Caring for Disabled

The article by John Hurst “Home for Retarded, Disabled to Close” (Metro, Feb. 5) did not completely depict the situation at Lynwood Care Center or at any large intermediate-care facility for the developmentally disabled operating in California.

During the last two years there has been a concerted effort by the California Department of Developmental Services to depopulate the larger homes serving the developmentally disabled and move these clients into a more home-like environment, specifically 6-15 bed homes. This philosophy though strong in idea, has left a void in the health care system serving the developmentally disabled client because not all clients are independent enough to function in these environments. The clients not suitable for smaller homes are profoundly retarded and require continuous assistance.

Facilities such as Lynwood Care Center are now responsible to care for a much more involved client, requiring an intense amount of both professional and direct care time to meet the needs of these clients. This change in client needs has caused the costs of services to soar. The industry serving these clients, along with Beverly Enterprises, is making every effort to provide the quality care these clients deserve. Yet the resources required to meet these needs far exceed the reimbursement level set by the state. As an example, this variance would have been a negative $850,000 for this current year at Lynwood Care Center.

This situation is an industry-wide problem that requires immediate attention. Beverly Enterprises is working with state officials to find a solution to this problem.

We are proud of the care our employees deliver to our residents in all of our nursing facilities. If any of your readers would like to see one of our facilities firsthand, please feel free to contact the facility directly for a tour.

WILLIAM A. MATHIES

Vice President, Operations

Beverly Enterprises, Region 10