Update by Dennis Morgan: Administrator

7,000 FEWER NURSING HOME BEDS……

Mass Extended Care Federation, an organization representing Massachusetts nursing facilities, assisted living residences and communities has notified all skilled nursing facilities that a total of 101 nursing facilities have closed their doors since 1999 and there are now nearly 7,000 less beds available to those in need, in the Commonwealth. Two more facilities have filed notices of intent to close by the end of this year.

These facilities were part of one of the larger chains of SNF in the New England area, but Fall River and Lawrence residents will now have to absorb 102 and 105 (respectively) nursing home beds by years end.

In almost all cases finances, or lack of reimbursement, have caused the demise of the nursing home industry. Medicaid reimbursements rates have averaged $20.00 per day per Medicaid recipient BELOW the cost of care needed to care for your residents.

Bed shortages are and will yet become a monkey on everyone's back. Lack of
facility reimbursement for a Medicaid Bed hold and the need for extended services at the hospitals beyond the now allowable 10 days will most certainly bring about more closings and more importantly displacement of our elderly as they become placed in a facility that has a bed available without regard to familiarity, proximity, or family.

The current hope is that the user fee-generated Medicaid rate increase, as of September 1, along with partial restoration of the Medicare PPS rate, will generate facility revenues and bring more stability to the already stressed nursing home system.

Despite the juggling act between finances, reimbursement and care we at the Carlyle House will continue to strive to provide the most professional care available. Our renovations will be taken in steps to ensure the most comfort to our residents and family members, but our pride, dedication and effort will continue to leap above others.

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Update by Mary Shea

Thank you to the staff, family members, and friends who participated and donated to The Fall Fair. We had fun and raised money as well. What a great team effort.

Patient's Personal Needs Clothing Company will be at The Carlyle House on Friday, November 7th from 1:30-3:30. Notices and permission slips have been sent to family members in charge of their Resident's finances. If you have not received a form, please contact Mary Shea and one will be sent.

Mark your calendars.

The Annual Holiday Party is scheduled for December 6th from 2-4. The number of guests is limited to four per Resident. The Residents are already looking forward to the event so it would be nice to have a good turn-out.

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A Recipe

Aunt Joan's Pound Cake

1/2 cup Butter or Margarine
3 Cups Granulated Sugar
5 Eggs
1 teaspoon Anise
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (dissolved in 1 Tablespoon boiling water)
1/2 cup Crisco
3 Cups Flour
1 Cup Buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or spray two loaf pans.

In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients as listed and mix until thoroughly combined. Pour mixture into prepared loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour or until golden brown.

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Book Review by Ruth Doody

Annie Daisy Clark went by the old fashioned drugstore to say good-bye to her close friend, Elmo Richardson. Annie worked for Elmo while a student at Boston University.

On Annie's last day in Boston, The Boston National Bank was robbed. The bank was across the street from Elmo's drugstore. The men ran out of the bank and threw the bag of money into the back seat of the first car with open windows. Annie discovered the money bag in her car when she went home that night.

Annie decided not to tell anyone about the bag of money until she decided what she would do. She thought seriously whether to keep the money or return it to the bank. Annie's mother was in a Nursing Home and Annie's brother continually needed financial
assistance.

Annie and her close friend, Jane, moved from Boston to North Carolina. Shortly after their arrival, Elmo moved down to North Carolina to be with them. Annie and Jane opened up a coffee shop that eventually expanded nationwide. During this time, Annie continued to be investigated by the insurance company regarding the bank robbery in Boston.

Find out what happens next and how Annie tries to return the money. This book will keep you reading from the very first page. It is called Annie's Rainbow by Fern Michaels.