Saturday, February 7, 2015

WFMZ69's View - Gracedales Clean Bill of Health

As most of you know by now, Gracedale and her supporters are rejoicing in a historical moment of triumph.

As a direct result of "We, The People's" perseverance, Gracedale today has proven her worth.

Please follow the link: http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/gracedale-gets-clean-bill-from-department-of-health/31123590

Friday, February 6, 2015

The Truth Is Once Again Truth!

We knew it was possible!

Today, Ron Angle and John Stoffa, as well as others who desired to destroy Gracedale know, not only that it is possible for Gracedale to sustain herself, but before their very eyes it materialized. It is not magic folks, and it's not a miracle! It is simple evidence of what humanity can do when it puts it's best foot forward.

Today, a reality that no one can deny is, Gracedale can, and Gracedale will continue to sustain herself, as long as she is allowed to run the way she was intended to run. And, she will continue to serve all those she was designed and intended to serve, and to care for.

It can be said that John Brown has taken a beating in his first year as County Executive. For what, some ask? For various reasons. The verbal punishment he has endured has come from other blogs and the one-sided media in Northampton County. We're not saying it's wrong or right. We will say however, we told Mr. Brown that if Gracedale was given the opportunity, and is operated professionally and properly, she would prevail against all odds. She has done just that! As some would say: the proof is in the pudding. On this blog however, we decided to sit back and watch. Make no noise, just watch vigilantly. We can tell you from our observation, with a high degree of certainty, that Executive Brown did what he told us he would do. He gave Gracedale the opportunity to prove herself. On February 3, 2015, Mr. Brown reportedly said he was proud of Gracedale's accomplishments. In his words: "The administration has been committed to stabilizing Gracedale's operations while continuing to provide the highest levels of quality care." The previous administration (Stoffa) did not want Gracedale stable. They could not justify the sale of a stable Gracedale. Instead they did all they could to destabilize her. Mr. Brown went on to say, "We are proud with the results."

According to other blogs and the media, Mr. Brown may be doing many things wrong. According to this blog, Mr. Brown is certainly doing one thing right...Gracedale!

To the electors, the taxpayers, and all residents of Northampton County we say: Don't ever again let anyone tell you Gracedale can't, because today, without a doubt you know she can! We said the tax increase threats going back to 2010 were nothing more than scare tactics. Today, you know that's just what they were, tactics of deception intended to steer us like cattle in the direction they wanted us to go. However, for five years since, there have been no tax increases. Why not? Because they were not necessary then. Yes, a tax increase is looming in 2015, but today Mr. Brown will be the first to tell you - it's not because of Gracedale. And while it is true that the reserve funds have dwindled, as a community we can thank Mr. Stoffa for that. If you recall, he refused to pull the Swap-option trigger when it was under 10 million dollars. His failure cost the taxpayers 27+ million dollars. Had he done his job professionally and properly, we would possibly have an additional 17 million dollars in our reserves today.  Gracedale didn't make that mistake, John Stoffa did. We hope he is enjoying his retirement mandated by the electors.

 In loving memory of our friend Peggy, who is rejoicing with our loved ones in heaven over this great and exciting news.

Lastly, we extend a warm congratulation to D. Freeman, Gracedale Administrator, for helping us prove our case, and for providing an honest effort to turn things around. Job well done! Thank you. 

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

We Understood This Was Possible!




 
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
 

 

 
Department of Health Finds Zero Deficiencies at Gracedale Nursing Home
First time in the history of Nursing Home that the Long Term Care Facility Survey receives Unprecedented Results
 
Easton, PA - February 3, 2015 The Northampton County Administration announces that after a week-long intensive inspection and Audit by the Department of Health (DOH), Gracedale Nursing home has no deficiencies and received a zero deficiencies survey result.
 
Based on a Medicare/Medicaid Recertification survey, State Licensure survey, and Civil
Rights Compliance Survey, completed on 
Add a descriptionJanuary 30, 2015, at Northampton County Home-Gracedale, it was determined that there were no deficiencies, related to theHealth portion of the survey process, identified under the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B.  Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities and the 28 PA Code, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Long Term Care Licensure Regulations as they relate to the Health portion of the survey process.
 
"The administration has been committed to stabilizing Gracedale's operations while continuing to provide the highest level of quality care," said John Brown, Northampton County Executive.  "We are proud with the results of the DOH survey. This confirms our cost-effective measures and teamwork are moving us in the right direction."
 
The DOH Survey is an in-depth week-long process that examines  health care facilities and looks for any possible deficiencies that violate any of the standard regulations set forth by the DOH. Penalties can be as severe as loss of license.
 
In the past Gracedale has received an average of five to eight DOH Survey deficiencies per year. Additionally, Gracedale has received an average of eight independent DOH complaint  inspections;  Gracedale has not received any such complaint visits since April 2014. 
 
 "We are very pleased with the success of our efforts. These outstanding results from the DOH Survey are a true testament to the hard work and care given by our team here at Gracedale," said D. Freeman, Gracedale Administrator.