Seniors seek answers from lawmakers on long-term health care in western Wisconsin

MENOMONIE (WQOW) - Nearly 100 community members packed the Russell Rassbach Heritage museum on Wednesday to speak with area legislators about an on going crisis in Wisconsin.

"The intent of coming here was to hear from legislators about long-term care issues, and where they are looking to invest their energy and resources in the future, and how that impacts our residents in Dunn County," said Paula Winter, Dunn County Human Services Director.

The Chippewa Valley Learning in Retirement group sponsored a class on the problem of finding long-term care in western Wisconsin.

"I have a concern of the closing of small nursing homes in rural community homes, and the challenges they have in keeping staff," said Winter.

"Medicaid expansion has always been a concern of mine. Not only for older people, but I use to work with young children and I feel like they missed out on a lot because it helps them too," said Kay Ironside, an Elk Mound Resident.

Several residents also raised concern for the recent hospital closures in the Chippewa Valley.

"My daughter works at Mayo Clinic, and for her it just makes more work because so many people are coming there now. They just don't have the staff to help the people," said Ironside.

State lawmakers addressed the communities worries on Wednesday.

"One of the things brought up is possibly looking at what's worked in other states, and what hasn't worked. We want to see what they did, and what they did wrong so we do not make those same mistakes," said Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie).

"We've got to take a real serious role when it comes to government, and making sure that we can pay staff adequately so they can provide the services that people need," said Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire). 

Community members said they are seeking action from state legislators.

"They need to figure out something so they can help a lot of the nursing homes and facilities that have closed. They can't afford to stay open because of lack of staff and other issues," said Ironside.

"It's important that we all listen to each other and hear the different ideas and concerns out there. It's about putting that really good plan together and moving something forward," said Winter.