As policymakers in Washington discuss ways to improve care for America’s seniors, I encourage them to find these solutions by visiting facilities, looking at the success stories of changes and improvements made in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the country. Although some might be tempted to propose sweeping policy changes, or one-size-fits-all regulations prompted by salacious newspaper headlines, lawmakers should instead look to help the long-term care industry replicate best practices and approaches.
The overwhelming majority of nursing homes provide immense value to their communities. For example, at my facility, Elmbrook Home — a skilled nursing, long-term care, and rehabilitation facility located in Ardmore, OK— we provide first-class services around the clock skilled in a comfortable and friendly environment. Our goal is to treat everyone like family and provide a family’s loved ones with the highest level of care. There are thousands of facilities like mine across America that are staffed with smart, thoughtful, and committed people who respect their residents and love what they do for a living.
This is not to say that some changes to the industry aren’t needed. We can all agree that more can be done to improve safety during weather emergencies, reduce instances of abuse and neglect, and increase accountability of nursing home leadership. Our industry has supported strong, smart regulations designed to help us improve in these areas, but they should also be implemented in way to complement, not hinder, the successes we are already seeing on these fronts. There are also concerns that proposed solutions need to fit our diverse needs. What works for a nursing home in Virginia might not be as effective for a facility in Washington state.
The quality of care being delivered to our seniors is not just good, it’s improving, and there is objective evidence to back up that claim. We share a commitment to protecting and building on those improvements to senior care – and I know of a great way to jumpstart our collaboration with policymakers this fall.
I encourage members of Congress and senators to see firsthand the wonderful examples of first-rate care provided everyday by our hardworking staff in their districts and states. Visiting your local nursing home or assisted living community would help facilitate innovative ideas and provide invaluable context as we work together to improve the lives of our growing number of seniors.
It is also a chance to break down the stereotypes that many have that nursing homes are stuck in the 1970s. Nothing could be further from the truth, with advances in telehealth, therapy, and even the environmental footprint of many of our new, green facilities, nursing homes are state of the art buildings with innovative approaches to care.
I am hopeful that this dialogue will help inform and develop solutions based on the input of those who work in this industry every day. Proposals that do not include these voices will not result in meaningful change that improves care for the elderly.
How we treat vulnerable populations among us is a true measure of our success as a nation. As lawmakers spend time in their districts this fall, I urge them to visit a nursing home like Elmbrook Home or visit an assisted living community. I urge my colleagues in the long term care profession to proactively reach out to elected officials to offer them tours. Lawmakers should see for themselves the quality of life seniors enjoy and meet the dedicated caregivers committed to preserving dignity and enhancing life experiences for residents. Spending time with those at the forefront of senior care will go a long way to helping us make that care even better than it is today.
Tom Coble is the president and CEO of Elmbrook Management Company and a former American Health Care Association chairman.
