Alternative title considered for this blog post: “HUH?!”

Civil rights issue aside (haha), the fact that Albany County is moving forward with the construction of a new nursing facility despite the projected annual loss of $26.5 million is appalling. Why would a County, particularly in this economy, move forward with a plan that is so fiscally irresponsible? Allow me to answer that question with another question, why do public entities continue to invest in institutional long term care when community-based services are far more cost-effective and preferred by consumers?

That is the million dollar question. For the answer, look to nursing facilities’ lobbies, employee unions, and the vocal minority of family members who have loved ones in facilities (and want them to remain there). This feisty cohort perpetuates the myth that localities have an obligation to provide nursing facility services.

You wouldn’t throw grandma on the street, would you? This type of rhetoric is exactly what perpetuates our society’s skewed view toward nursing facilities. We incorrectly associate nursing facilities as the correct answer to long term placement. They are safer than community-based services, right? Nope! They provide 24-7 care, right? Nope! Surely people with significant needs cannot live independently in the community, right? NOPE!

Stupidity-by-the-numbers. John Rodat, Health-care finance expert and blogger, has done an outstanding job tracking the numbers behind the proposal to build the Albany County nursing facility. Click here to learn more.

The Center for Disability Rights has been closely monitoring this development for years. CDR has maintained a firm position that Albany County should get out of the nursing facility business and invest in community-based long term services and supports. The Albany County Legislature is pushing forward with the construction of a new nursing facility and if the County does not stop this, then the State must. To read more about this argument, click here.