As Wisconsin counties tighten budgets, some sell their cherished nursing homes
DAVID WAHLBERG
Updated
Nancy and Joe Roppe, leaders of a citizens group fighting to keep county ownership of the Portage County Health Care Center, at their home in Stevens Point
STEVENS POINT — Fourteen years after she had a stroke and moved into the Portage County Health Care Center, Grace Skibicki says she gets “wonderful” care at the county-owned nursing home, where she enjoys playing Scrabble and listening to polka bands.
Alva Clymer visits Grace Skibicki at the Portage County Health Care Center in Stevens Point. County officials plan to sell the nursing home, but a citizens group and residents like Skibicki worry about a possible decline in care.
Nancy Roppe, who with husband Joe formed Save the Portage County Health Care Center, said the facility should not be sold to a for-profit company. "The only way they can make a profit is to slash wages and benefits," she said. "The care goes down to one-star, maybe two if you're lucky."
Portage County Health Care Center has a five-star, or top, rating from the federal government, which advocates say is one of several reasons it should continue to be county-owned.
Alva Clymer, of Custer, an unincorporated community east of Stevens Point, said Portage County should keep its nursing home. "The elders have bankrolled this town," she said. "They deserve dignity when they shut their eyes."
Alva Clymer visits Grace Skibicki at the Portage County Health Care Center in Stevens Point. County officials plan to sell the nursing home, but a citizens group and residents like Skibicki worry about a possible decline in care.
Portage County Health Care Center has a five-star, or top, rating from the federal government, which advocates say is one of several reasons it should continue to be county-owned.
Nancy Roppe, who with husband Joe formed Save the Portage County Health Care Center, said the facility should not be sold to a for-profit company. "The only way they can make a profit is to slash wages and benefits," she said. "The care goes down to one-star, maybe two if you're lucky."
Alva Clymer, of Custer, an unincorporated community east of Stevens Point, said Portage County should keep its nursing home. "The elders have bankrolled this town," she said. "They deserve dignity when they shut their eyes."
