June 10, 2005

Long term care facility renovations enhancing quality of life, creating jobs

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited the Redford campus of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM) where work will begin next week on renovations that will be part of the Governor’s Jobs Today Initiative.  While visiting with construction supervisors, residents, family members and caregivers, the Governor applauded the vision of PVM leadership, encouraged other facilities around the state to participate, and reiterated her call to the Legislature to pass her five-part economic plan. 

“The work being done here in Redford is an ideal example of what the Jobs Today Initiative is all about,” said Granholm.  “We are creating jobs right now while ensuring that our vulnerable citizens receive safe and dignified care.  If the Republican Legislature will partner with us, we can do even more to create jobs and grow our economy.”

Next week, PVM will break ground on the state’s first Green Houses, which are small residences that have the look and feel of private homes or apartments but provide the skilled nursing care required by most long term care residents.  Each facility offers up to ten private bedrooms with baths and communal living room and kitchen areas. 

The Governor’s Jobs Today Initiative offers a supplement of $5.00 per day for Medicaid-eligible residents as an incentive to build community-oriented housing at long term care facilities. Eligibility for the supplement depends on a number of factors, including adoption of the new patient and family-friendly designs, the ability to commit to beginning construction rapidly, and the age and condition of the facility being replaced.  The Green House model being used at PVM is one of the qualifying designs.

Though the program won’t begin officially accepting applications until July, Granholm expressed excitement at the positive response to the program’s announcement.  The Governor indicated nearly a dozen facilities have already reached out to the Department of Community Health to indicate interest.

“The Jobs Today Initiative provides an opportunity for facilities that have needed to expand and modernize, but have lacked the means to do so, to take action,” said Granholm.  “I hope that facilities around the state will take advantage of this chance to help create jobs while enhancing their quality of care.”

The Jobs Today Initiative is one part of the Governor’s five-part economic plan.  Granholm’s plan will grow Michigan’s economy by reforming business taxes so major job providers will keep jobs in Michigan; train thousands of unemployed workers for in-demand jobs; create thousands of jobs today by accelerating infrastructure projects; and, make college accessible and affordable to all through a new Merit Scholarship.  It would also transform and diversify Michigan’s economy, creating 72,000 jobs for people from all walks of life through the Jobs for Michigan Fund which will invest $2 billion in cutting edge technology without raising taxes.

For more information visit www.michigan.gov/gov

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