FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
June 9, 2009

Contact: 
Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022

Caroline Roth
630/407-6033

REPORT ENCOURAGES COUNTY'S CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO CONVALESCENT CENTER

(VIEW THE PRELIMINARY REPORT)

DU PAGE COUNTY -- A report presented to the DuPage County Board on Tuesday recommended that the county continue its financial support for the DuPage Convalescent Center (which provides continuous care for both seniors and the disabled), while at the same time investing in critical capital improvements, which will ensure those who rely on the Center for critical services are not put at risk. 

The report was part of a study completed by a Blue Ribbon Panel of health care professionals appointed by DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom. 

Schillerstrom appointed the Panel in February of 2008 and asked that they complete a comprehensive examination of options relating to the DuPage Convalescent Center (DPCC) and to develop a strategic plan for its future.   What the report shows is that DPCC should not be sold, nor closed.   

"This report shows how important it is that DuPage County continues its support for our Convalescent Center and for those who call it home," said Schillerstrom.  "It further stresses the need for DuPage County to invest in critical capital improvements that need to be made immediately so that we can continue to provide these critical programs and services."

The Blue Ribbon Panel, who presented their report on Tuesday and which was comprised of professionals from throughout the health care industry, recommended to the County Board that:

1.  The mission of the DPCC, specifically regarding the people served, should continue to focus on the underserved;
2.  The quality of care at the DPCC should be preserved;
3.  A detailed capital plan for the DPCC should be developed;
4.  The County should seek to maximize patient revenue, which means focusing primarily on Medicaid;
5.  The County should evaluate the financial benefits of additional support to the DPCC Foundation;
6.  The DPCC should not be sold, and it should not be closed; and
7.  The County should continue its financial support of the DPCC.

The Panel also concluded that "DPCC is well run and efficient in its operation, that it is a valuable resource and its focus on the underserved low-income population should continue, that the County should seek to increase revenue with particular emphasis on Medicaid reimbursement, and that the County should focus attention on neglected capital needs." 

There are currently 360 beds in use at the DPCC, of which 310 are for long-term care and 50 are for short-term rehabilitative care.  Although there is continuous turn-over, it is essentially always full.  Twenty-four hour skilled care is provided, and the quality of care at the DPCC is very high as evidenced by the DPCC's accreditations, benchmarking on critical quality indicators and recent Medicaid ratings.

The patient mix at the DPCC is also unique.  The current age range of long-term residents is 19 to 105, and 30 percent are under 65 (a much higher percentage that the average).  This younger population means that the length of stay is substantially higher (over twice the national average even including the 50 short-term beds).  It is also important to note that 75 percent of the care provided is for the lowest income Medicaid patients. 

To view the report, please visit www.dupageco.org. 

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