Homes on the Range

“Currently, 1.5 million Americans reside in nursing homes where they are often treated more like patients than residents. Despite the explosive expansion of nursing homes — to a current total of 16,100 — few older people want to live in one.” This is a quote from Jane Brody’s December 15, 2014 New York Times Wellness blog.

This quote makes exactly the same point I have for years, “… few family members would choose, if they had a choice, to place a beloved relative in one. The common belief is that nursing homes are depressing places where old people go to die.”

Nursing homes are primarily funded by Medicaid, which pays them at lower rates than their actual costs. Most nursing homes are in continual economic tailspins. Their future is bleak due not only to budget shortfalls and political stalemate in Washington, but also to an impending barrage of Baby Boomers who are failing to plan for long-term care (LTC). Such Boomers will further drain a system that I will argue is already tragically broken.

Nursing homes are inhumane warehouses for our most defenseless, vulnerable citizens. We can do better.

Many of us have known for years of Dr. Bill Thomas and his Green House Project. Green Houses are revenue neutral, far more dignified nursing home alternatives that reflect the good accomplishments we humans are capable of.

Our courageous and dedicated personal friend, Dale Bell,  founder of the Media Policy Center, has spent 12 years creating an acclaimed documentary called “Homes on the Range.” This poignant film spotlights what is possible when people who believe there is a better way achieve grass-roots cooperation. It is a heartwarming story of perseverance and hope.

Homes on the Range is the story about the citizens of Sheridan, WY, who decided their elders deserved a whole lot more than nursing home care. Click here to read about how Sheridan’s Greenhouse project was born and see a 20-minute video.