Salem Lutheran Home Administrator Kelley Laswell says there are some changes taking place at the facility in Elk Horn. Laswell says the Chronic Confusion or Dementing Illness, (CCDI Unit) or, Memory Care Unit as it is more commonly known, will not be closing, but rather will be opening its doors. The Governing Board voted on June 18, 2019, to unlock the Unit and we started the notification of families and staff. Memory care is still provided and is care planned for each resident on an individualized basis.

Laswell says “We have started the process to integrate residents from the Unit into our General Population. We will be adding delayed egress door s to our main entrances before we will be officially opening the doors, but our goal date is August 1, 2019.” Statistically, she says, the next 5-to 6-years for facilities in general look pretty grim, as the baby boomer generation is not yet ready for nursing home care . There is a bit of a gap, and in order for facilities to stay open and survive they need to do what they can to stay operational and financially sound. Our memory care unit has had low census for the past year, with little to no referrals.”

“Staffing, she says, “also plays a factor in this decision as we can provide much better staffing ratios and quality of care with the staff from the Unit being included in the general population numbers.” According to Laswell, “This is going to be a big change not only for our residents but also for our staff and families. We ask that you keep Salem Lutheran Homes residents, families, staff, and volunteers in your prayers during this transition time.”

If you have any questions or concerns, call the Salem Lutheran Home at 712-764-4201, to set up a time to visit with Laswell.