Darci Athens with Good Samaritan Society of Le Mars (far right) is seen visiting with U-S Senator Joni Ernst (standing far left) as Karen Mousel, administrator for Good Samaritan Society of Le Mars (standing center) looks on. Ernst toured the local nursing care facility on Saturday, and spoke with some of the residents.
(Le Mars) — U-S Senator Joni Ernst made a visit to Le Mars this (Saturday) morning.
The Republican Senator was given a tour at the Good Samaritan Care Center of Le Mars where she met with some of the residents.
Following the tour, Ernst sat down with Karen Mousel, administrator for the Le Mars nursing care facility, and with Tom Syverson, Operations Director with the Good Samaritan Society overseeing many of the regional care facilities. The Good Samaritan officials discussed with Senator Ernst three areas of concern. Mousel says they are constantly facing the shortfalls of Medicaid with their residents, which often times ends up costing the family, or the care facility money.
Mousel also informed the Senator the challenge to find employees with the work force shortage. Mousel says the greatest need are for certified nursing assistants, and with the dietary and housekeeping staff. The Good Samaritan Society officials discussed the recent merger of Good Samaritan Society with the Sanford Healthcare Center based in Sioux Falls. Another topic of discussion focused on rural health care, and how tele-health and tele-medicine are assisting with health care needs in the rural areas. Ernst told the nursing care officials she is a supporter of tele-health care, and tele-medicine in which health care can be extended to remote rural areas. Ernst told reporters she was impressed with the Le Mars nursing care facility, and
said she has had family members reside at Good Samaritan Society nursing care facilities.
