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BSM explains position at GACCC

To the editor:
As many know, Green Acres Country Care Center is operated by the Board of Social Ministry. For the past 15 plus years, we have had the honor and privilege of serving the people of this area through our lease of the Green Acres building. This letter is to update you on current plans related to our operations at this site.
During the last two years we have worked with Chisago County to advance plans for a new long-term care campus. We agreed that the current facility does not have a long-term future.
As evidence, this year we have seen a significant decrease in occupancy. People are choosing assisted living and other options now available in the area.
Yet, there are seniors and their families who want to make or keep North Branch their home when the need for long-term care arises.
Our future depends on our ability to develop similar options for care and service. To this end we have made significant progress. The state has approved our plan for a new long-term care campus and the land has been secured through a substantial donation.
Throughout the initial planning process, the Board of Social Ministry had anticipated being part of this exciting venture. However, we recently recommended the the county seek proposals from other organizations to develop the proposed new campus.
Why? Due to changes requested by Chisago County to the original proposal and a two-year freeze in state payment rates to nursing homes, the Board of Social Ministry is not prepared to proceed with the proposal as currently structured.
Looking into next year, the Board of Social Ministry will continue to operate Green Acres at its current site with our priority continuing to be the provision of the highest quality of care for the residents who have chosen Green Acres as their home.
However, during this time discussions will be ongoing with the county to assure the financial stability of the facility given the current operating challenges and the impact of the countyís decision on proposals for the development of the new campus.
The future needs of seniors in North Branch and surrounding communities demand a new approach that provides a long-term future and solution. All of you should know that our county commissioners are providing leadership on this difficult issue in a difficult time.
Current long-term care issues at Green Acres and in the county mirror a difficult situation throughout Minnesota.
Minnesotaís elderly population will grow dramatically; Minnesotans 85 and older will increase by more than 35 percent in the next 20 years.
We need statewide solutions that address the senior care issues of the future.
The Board of Social Ministry and I want you to know that our partnership with our community and county is deeply treasured. We will be working with the county to find solutions that will provide a future of even greater service and quality care.
Steven Mork
Administrator
Green Acres County
Care Center

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