In a city populated by a higher than average number of elderly and in a county where that same demographic statistic is true, the state budget deficit poses serious threats.

For instance, care for older adults in Mower County would be harmed by current proposals to balance the state budget.

That is the assessment of James Ingersoll, administrator at St. Mark's Lutheran Home in Austin.

"Current proposals balance the state budget on the backs of Minnesota's most vulnerable and frail residents," Ingersoll said. "If the proposed budget becomes law, Minnesota begins a path of eliminating 6,000 nursing home beds -- beds that are occupied. In many cases, the older adults in those beds have no other care options "

Ingersoll said the budget cuts would hit Mower County especially hard.

"We have consistently been running at 97 percent occupancy during the past year," he said. "There are no excess beds to eliminate because most beds are occupied by a person who needs the care. The proposal by the governor would mean a total revenue reduction of $812,181. This budget will leave us no choice but to eliminate staff -- to eliminate jobs."

The proposal to increase the surcharge paid by private-paying residents by 173 percent, but not giving the additional revenue to nursing homes to improve care is especially unfair, Ingersoll said.

"Residents will pay an additional $5.21 per day without any benefit. In fact, many facilities will be forced to reduce the level of care," he said.

Ingersoll said the impact of reducing care would be felt on the entire community; not just the elderly.

But there are fair solutions, Ingersoll said.

"First, keep the entire surcharge increase with nursing homes," he said. "Second, build a bridge to the future. Continue the reforms started in 2001 that create community-based services and a range of care and living options. And third, reform the financing of nursing homes and other older adult services, giving each of us more incentives and greater responsibility to provide for our own care needs.

"Also reduce regulatory burdens on nursing homes that do nothing to improve quality or protect residents' care and reduce the multi-hundred thousand dollars liability premiums through tort reform."

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com