By Staff
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Photo from Keiro Northwest
SEATTLE — Keiro Northwest announced on May 8 that it is closing several of its programs, citing “significant financial challenges over the last decade, triggered by the Medicaid Shortfall of 2008-2010.”
“We have done everything in our power to continue to deliver the full range of services offered by Keiro NW,” said Tomio Moriguchi, Keiro NW Board President.
“But we cannot afford to lose money at our current rate and expect Keiro NW to survive. Diminishing access to Medicaid resources, combined with regulatory changes has hit us hard, and it looks like should expect more of the same over the coming years.”
Keiro NW, a community-based nonprofit and Seattle’s largest and oldest Asian-Pacific Islander senior care facility, has served more than 20,000 people through several programs.
The Board of Directors decided to phase out Keiro Rehabilitation and Care Center at 16th and Yesler, Nikkei Horizons (Continuing Education & Travel), home care, and transportation services, and catering by the end of the year.
Corporate and administrative staff serving the organization will also be affected.
The Nikkei Manor (Assisted Living) and Kokoro Kai (Adult Day Program) will continue to operate.
“I wish with all my being that we would not be forced to make these heartbreaking decisions,” said Fred Kiga, Keiro NW Board Member. “Unless we adopt a more sustainable business model, more will suffer.”
In a news release, Keiro NW said plans are under way to identify alternative accommodations for the residents on Keiro Rehabilitation and Care Center.
In addition, Keiro NW’s management has engaged an outplacement program to help affected employees prepare for the job market.
A public town hall is scheduled for May 14, 6 to 8 p.m. at Stroum Jewish Center on Mercer Island.
I understand that money management issues seem to be the main reason behind Keiro’s ability to stay in business. Aside from that, I know that they offered a culturally sensitive menu, actives, and Asian channels on TV. Usually, population specific services are not cheap.
I heard both sides of argument about the number of facility staff. I know that regardless of the number of people working there, most of the facility staff are at least bilingual. Regardless of what cause the facility to close, what worries me is what a huge loss this is for the Asian American community here in Seattle – King County because Keiro was the home of many elderly Japanese but they served all Asian populations.
Kin On is the only other nursing home that I know in this region that is culturally sensitive and the majority of their population is Chinese Americans but their wait list, unfortunately can take years.
Where are all of these elderly people in their 80’s and 90’s from Keiro going to go if they need nursing care? Since people continuing to age, where are the Asian Americans of Seattle King County going to live when they can no longer live by themselves or with family?
Wow, even after charging our family 8000k a month for years?
It is obvious to me that the Keiro’s management with the ratio, 115 residents with 260 staff members will easily crashes it’s own financial capability. The staff members should be about 80. 30, 30, 10, for care with 3 shifts and 5 for office and 5 for maintenance.