Audios include all of the discussion on the topic and are somewhat lenthy. This is the only format we have offered these so as to keep within context.
Please be sure to listen to the recording in it's entirety.
Workshop 3 09 Audio Commissioners lay out their vision/concerns for coming year
4.21.09 Workshop Commissioners Discuss Assisted Living and Chris Jensen Nursing Home.
St. Louis County was a national leader in providing Assisted Living to those who require it. While for profit Assisted Living has emerged, many elderly persons are deemed unacceptable to the private sector residences. St. Louis County provides to all. The services are very important to those who get them. Presently a majority of commissioners are expressing a desire to end our assisted living program in that "the private sector can provide these services" or that those presently served are not from our area (no factual data regarding that has been obtained) and can go back and get services "where they came from ..Chicago.. Minneapolis." Mike Forsman. Over the course of many months Commissioners Fink, Nelson, Forsman, Raukar and now Dahlberg have repeatedly stated that St. Louis County should get "out of the Nursing Home Business"
The public needs to have facts on the matter, not the rhetorical opinions of the board. We need to ascertain who is being served, what is available and what is needed both in Assisted Living and the County Nursing Home.
St. Louis County is one of many counties across the nation providing such services. State and Federal payments assist in providing this, but it comes down to the people deciding if they want to make sure there is a place for each member of the community, in particular our elders who have through their efforts handed down to us a great nation.
The demographics facing our nation are telling us loud and clear. We must prepare to care for the elderly in a way that is respectful. It is our duty as human beings.