St. Francis Home downsizing

TIFFIN — St. Francis Home is reducing its beds from 88 to 54 starting Dec. 1. The home has 74 residents right now, which means 20 must be relocated, said Gabe Stoll, executive director of St. Francis Senior Ministries. Some residents in the long-term facility are eligible for assisted living and staff members will be working with some families to find spaces in other nursing homes. "They will be given proper notice," he said. "Hopefully, it doesn't impact many at all." Stoll said the change is due to staff shortages, which means the nursing home must contract with outside staff to maintain an optimal level of care. "It's really to control our contracted agency costs," he said. "Our revenue has been going down a little bit." In addition to contracted staff, a statement that was to be posted on the St. Francis website said the Ohio Legislature modestly increased Medicaid funding levels earlier this summer, which limited the home's options to address an ongoing revenue shortfall. The changes will affect some staff members whose jobs will be eliminated. He said there are roughly 110 employees, but some are contingent staff who work as needed. "Some of the departments are going to shrink a little bit," he said. "They should have an opportunity to get a similar position here." If one department needs fewer employees, he said other departments have positions open. If there are employees left without jobs, he said they will be offered severance packages. "Recently, there have been a number of long-term care facilities in the news," states the website post. "Our goal is to be fully transparent regarding this change and assure everyone in our community that we are adjusting for the future." Stoll said the home has been operating with 88 beds for about two years. Prior to the pandemic, he said there were 132 beds. While COVID was the major reason for the previous reduction, he said staffing costs are the main reason this time. While there will be room for fewer residents, Stoll said the change will allow the home to invest more in its staff and into building maintenance. "We have to look at a pay raise for our staff, and taking care of our buildings here on campus and making positive changes," he said.