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LaSalle County Nursing Home to decertify four beds, pursue repairs and upgrades amid staffing shortages
Summary
The nursing home reported plans to decertify four beds, install cameras and parking-lot lighting, repair a shower floor, replace an unreliable bus, and continue hiring CNAs while RN shortages persist; the committee accepted the report.
Kathy Stein, speaking for the LaSalle County Nursing Home, told the committee the facility will decertify four beds — reducing certified capacity from 79 to 75 — by converting two four-bed rooms into two two-bed rooms to make rooms less institutional and more private.
Stein reported a current census of 61, with four new admissions and three discharges during the reporting period. She described ongoing admissions outreach to regional hospitals and discharge planners and noted a successful respite stay for a patient with a serious mental illness diagnosis.
On capital projects and maintenance, Stein described multiple planned upgrades: installing cameras in A, B and D halls and in the dining room (awaiting IT delivery and installation); replacing a kitchen exhaust fan; adding three ceiling fans in the dining room; and adding parking-lot lighting for employee and visitor safety. She said a fob access system has been installed and is working.
Stein described a shower-room repair: an initial contractor charged $2,500 but did not complete the work to standard; a corrective quote of $3,100 is planned to level the floor and relaid flooring to meet survey standards and reduce fall hazards. She said two quotes exist for each of several jobs and scheduled repairs as quotes permit.
The nursing home is seeking a replacement passenger bus. Stein said the current vehicle (reference in bills to 2005) is no longer operable; the replacement need is for a bus configured for at least six passengers plus two wheelchair spaces so residents can attend parades and outings.
On contracts and vendors, Stein said the facility contracts therapy with Aegis Therapies (three therapists), is soliciting bids for architects (BCA Architects and Consultants) for an interior seating and patio project targeting IDPH review in early 2026, and has engaged RSM to prepare Medicare and Medicaid skilled nursing facility cost reports after the prior vendor changed services.
Staffing and operations: Stein said the facility hired a full-time day CNA and a full-time midnight CNA this past month, and that RN hires remain difficult. She described restorative nursing programs and planned competency evaluations starting in March with the goal of completion by April. Stein reported no employee incidents for the month.
On finances, Stein reported a facility cash balance of $3,118,177.20 as shown in the February statement.
Committee member Nancy Urich moved to accept the nursing home report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: planned decertification changes room configurations and maximum occupancy; facility maintenance and safety projects address survey readiness and resident safety, and RN shortages and workforce actions will affect care delivery and regulatory compliance.
