ST. PAUL – Local nursing homes have started to receive shares of the $300 million infusion in state funding Rep. Roger Skraba, R-Ely, supported and the Legislature provided last May.
Skraba said the funding is a step toward stabilizing Minnesota’s struggling long-term care industry, with nursing homes closing across the state and others on the financial brink. Families are waiting months and looking up to four hours away to find a safe place for loved ones, he said, indicating a worker shortage has left around 25 percent of nursing home caregiver jobs vacant.
“Many nursing homes and long-term care facilities in our area have been struggling in recent years due to rising operating costs, workforce shortages, and inflation,” said Skraba. “I am thankful that we were able to come together and provide this emergency funding so that facilities in the Northland can keep their doors open and continue to provide compassionate services to families.”
Funding for local care providers includes:
Bigfork Valley Communities, Bigfork:
- Total Payment: $385,661
- August 1, 2023: $192,830
- August 1, 2024: $192,830
Cook Hospital, Cook:
- Total Payment: $337,462
- August 1, 2023: $168,731
- August 1, 2024: $168,731
Boundary Waters Care Center, Ely:
- Total Payment: $393,694
- August 1, 2023: $196,847
- August 1, 2024: $196,847
North Shore Health, Grand Marais:
- Total Payment: $373,611
- August 1, 2023: $186,805
- August 1, 2024: $186,805
Good Sam Society, International Falls:
- Total Payment: $441,892
- August 1, 2023: $220,946
- August 1, 2024: $220,946
Littlefork Medical Center, Littlefork:
- Total Payment: $421,809
- August 1, 2023: $210,905
- August 1, 2024: $210,905
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