Getting people where they need to go can be challenging, especially for nursing homes. In the United States, nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), face significant transportation system plan. This problem got even worse because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some companies that provide transportation had to close down because they didn't have enough money.
Understanding the Problem
Andy Aronson, who is in charge of a group that helps nursing homes in New Jersey, says transportation has always been a big problem. One issue is that people who rely on Medicaid, a government program for healthcare, don't have many choices for getting around. Each state in the U.S. has its own rules for how Medicaid works, including how people get transportation. Some states hire companies to help with transportation, while others use public buses or other services.
Challenges During COVID-19
Things got even more complex during the pandemic. Costs increased because paying workers and buying insurance became more expensive. At the same time, Medicaid didn't give nursing homes more money to cover these higher costs. Some private companies that helped with transportation had to close because they couldn't afford to stay open. This made it even more challenging for nursing homes to find transportation options, especially in rural areas with few choices.
Thinking Outside the Box
Rhonda Dempsey, who works for a big nursing home company, says the transportation problems were so bad that they decided to do something different. Instead of waiting for other companies to help, they charter their buses. This way, they could ensure their residents didn't have to wait too long for rides, especially when they needed to see a doctor.
Dealing with Special Cases
Some nursing home residents have even more trouble getting transportation. For instance, dialysis is a special treatment that helps people whose kidneys aren't working well. Sometimes, finding a ride to get to their appointments is hard for these residents. This makes it challenging for nursing homes to accept these residents, especially in areas with few transportation options.
Creating Solutions
Some nursing homes are setting up dialysis centers on their campuses. This way, residents who need dialysis can get the treatment they need without going far. Even with these on-site services, nursing homes still need more transportation options to ensure everyone receives the care they need on time.
Looking Forward: Transportation System Plan
The transportation problems in nursing homes show how important it is to find new ways of doing things. By coming up with creative solutions and working together, nursing homes can ensure their residents get the care they need, no matter where they live. As we move forward, it's important to keep finding ways to ensure everyone can get where they need to go, especially when it comes to healthcare.
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