; Appropriations Committee members: Rep. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock and Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin.

“Currently, neither the House nor Senate budget provides for additional funding of the Medicaid rate, which by the state government’s own numbers indicates a $343 million shortfall,” noted Warren. “Nursing home providers are challenged with offering competitive wages in order to retain qualified staff. Chronically strained facility budgets can compromise providers’ ability to provide consistency in care, upgrades to aging facilities and implementation of state-of-the-art technologies.  Texas’ Medicaid rate, which hovers near the bottom nationally, should be increased to an adequate level.”

A statewide Baselice & Associates Texas April 2015 voter survey polled 949 voters, forty-one percent who say they most frequently vote for Republican candidates verses thirty-four percent who typically vote for Democrats. They responded to the following questions:

1.   As the Texas state legislature considers the next budget, do you think that ensuring adequate Medicaid funding to care for low income seniors in nursing homes is just as important as other top priorities like transportation, water, and education?

          88% said yes

2.   Nearly seventy percent of nursing home residents in Texas receive care paid for under Medicaid, the state health insurance program for the poor and indigent. According to Texas state government’s own funding methodology, Medicaid for nursing home care is currently underfunded by three hundred and forty-three million dollars. Do you favor or oppose the legislature fully funding Medicaid for low income seniors in nursing homes at the levels the state itself says is needed to meet the cost of providing this care?

          77% Favor

3.   It is estimated that Medicaid pays about six dollars per hour a day for the care of each low income senior in a nursing home. Do you favor or oppose increasing Medicaid for elderly beneficiaries in nursing homes?

          80% Favor

“The responses from the survey are indicative of the commitment Texans want to see in in providing for our seniors,” said Warren. “Every day dedicated caregivers are taking care of our aging Texans 24/7, while working to support themselves and their families.  Texas must honor our greatest generation of seniors and those who provide compassionate care for them by providing the appropriate resources to achieve the best health outcomes and quality of life.”

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About THCA

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long-term care association in Texas. THCA’s membership is comprised of several hundred licensed non-profit and for-profit skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), specialized rehabilitation facilities and assisted living facilities in Texas. These facilities provide comprehensive, around-the-clock nursing care for chronically ill or short-term residents of all ages, along with rehabilitative and specialized medical programs. THCA also represents more than 190 long-term care businesses that provide products and services to the state’s approximately 2,850 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. To learn more, visit http://txhca.org/ or connect with THCA on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.