A representative for the Martha T. Berry long-term care facility updated Macomb County’s Health and Human Services Committee on facility operations, staffing and capital needs, saying the facility is operating at about 97% occupancy and has recently achieved a 4‑star rating on long-stay quality measures.

The presenter said the facility is working through appeals with a Medicaid auditor that is disputing roughly $700,000 in borrowing treatment tied to a bond refund and a separate $300,000 denial of payment. The presenter described both matters as under appeal and said facility leadership will keep the county apprised.

On capital work, the presenter said the facility has completed installation of individual HEPA/PTEC room units and that a $250,000 grant from MPHI helped cover the roughly $300,000 cost for that work. He also said staff are preparing specifications and will follow county bid policies for an elevator project and that rooftop HVAC units will be addressed concurrently though on a longer schedule.

Committee members pressed on staffing and operations. The presenter said the facility has about 329 staff and roughly 20 current openings and described use of agency staff when necessary and a temp-to-hire approach to convert some agency workers to full- or part-time employees. He also explained that nursing staff are employees of the human services board rather than county employees and that retirement and benefit arrangements differ for newer hires.

Members moved to receive and file the presentation; committee votes were recorded as unanimous.

Next steps: Facility representatives said they will continue to work with county staff on appeals and capital planning and will report back to the committee as matters progress.