The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
-by Bonnie Johnson - The Quill Staff
Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab Center
The Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab Center opened in 1989, 15 years ago. The facility had 5 directors in four years.
Ten years ago, in August of 1994, Richard Clifton was hired as director and remains in that position today.
Dick spent many years in the education profession, as a teacher, coach, and then a principal. Dick expressed how he felt about being the director of a nursing and rehab center, "The people in this facility differ very little from the students at school. They just want attention, to be loved and to be taken care of. It's a very rewarding profession. It's a great place to work and I enjoy the people I work with". He also said, "It's sad to see residents who have no one to visit them. Some have no family left or have never had anyone. The staff go out of their way to help these people feel loved".
Oak Lane has no special wing for residents with Alzheimer.
Dick feels that when you have an Alzheimer's wing, this isolates them from the rest of the residents.
"I believe it's good for them to socialize, if possible, with the rest of the residents. As they deteriorate, then it becomes impossible to socialize with the other residents. This is a cruel disease and it can happen at any age".
The biggest concern for the facility is funding, as this is a non-profit corporation. Fifty-five percent of the residents are on public aid and the government has cut funding.
"If we can care for an individual, we won't refuse anyone on their economic situation. Oak Lane has the highest public aid rate in the area", said Dick.
"It costs approximately $91 per day. Two years ago, funding was cut 6%, which figures about $7 per resident. We're waiting for the state to sign the budget so we will know if we will have an increase in funding for next year. When we don't have the money to pay the bills, we must borrow from a lending institution. Home Health is a relatively new service that helps people stay home longer when they are in poor health. But when they finally come to a nursing facility, more acute care is needed. The more acute care a resident is given adds to the cost.".
Dick stated that the mortgage is now under $1,000,000 and is very pleased by that fact.
Other factors that figure in to the economic situation are higher fuel prices and insurance. Dick said, "Over the last five years, the liability insurance has gone from $1,500 per year to $86,000 per year. This is mostly due to the rise in law suits all over the country". What a difference!
The census of the facility remains fairly stable. There are 75 to 80 full and part-time employees that work at the facility.
"I feel fortunate to work with a staff who are so caring, concerned, and dedicated," Dick said. "They are special people. It is a joy to watch the staff work with the residents. These people are underpaid, but they are dedicated to do the best for the residents. I have brought family members to this facility and I feel they have been treated with love and respect.
"Dr. Pogue is another person who gives so much of his time, effort and expertise to these residents. This facility could not survive without the unselfish giving of this man. Even when Doc is on vacation, he'll call back to see how his patients are getting along. He is always in contact with the facility and gives the residents so much support".
Dick added, "We couldn't accomplish what we do without the help of our volunteers. We have individuals and groups come to help out with passing ice water, visiting, writing letters, and so many other services too numerous to mention. These people give up their time to help out and it is greatly appreciated".
Walking through the facility and seeing people around the aviary watching a variety of birds is such a pleasure to see. The dining area is clean and ready for the noon meal. Outside, in the back of the facility is a lovely nature walk, a beautiful garden with swings for the residents and visitors. Even swing sets for children who come to visit. It is a nice place to call home, for those needing assisted living and nursing care.