NEW CASTLE, PA. Layoffs create concern at Hill View

Residents say they don't want the county to sell the nursing home.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Sitting in their reclining chairs, Mildred and Tom Franus look comfortable as they relax in their room at Hill View Manor.
"Everybody treats us with respect here. It's just like home," said the 91-year-old Wayne Township man.
Franus and his 88-year-old wife have lived in the county-owned nursing home for four years. They came to the facility three days apart.
"We love it here. I wouldn't go anywhere else," said Mrs. Franus. "I love each and every one of these girls. They are real people."
Residents of the home say they are concerned after learning that county commissioners approved employee layoffs. The home has also been for sale.
Lawrence County commissioners directed the home's administrator and county human resources director Tuesday to cut staff after the nursing home couldn't meet its $140,000 payroll last week. About $8,300 had to be transferred from the county general fund to cover employee salaries.
Commissioners say a declining number of residents and bad publicity surrounding the potential sale of the home are the problem.
Residents' worries
Longtime Hill View Manor residents say they are concerned about pending changes, especially loss of staff.
"This is our home, and everybody who works here is our family. We shouldn't have to lose anybody," said Merle Foreman, who moved to Hill View in 2000 from Ellwood City.
Foreman also worries that some of the staff will leave if the home is sold.
The union representing the workers has said it cannot come to an agreement with the potential buyers, Sylvan Heights Realty Partners Inc.
"We tried to come to an agreement, but they gave us some proposals that were ludicrous," said Robert Session, business manager for Construction and General Laborers Local 964.
Session said they wanted to increase workers' health care costs and to take away seniority, five holidays and bereavement pay.
"When we left the table, I shook hands [with the buyers] and told them we are willing to talk," Session said. "I've left the lines of communication open, but that's been several weeks ago."
Sylvan Heights financing fell through last month, and county commissioners have given the four partners until Sept. 30 to come up with $1.7 million.
Employee disappointment
Hill View employees did not want to comment on the matter.
Edie Cade, a retired Hill View employee, said she hopes the county can resolve its problems and keep the nursing home. Cade worked in the dietary department for 14 years before retiring last year.
"Even though the home is old, the people who work there are very dedicated to the residents," she said. "If there are too many employees, that's not the employees' fault. Something needs to be done."
Cade said she does not agree with the commissioners' decision to hire nursing-home management firm Americare, a company with which some of the potential buyers are also affiliated.
Commissioner Roger DeCarbo has said he believes hiring the management firm affiliated with some of the buyers would ensure the home is run well.
George Howley, one of the buyers, said he helped pick the management firm because he hopes to keep the manager in place during and after the transition.
He also said residents should not worry about their care or surroundings.
"Part of the reason I'm still involved is I have become attached to some of the residents out there," he said. Part of the buyer's plans are to renovate and add a new wing, he said.
"We want to make it as pleasant as possible for the residents," he said.
Fearful of change
Hill View residents say they are still worried about change.
"I had to give up all my furniture and my car to come here. This is my home, so I don't want anything to happen to it," said Dorothy Biggins, 75, formerly of Ellwood City.
Shirley Caravella, 65, formerly of New Castle, agrees. She has lived at Hill View for 13 years.
"I love it here," she said. "I wouldn't trade this place for anything or the people who work here. I think it should stay the way it is."