Good afternoon, as you know we are experiencing a full blown staffing crisis and there 23,000 open positions in nursing homes across Minnesota. There are now one million seniors in Minnesota and that number is growing every year and many need long-term care services or will in the near future. Although this is not a budget, Minnesota is experiencing a $9.3 budget surplus; therefore, it is our time to act.
In Stevens County, unemployment is under 2% and we are all competing for the same workers – there is not enough workers to go around. We are experiencing at least an 8% inflation rate which doesn’t even include the increased cost of food and gas. With starting wages at $12.50 for our staff; there is no way they can make ends meet –they deserve so much more!
At West Wind Village, we have been limiting admissions and closed a wing due to staffing shortages – we have capped admissions at 63 out of 72 beds. At Skyview, we are turning low income seniors away due to the very low elderly waiver payments. Due to staffing, we consolidated the Court and Plaza and turning the Court into independent living since it doesn’t require staff. Our staff at both locations are burnt out with all pressures from COVID the last two years and as a result we are losing staff and finding it very difficult to attract staff who want to work in long-term care.
We are boldly asking lawmakers to increase funding for nursing facilities so we can permanently increase wages by $5 an hour across the board by July 1. We are also asking for a significant increase in Elderly Waiver payments to increase wages in assisted living as well.
However, we need your help and support in this important endeavor. Please support this bill, it takes less than a minute- the link is below. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you so much for all support!