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Belknap County nursing-home occupancy, staffing and pay rates reviewed; board approves $400 private-pay rate for new residents
Summary
Nursing-home director Shelley Richardson reported occupancy at about 62—64% with 58 residents and outlined staffing and capital items; the board approved a private-pay rate of $400 for new residents effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Belknap County commissioners heard a quarterly update on the county nursing home and approved an increase in the private-pay rate for new residents.
Shelley Richardson, nursing-home director (named in the meeting), told the board that occupancy had ranged between about 62% and 64% during the AugustOctober reporting period and that the facility had 58 residents at the time of the report. Richardson outlined staffing changes, recent hires in nursing and housekeeping, completed projects (laundry mini-splits) and pending upgrades including new cameras and a move to high-definition TV service.
Commissioners discussed private-pay rates. After a brief discussion of peer facilities and averages, a commissioner moved to set the private-pay rate for new residents at $400, effective Jan. 1, 2026; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
Why it matters: The private-pay rate affects residents who are not in Medicaid-covered beds and can influence admissions and the facility's revenue. Commissioners also noted the nursing home's 5-star CMS quality designation and ongoing recruitment efforts to fill open positions.
The board requested staff continue to monitor occupancy, staffing and financial metrics and report back as part of standard quarterly updates. The rate change applies to new residents only; the meeting record does not specify any grandfathering rules beyond the standard practice discussed at the meeting.
Quotes in this article come from the nursing-home quarterly report as recorded in the meeting transcript and from the subsequent board discussion and motion.
