Long Term Care Options presented to Board

GILLETTE, WY - Three options for the future of Pioneer Manor long term care facility were presented to the Campbell County Health Board of Trustees at a planning retreat last week. Planning and architectural firm Lantz-Boggio developed three options for the facility, which was constructed in 1964, with a major addition in 1982.

The first option is to continue with minor upgrades and maintenance with no major structural changes. The second option is to remodel the existing facility and replace the current double-room layout with single rooms, at a cost of approximately $16 million. The third option is to build a new facility in the same location using a modified Greenhouse concept, at a cost of approximately $30 million. The Greenhouse concept for long term care is also called a household model, with a smaller number of rooms, or pods of 18-21 rooms, constructed around a shared living and dining space. This option would construct a facility of 152 beds.

No decision was made at the retreat, as the session was the first presentation of the three options to the entire CCMH Board. The issue will be considered at the February 2011 Board meeting, and will be placed on the agenda for action at that time.

CCMH Administration also plans to work with the Department of Health to research options for increased long term care reimbursement to offset increased costs associated with the options of remodeling or new facility construction. More than sixty percent of Pioneer Manor residents are funded through the Wyoming Department of Health.

"The Board is committed providing high quality long term care services for the community," said Board Chair Nancy Tarver.