News
Catastrophic staffing challenges in long-term care, help needed
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the staffing level at Christian Health Care Center has plummeted nearly 30%, from 260 to 190. Despite continual wage increases, numerous vaccination exemptions and robust recruitment efforts, CHCC has not been able to rebuild staffing to pre-pandemic levels.
Watercolor painting for seniors: Everything you need to know
Watercolor painting is a wonderful craft for seniors because of how perfectly imperfect it is. The paint is so thin that it’s hard to control; the water generally just goes where it wants to. Because of this, there’s little pressure to paint perfect lines, and that’s a blessing for older people who have a harder time controlling the brush.
Resident Spotlight: Joyce I.
“I was raised by my grandparents, my mother’s parents. The most important thing they taught me was to be a good person.”
E-books for seniors: How to help a loved one get started with digital reading
Through the Whatcom County Library System or the Bellingham Public Library, readers have access to the Washington Anytime Library, which contains thousands of audiobooks and e-books for seniors.
Data release shows nursing home sales throughout the country
Christian Health Care Center has operated as a locally owned nonprofit since its founding in 1956. It is the only privately owned, locally managed skilled nursing center in the area.
Care team bio: Matt C.
“I love the residents. I love getting to know their stories. They know so much; they’ve lived their whole lives. It’s a really unique opportunity to get to care for them. I use every opportunity I can to talk with them. They become your family.”
Tuition reimbursement helps advance health care careers
Working as a health care professional and providing compassionate care and comfort for those who need it can be rewarding work. Each day, you are in a position to make someone smile, to help ease their burden, and impact the lives of others: patients, residents, their...
Nursing home crisis persists due to staff shortages
One factor in the ongoing nursing home crisis is that inflation and wage increases have greatly increased costs, but Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates have remained flat. The resulting squeeze has made it difficult for facilities like CHCC to remain solvent and hire the workers needed.
Care team bio: Gosia D.
“America is a country of immigrants. Sometimes, we don’t even realize that most of us have good or bad stories that were the reason why we left our homeland. At Christian Health Care Center, we have many people who share their memories and talk about their longing for their homeland or family. I understand them perfectly because I wear the proverbial shoes myself.”