Care facility asks Hillsboro for assistance
Staff reporter
Hillsboro City Council was asked Nov. 1 to consider participating in a renovation project at the long-term care unit at Hillsboro Community Medical Center.
Gayla Ratzlaff made a presentation of current conditions and future improvements to the aging facility.
In the end, the council was asked to consider contributing approximately $100,000 for improvements.
Ratzlaff told the council the long-term care unit needed to be on the "cutting edge" in order to compete with similar facilities in neighboring communities.
"Within seven seconds a first impression is made of a facility," said Ratzlaff. She said this facility is different than most because it's attached to the hospital.
"We have people coming through our facility on their way to the hospital," she said.
Ratzlaff showed pictures of areas in need of improvement that included the front entrance, lobby area, bathing room, and the creation of two dining rooms.
"Staff cannot see residents in the dining room during meals while assisting other residents to the dining area," said Ratzlaff.
Additional large, private rooms with showers and baths also are planned.
Other improvements could include covering cinder block walls, painting hallways, and replacing the front concrete porch.
"We want to create neighborhoods in hallways," said Ratzlaff.
Other changes already occurring are letting residents decide when they want to get out of bed in the mornings, and having breakfast when they're ready instead of a set time.
An architect would need to be hired to provide ideas and plans, said Ratzlaff.
The improvements won't be "extreme," said Ratzlaff, but will make the facility look less institutional.
Mayor Delores Dalke agreed that an architect was important for the project and wanted to hear the hospital's long-range plans.
The council took the request under advisement.
Following Ratzlaff's report, Mike Ryan, Hillsboro Community Medical Center Administrator, presented a budget report for the hospital's capital outlay.
Among the items on the budget were an air conditioner for the clinic, a walk-in refrigerator for the dietary department, asbestos removal in a boiler room, updating fire alarm system, and diagnostic equipment.
Other items were mentioned that were on the budget list but were not priorities.
Ryan also reported renovations were three-quarters completed and progressing satisfactorily. He said the hospital's draw was at $60,000, and the additional $150,000 from the city was needed.
