Moving a parent, grandparent, or loved one into a long-term care facility is one of the most difficult decisions a loved one can make. It’s often fraught with emotion, worry and uncertainty. But it should never be “icky,” as described in an Associated Press article.

After all, every aging adult deserves to spend their golden years being treated with the respect they deserve. And every long-term care facility should aim to deliver just that.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t face challenges in delivering that level of quality care.

You know what’s really “icky?” Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program doesn’t come close to covering the true cost of care for our residents. Our daily reimbursement rate pales in comparison to every single neighboring state. And a 20-year-old budget tool — something called the “Budget Adjustment Factor,” or BAF — consistently puts nursing homes like mine in the difficult position of choosing between investments in quality care, staffing, or resources.

It doesn’t have to be this way — just ask any one of our neighboring states. And remember: the men and women caring for your loved ones in a nursing home are doing their absolute best to treat them the way you would. Their compassion, professionalism and tireless hard work make me proud to work alongside them every day.

The real “ick” lies in a state system that’s stacked against them.

Jessica Folckemer

Hollidaysburg

Editor’s Note: The author is a nursing home administrator.