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Millville Housing Authority needs help with assisted living program

By EDWARD VAN EMBDEN PressOfAtlanticCity.com
March 24, 2010

Operating in the black is a sensible goal, one the Millville Housing Authority has aimed for since Paul Dice took over as executive director.

For the most part, the authority has succeeded. The one-time financially burdensome Holly City Family Center has performed well in the past year, collection from tenants throughout the city has been strong and the authority has not had to dip into its reserves to cover its operating costs.

There's just one area that seems to be underperforming, and the authority is not sure why. The assisted living program, despite a recent advertising campaign designed to attract new customers, has been a money loser for the authority.

According to a recent executive report, the program lost more than $2,300 in February and is down nearly $2,000 for the year. Dice, who has defined his tenure by being cost-conscious, said despite the loss the assisted living program is worth fighting for.

It can and will work, he said.

"There are more people in the area who need assisted living services, there have to be," he said. "We talk about, again, how to get the word out. We're going to get more creative with how we're targeting our members."

The program has 54 members. In a week, that will increase to 55. Right now the goal is to reach a sustainable 65-member base. Dice sees expansion as a viable option if that happens.

In order to qualify for assisted living, people must be between the ages of 50 and 64 and earn less than $35,500 a year. That's if they're willing to pay the $50-a-day fee that comes along with the program and its many services.

For those who make less than about $24,500 annually, live in public housing and qualify for Medicaid, the assisted living program is free.

When the program gets someone knew, they typically stay until they no longer qualify, Dice said.

"We don't have much turnover, but we have an aging out," he said. "They tend to leave for significant reasons, or elder issues. Many of them go on to an elder care facility."

The assisted living program helps seniors who need help stay in their homes. The services the program provides include running errands, doing household chores, bathing a person and helping arrange schedules, among other daily obligations.

A couple of issues affect people's ability to qualify for the program. The first is what Dice calls the "classic middle-class predicament," and it applies to those people who do not qualify, many times because assets, such as a home, mean they are worth too much financially.

Another issue is the rate. Nancy Thompson, director of the program, said the Medicaid rate has been flat since 2007 when the assisted living program fee increased from $40 to $50 a day. Despite inflation driving up costs such as health care, the program funding has remained flat, requiring the program to take on more people to remain financially viable.

Dice, however, is optimistic that the program will attract more people.

"The numbers will come back around," he said. "But we're still too close for comfort."

	Press Release About Us > News & Press Releases > Press Release Millville Housing Authority needs help with assisted living program By EDWARD VAN EMBDEN PressOfAtlanticCity.com March 24, 2010 Operating in the black is a sensible goal, one the Millville Housing Authority has aimed for since Paul Dice took over as executive director. For the most part, the authority has succeeded. The one-time financially burdensome Holly City Family Center has performed well in the past year, collection from tenants throughout the city has been strong and the authority has not had to dip into its reserves to cover its operating costs. There's just one area that seems to be underperforming, and the authority is not sure why. The assisted living program, despite a recent advertising campaign designed to attract new customers, has been a money loser for the authority. According to a recent executive report, the program lost more than $2,300 in February and is down nearly $2,000 for the year. Dice, who has defined his tenure by being cost-conscious, said despite the loss the assisted living program is worth fighting for. It can and will work, he said. "There are more people in the area who need assisted living services, there have to be," he said. "We talk about, again, how to get the word out. We're going to get more creative with how we're targeting our members." The program has 54 members. In a week, that will increase to 55. Right now the goal is to reach a sustainable 65-member base. Dice sees expansion as a viable option if that happens. In order to qualify for assisted living, people must be between the ages of 50 and 64 and earn less than $35,500 a year. That's if they're willing to pay the $50-a-day fee that comes along with the program and its many services. For those who make less than about $24,500 annually, live in public housing and qualify for Medicaid, the assisted living program is free. When the program gets someone knew, they typically stay until they no longer qualify, Dice said. "We don't have much turnover, but we have an aging out," he said. "They tend to leave for significant reasons, or elder issues. Many of them go on to an elder care facility." The assisted living program helps seniors who need help stay in their homes. The services the program provides include running errands, doing household chores, bathing a person and helping arrange schedules, among other daily obligations. A couple of issues affect people's ability to qualify for the program. The first is what Dice calls the "classic middle-class predicament," and it applies to those people who do not qualify, many times because assets, such as a home, mean they are worth too much financially. Another issue is the rate. Nancy Thompson, director of the program, said the Medicaid rate has been flat since 2007 when the assisted living program fee increased from $40 to $50 a day. Despite inflation driving up costs such as health care, the program funding has remained flat, requiring the program to take on more people to remain financially viable. Dice, however, is optimistic that the program will attract more people. "The numbers will come back around," he said. "But we're still too close for comfort."