Keystone State News Connection

Emily Scott

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Amid staffing shortages at Pennsylvania’s long-term care facilities, there are growing fears many vulnerable older adults and their caretakers will be left to fend for themselves in the event of closures.

A recent survey of 82 operators and administrators of nursing homes, personal-care homes and assisted-living communities showed nearly 40% said they cannot afford to keep facilities open more than another year.

Many of the issues stem from a shortage of long-term care workers, who have experienced low wages and burnout during the pandemic. A majority of facilities have had to limit new admissions in the last six months as well.

Zach Shamberg, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, which conducted the survey among its members, said the results are alarming.

“They are being forced to turn potential residents away because they don’t have enough workers to care for those new residents and to continue providing care,” Shamberg observed. “In one of the oldest states, in terms of our population, that should be a real concern for every single Pennsylvanian.”

Wages in Pennsylvania long-term care facilities vary, with registered nurses making an average of $37 an hour and certified nursing assistants making an average of $15 an hour.

For respondents of the survey, more than 80% said maintaining a workforce is their biggest challenge.

Shamberg pointed out one of the issues facing facility operators is 70% of care in state nursing homes is paid for by Medicaid. However, costs have risen while Medicaid reimbursement rates remain stagnant.

“That Medicaid reimbursement allows them to provide care, but it also allows them to increase wages, to offer benefits,” Shamberg explained. “And until we see a meaningful investment from state leaders, we won’t be able to then invest in our workers.”

Reimbursement rates fall short by an estimated $50 per day, according to the association. Shamberg noted another way for Pennsylvania to save long-term care in the state is by passing legislation to cut some red tape and regulatory hoops that hamper entering a career in the industry.

Friday- October 8, 2021:

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) introduced the Pay Down, Upskill Act, legislation that would direct the U.S. Department of Education to provide eligible individuals with a one-time education credit of $10,000 to be used to pay down undergraduate student loan debt or to be used as a credit toward the pursuit of additional education or workforce training.

“Student loans are supposed to help people reach their career goals,” said Lamb.  “Instead, it has burdened too many borrowers with unsustainable amounts of debt, while the cost of higher education is increasingly out of reach for too many.  This bill will help reduce student debt loads while at the same time helping more Americans access the education that leads to good jobs.”

Credits from the Pay Down, Upskill Act would be available to American adults making less than $75,000, based on the same eligibility criteria used for the previous COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments (EIP).  For students interested in pursuing additional education or training, the credit would be eligible at public and non-profit institutions of higher education, as well as for certain certificate programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Studies have indicated that individuals with student loan debt are struggling to pay off the debt and are less likely than debt-free peers to buy homes, start families or save for retirement.

The Pay Down, Upskill Act is endorsed by Third Way.

Visit Lamb’s website for more information on the Pay Down, Upskill Act.

(AP PHOTO)
By AMANDA SEITZ and HANNAH FINGERHUT Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly all Americans agree that the rampant spread of misinformation is a problem. Most also think individual users, along with social media companies, bear a good deal of blame for the situation. But relatively few are very concerned that they themselves might be responsible. That’s according to a new poll from The Pearson Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Ninety-five percent of Americans identified misinformation as a problem. About half put a great deal of blame on the U.S. government, and about three-quarters point to social media users and tech companies. Only 2 in 10 Americans say they’re very concerned that they have personally spread misinformation, though about 3 in 10 say they’re somewhat concerned.

(AP Photo)
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added just 194,000 jobs in September, a second straight tepid gain and evidence that the pandemic still has a grip on the economy with many companies struggling to fill millions of open jobs. Friday’s report from the Labor Department also showed that the unemployment rate fell sharply to 4.8% from 5.2% in August.

(Photo Provide by Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium)

(Pittsburgh) (October 8, 2021) – Today the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium announced that the female  African elephant calf born at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s International Conservation Center (ICC) in Somerset  County this summer remains in guarded condition.  
Born July 18, 2021 to new mother Sukuri, the calf continues to be active and bright between bouts of  nursing with mom and resting. She has been receiving progressive care 24 hours a day to help overcome  several ailments, and while her overall health condition remains at a pivotal stage, the Animal Care team  remains vigilant and optimistic.  
“She had a good week and mom is doing a fantastic job. We are encouraged by the current trends, however she remains in guarded condition as we continue to closely monitor her health and behavior,”  says Dr. Joe Gaspard, Director of Animal Health, Science, and Conservation for the Zoo, “Elephant  specialists from around the country are working closely to assist our team’s efforts as the Zoo is using  every resource available to aid in the calf’s recovery. “ 
As a resident of our International Conservation Center, the calf is not viewable by the general public.  Social media messages of support have been shared with our veterinary and caregiving teams, and the  Zoo continues to appreciate the community’s well wishes as the team focuses on her well-being. 

(Story and photos by Beaver County Radio News/Program Director Frank Sparks)

October 8, 2021- 9:43 AM
(Brighton Township, Pa.) The Pennsylvania Resources Council will be holding a “Household Chemical Collection” this Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Brady’s Run Park Recycling Facility in Brady’s Run Park, Brighton Township.
Beaver County Radio spoke with Josh Schuneman who is the Recycling Operations  Specialist for the PRC about Saturday’s event: (press play)

Josh said the event will be concentrating on household chemicals and highlighted some of the things that won’t be accepted at this event: (press play)

The event is from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Brady’s Run Recycling Center and Josh said as long as you are in line by 1:00 PM they will accept your items.
Beaver County Radio asked if there is a cost associated with the event: (press play)

They are also accepting Fire Extinguishers at $12.00 each and Mercury which is $15.00 a pound. The PRC also accepts all forms of payment including cash, check, or credit card.
Schuneman did say that you do need to pre-register: (press play)

Josh highlighted how you can register: (press play)

The PRC does want you to leave everything in the original package so they know exactly what it is and also to place the items in your trunk or back of your vehicle. When you arrive they are asking you to stay in your car because they are trying to be as safe as possible.
If you would like more information or to pre-register you can go to :
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/household-chemical-collection-event-in-beaver-county-at-bradys-run-park-tickets-143399356335