Good Samaritan Society - Newell is a senior care facility that unfortunately will be closing its doors on July 15th, citing challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic. The closure is due to a combination of factors, such as staffing challenges, a decline in resident numbers, increased operating costs, and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not cover the cost of care. The facility currently has 26 residents and 35 staff members who will be assisted in finding new homes and work at other Good Samaritan locations in Holstein and Manson.
The executive director, Dustin Scholz, acknowledged the difficulties faced by senior living locations like Good Samaritan Society - Newell, and emphasized the need for permanent funding solutions to address workforce issues. He expressed a commitment to working with policymakers to ensure that seniors have access to high-quality care and services despite the challenges faced by facilities like this one. The closure of the Newell facility serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles within the senior care industry and the importance of finding sustainable solutions to support aging populations in need of care.
While the closure of Good Samaritan Society - Newell is a difficult and unfortunate decision, it highlights the broader issues faced by senior care facilities across the country. The challenges of staffing shortages, declining resident numbers, and inadequate funding rates are not unique to this particular facility but are part of a larger systemic problem within the industry. As the facility prepares to close its doors, efforts will be made to support current residents and staff in transitioning to other locations within the Good Samaritan network, emphasizing the organization's commitment to providing quality care and services to seniors in need.