Pocono News Section

Pleasant Valley Manor Nursing Home Needs More Funding

Pleasant Valley Manor Nursing Home Needs More Funding - Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 3:46PM EST

SNYDERSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY - The Governor's proposed budget has lots of spending cuts, which has many people upset. But even some organizations that expect to get the same amount of money they did last year say it won't be enough.
Pleasant Valley Manor Nursing Home in Snydersville will try to keep its wheels rolling without increasing its budget. "We'll have to look at our costs, our expenses," said Administrator Kathleen Morrell.

About two thirds of people who live at Pennsylvania's nursing homes receive medical assistance. Their bills are expected to increase this year but Governor Rendell's proposed budget does not provide extra medical assistance money to help pay.

"The economic times are right now are difficult. I think the Governor had a difficult decision," said Morrell.

Nursing homes all across the state had asked for an increase in funding in the budget. They didn't get that but they say it could have been worse.

Morrell says if the budget passes she'll have to find ways to cut back on costs but she won't cut back on care. "That will not change. We will give the care that the residents need here," she insisted.

Residents like Nellie Lee appreciate that. She moved to Pleasant Valley Manor about two years ago. She loves the place. "It's everybody that's here. It's everybody that takes care of you., that does for you. It's like being home," she said.

And managers say they plan to keep the place just like home no matter what budget passes.