Senator Boldon and Senate Majority Leader Murphy Visit LeadingAge Minnesota Member Samaritan Bethany in Rochester

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Kayla Khang

On Tuesday, Senators Boldon and Murphy visited Samaritan Bethany in Rochester for a site visit and a conversation with residents and staff.

Crucial Issues Entering Legislative Budget Year

During the visit, the senators and staff/residents discussed a range of topics – from staffing shortages to regulatory burdens to access to aging services care in greater Minnesota. Senator Boldon noted that, going into the 2025 budget year at the legislature, it was important to have these conversations with staff and seniors receiving care.

Samaritan Bethany’s Unique Care Model

On the tour, which was led by Co-Mission Leaders Kyla Berg and Rachael Maxfield, the senators had the opportunity to learn about Samaritan Bethany’s unique model of care. Samaritan Bethany features “neighborhoods” instead of floors, and “households” instead of wings or suites. This fosters a more homelike and comfortable environment for residents.

Each “household” has a kitchen, allowing much of the meals to be made in the household. Caregivers also assist residents with laundry in their households, negating the need to use an outside laundry service and giving residents a more homelike feel.

Instead of an audible call system over loudspeakers, caregivers wear earpieces for communication with other staff and call light notifications. This allows caregivers to address specific resident needs without disturbing other residents, staff, or visitors.

Residents also benefit from a contract with the nearby Mayo Clinic, with Mayo physicians and nurse practitioners in house 7 days a week.

Challenges Facing Aging Services Sector

One key issue discussed with the senators was the shortage of RNs in Minnesota. Co-Mission Leaders Kyla and Rachael noted that there was especially tough competition for finding RNs in the Rochester area due to the large hospital system and high need for nurses.

While many providers were grateful for the emergency funding received in the 2023 legislative session, and the additional one-time funding in the Elderly Waiver rates, it was brought to the Senators’ attention that more long-term investment is needed for both nursing homes and assisted living communities in the state.

The Importance of Testimony

Both senators agreed that the voices of caregivers, and residents across Minnesota’s senior care continuum, are the most crucial to shaping the future of healthcare. These are the perspectives we need to elevate at the Capitol. The discussions with residents and the stories they’ve heard from seniors and caregivers about their needs will have the largest impact on budgetary discussions in the upcoming legislative session.