Lakeside Care Center receives local support

Lakeside Beikirch Care Center joins nursing facilities across the state in opposing changes in legislation which would result in drastic budget cuts of long term care programs and additional staffing challenges. The New York State Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA) has been working to ensure adequate funding for homes and services for the aging across the state. With the support of senate Republicans, a "compromise" bill was introduced that attempts to provide more flexibility to healthcare providers, but this compromise bill comes with a set of concerns as well.

Senator George Maziarz (R-C Newfane) said, "It was a pleasure to discuss nurse staffing and other important issues with Lakeside's administrators recently. This kind of local input is always key to helping me identify legislative priorities in Albany."

Michael Perry, president of Lakeside Beikirch Care Center thanked Maziarz for his positive actions toward the further investigation into the affects this legislation banning mandatory overtime will have on facilities in this area. "The Senate Majority stood alone in advocating for the full restoration of the governor's proposed cuts. I am hopeful that, with our continued collaboration, we can ensure that thoughtful policy changes drive reform - not budget cuts," Carl S. Young, president of NYAHSA wrote in a press release.

Perry also serves as chairman of Rochester Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (RAHSA). "On behalf of all organizations represented by RAHSA, we appreciate our local representatives taking the initiative to further investigate this bill. All options need to be considered in order to move toward the best possible resolution which will ultimately be providing our residents with exceptional nursing care while maintaining our mandatory staffing levels."

© October 28, 2007 - Westside News Inc.