Gracedale Administrator Millard "Dee" Freeman told Northampton County Human Services Committee, at the May 15 meeting, that if the county leaves things the way the currently are at the nursing home, it will run a $10 million deficit "or worse" by 2018. If they work at increasing the census, it will still require an $8.5 million county contribution in four years. But he predicted the facility could break even if recommendations previously made are implemented.

The reason for increasing cost is simple. "Our expenses are outpacing increases in revenue every year," he explained. He went on to indicate that a plan, which is still in draft, will soon be released for review by the unions and county council.

One of the ideas Freeman proposed to save money was implemented by an 8-0 vote of the full council in its regular meeting later that day. This is the use of a large pool of liscenced practical nurses and nurse attendants who are paid slightly more than regular workers, but who would only work one or two shifts every month. They are paid no benefits. Freeman explained this would reduce overtime and provide relief for some nurses who are forced into mandatory overtime.

Freeman also discussed the five-star Medicare rating system for nursing homes. Gracedale is currently rated at two stars, i.e. below average. He said what hurts the nursing home is not the quality of care, which has a four-star rating, but regulatory compliance is where the nursing home has shortcomings because of the age of the facility. There are usually 17-20 building citations. But Freeman predicts that will go up next year because public works has begun to implement numerous preventive maintenance measures.

Freeman is an employee of Premier Healthcare Resources, a privatized administrator hired by the county in response to the rising deficit. Council member Lamont McClure has advocated a return to county administration.