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BHRC Partnership Nets Medicare Revenue Hike

Partnership Continues...

Board members of Bradley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, as well as the administration, said they are very pleased with the new partnership with Functional Pathways of Knoxville for management of the facility’s Medicare therapy program.

Board members discovered Tuesday that the first two months of the program have resulted in a 78 percent increase in revenue.

Director of Nursing Sandra Lingo emphasized the revenue increase equates to a higher level of managed care and services for residents.

Administrators are expecting continued progress with the program.

Functional Pathways has brought in new therapists to work with the program at the county facility, as the treatment process continues to be defined.

New BHRC Administrator Scott Oliver discussed a recent situation with the board, which is being resolved.

Recently one of the facility’s 36 slings, used to move residents, came apart while being used. Staff members were able to lower the resident to the floor and there was no injury.

Still, the event sparked concern, and other slings were rigorously inspected. Oliver said the slings were purchased some time ago, and the care facility has ordered two disposable slings for use if necessary. New slings may be purchased in the future.

Accompanying board members Tuesday were four of BHRC’s five employees in the business office. The board has requested various employees visit from time to time.

One business office employee, Heather Jefferson, was unable to attend since she was assisting a resident attending a relative’s funeral. The resident was board member Josephine Frazier, whose brother passed away.

The four employees at Tuesday’s meeting, Becky Crabtree, Amy Beavers, Janet Brantly and Angela Waddell, have more than 60 years of service with the care facility.

Crabtree has been with BHRC for 33 years, Beavers 13, and Brantley 11.

“They do a fine job collecting funds, and they’re a well-oiled machine,” said Oliver. “It’s a great department.”

Board member Sandra Snider provided the Resident Care report, and emphasized that the census continues to be high at 180. The center is budgeted at 170 residents.

With the high census, BHRC continues to be short on nurses and other caregivers. Several openings are available.

Snider also discussed the positive report regarding Functional Pathways, and the pleasing statistics from the Medicare therapy program.

Board member Sarah Smith, and Oliver, provided information on facility projects. Smith said work is continuing on shower facilities. Oliver said outside landscaping has been reviewed, and four trees around the building probably need to be cut.

Oliver also reported on a near-tragic incident which happened to the facility’s new pet. After losing a longtime mascot recently, the center’s administration found a new puppy.

While visiting with members of the staff, the puppy got out a door and was struck on a nearby roadway. The dog’s leg was severely injured, and may have to be amputated. It will still be the center’s mascot when it recovers.

Board members are considering a review and update of center policies. The board has suggested staff members review policy first, and make suggestions to the board. Among issues to be considered are snow/weather policies, attendance requirements, and in-house issues.

Oliver has already addressed a number of issues regarding staff, including dress code, appearance and behavior. He emphasized that there are no specific incidents, just that he is working to initiate center policy.

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