FREDERICK (AP) — Potential privatization of county-owned nursing and assisted-living centers has raised questions about the future of care for Frederick County seniors.
Some argue that selling Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center and Montevue Assisted Living would weaken the safety net for local low-income seniors. But others say passing the centers to private ownership would not have a drastic impact on service levels. Most other counties have already moved in this direction, they say.
In 2009, Allegany County sold its money-losing nursing home for about $8 million.
“The nursing home was kind of bleeding our general fund,” said Jason Bennett, Allegany County’s finance director.
Allegany County in recent years did not aim to subsidize patients at its nursing home, Bennett said. Still, the facility was unable to support itself, with deficits totaling almost $780,000 in fiscal 2007 and more than $500,000 in fiscal 2008.
No residents were displaced during the privatization of what is now called Allegany Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In addition, the purchase agreement had the buyer retain the former county employees, Bennett said.
The cost of running a nursing home is also at the heart of the privatization talks in Frederick County, with both Citizens and Montevue buoyed by millions of dollars in county subsidies.
Montevue serves the indigent and has never been expected to turn a profit. Ideally, however, Citizens would generate enough revenue to offset Montevue’s costs. In reality, neither facility breaks even.
Frederick County officials are starting to explore a sale or leasing arrangement for Citizens and Montevue. They have hired a real estate broker and plan to start receiving proposals from private entities in mid-January, said Lori Depies, Frederick County manager.
Interested applicants will have to share their plans for accommodating the 60 residents who need county support to stay at Montevue, Depies said. A well-thought-out proposal will score points with county officials, she said. In addition, by state regulation, a new operator could not throw out those residents simply because they can’t afford to pay. Over time, the number of residents who need financial help might decrease, as people move to Citizens or find other homes.
Local News
In nursing home sale, Frederick would follow Allegany’s lead
- Local News
-
-
DelFest activities kick off with annual teaching academy
As temperatures in the Cumberland area soared into the upper 80’s Monday and hit 90 on Tuesday, the DelFest folks were going full tilt at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, getting ready for their upcoming Memorial Day weekend music festival.
-
2 adults, 3 teens charged in former Sacred Heart Hospital breaking and entering
Two adults and three juveniles have been charged in connection with a recent breaking and entering of the former Sacred Heart Hospital complex on Seton Drive, according to the C3I Unit.
-
Massive Oklahoma twister kills 51
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least 51 people were killed, and officials said the death toll was expected to rise.
-
Piedmont town foreman Shingler enters guilty plea
Piedmont Town Foreman John Shingler is facing a prison term of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 after pleading guilty to a charge of conversion of government property Thursday in U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia, Martinsburg, according to court documents.
-
Final dress rehearsal for Rocky Gap Casino
As required by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the Rocky Gap Casino went through final live testing of its operations Monday, with officials hoping to open casino doors for business on Wednesday.
-
Airport commuter service not feasible, FSU student concludes
A Frostburg State University student who undertook a survey about the feasibility of commuter service at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport said he does not believe the findings are favorable for the service at this time.
-
Straight shooter
-
Oakland house fire said deliberately set
Fire that damaged a Sanders Lane residence Sunday was arson, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
-
Rally weekend
-
West Virginia gets reprieve from No Child Left Behind law
West Virginia won limited freedom Monday from the federal education law known as No Child Left Behind, gaining approval of its own method for identifying struggling schools and then devoting resources to improve them.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor
Active Search for Utah Missing Mom Ends
