In a strategic move aimed at enhancing service integration and cutting costs, Trinity Senior Services (TSS) has brought its therapy services in-house at Milwaukee Catholic Home, marking a significant shift after 20 years of outsourcing. This decision, according to TSS Rehabilitation Services Director Jackie Grossoehme, has not only streamlined operations but also injected a new wave of energy into the workforce.
“This shift has not only streamlined communication and care coordination but has also had a positive impact on staff morale, reenergizing the team by fostering a stronger sense of community and collaboration,” Grossoehme told McKnight’s Business Daily. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in the nursing home industry, where integrated services are increasingly seen as a key to improved resident care and operational efficiency.
Strategic Integration and Future Expansion
Trinity Senior Services, which manages multiple facilities including Milwaukee Catholic Home, Trinity Woods, Clare Gardens, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Angels, and Trinity Senior Services Care Partners, ended its contract with MJ Care on December 31st, bringing the therapy team under its own umbrella. This transition has facilitated greater integration across all Milwaukee Catholic Home sites, with plans to extend therapy services to Trinity Woods in the near future.
“Increasing communication and collaboration between all MCH sites has been a top priority,” Grossoehme stated. “We’re also looking ahead to providing therapy services at Trinity Woods in the future, ensuring even greater access to care for seniors in our community.”
Furthermore, TSS is expanding its reach into assisted and independent living, introducing new mobility and cognitive screenings to support residents’ independence.
Cost Control and Enhanced Medicare B Services
A key driver behind this strategic shift is cost control. Trinity Senior Services CEO David Fulcher emphasized the financial benefits, stating, “Trinity Senior Services gains more control over costs and can better align therapy staffing with census fluctuations. Additionally, having both clinical and therapy teams under one roof enhances Medicare B services through more effective communication and coordination, ultimately optimizing service delivery and financial efficiency.”
According to the American Health Care Association (AHCA), “The average cost of providing skilled nursing care can vary significantly based on location and services, but internalizing services can often provide more predictable cost structures.” This statistic underscores the potential for cost savings through in-house therapy services.
Navigating the Transition: Expert Advice
For other providers considering bringing therapy services in-house, Grossoehme and Fulcher recommend partnering with a consulting agency to ensure a smooth transition. TSS collaborated with human resources firm MRA to facilitate the shift.
“Organizations considering this move should also assess the economy of scale,” Fulcher advised. “Larger organizations may have an easier time absorbing a therapy team, while smaller ones may face greater challenges in managing such a transition.”
This move by Trinity Senior Services highlights the evolving landscape of the nursing home industry, where strategic integration and cost-effective solutions are paramount. By prioritizing staff morale, resident care, and operational efficiency, TSS is setting a precedent for other providers to follow.