Local Officials Tour Parkwood in the Pines Nursing Facility

State Representative Trent Ashby and former Angelina County commissioner Rocky Thigpen visited the Parkwood in the Pines nursing facility in Lufkin, Texas, on March 4, 2024. The tour, hosted by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) and Priority Management, aimed to provide insight into the operations of the skilled nursing home and highlight the challenges faced by the industry.

During the visit, Doug Boulware, managing partner of Priority Management, expressed gratitude for the support the state provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Had it not been for the state and federal governments, we would have closed,” he stated, emphasizing the critical role of government assistance in maintaining operations.

Priority Management operates 29 health care facilities across Texas, as well as several in Louisiana. Boulware noted that many people lack familiarity with nursing homes until a family member requires care. He explained that the company’s mission is to rehabilitate patients and facilitate their return home after extensive therapy.

Ashby acknowledged the THCA’s role in guiding legislators on healthcare funding and policy matters. He stated, “The health care industry does great work in providing knowledge on pieces of legislation,” highlighting how crucial informed decision-making is for effective governance.

Community and Regulatory Challenges

Boulware also praised Texas for effectively managing federal programs like Medicaid, designed to offer affordable care options for families. He pointed out that while Priority Management is based in Dallas, approximately 80% of its facilities serve rural markets. “We love rural health care,” Boulware added, underlining the company’s commitment to these communities.

Community engagement is a priority for Priority Management, according to Boulware. He encouraged facility administrators to participate in local boards and civic clubs, emphasizing that the company pays all its property taxes.

The nursing home industry faces intense scrutiny, with Rick Forscutt, company president, noting that Texas has some of the most stringent state regulations. He mentioned that the state issues more “immediate jeopardy” citations than any other. For instance, he recounted an incident where a resident at Parkwood, disoriented and confused, inadvertently harmed another resident, resulting in a significant drop in the facility’s rating despite adherence to protocols. “Even though we followed appropriate actions, we were reported for ‘abuse’,” Forscutt explained, underscoring the complexities of regulatory compliance.

Thigpen shared a personal perspective, revealing that both of his parents were admitted to Parkwood prior to their passing. He praised the admission process, illustrating the facility’s commitment to quality care.

Boulware remarked on the importance of referrals in selecting a nursing home, stating that “most people spend longer choosing a new car than they do a nursing home.” This highlights the need for families to be well-informed when making such significant decisions.

Addressing Labor Shortages and Industry Concerns

Boulware, along with a group of health care executives, recently discussed labor shortages in the industry during a lunch with former President Donald Trump in Cleveland. “We have a shortage of health care professionals,” he indicated, pointing to a pressing issue that affects service delivery across the sector.

Cameron Shepherd, THCA’s director of membership services and government relations, expressed hope that the organization can serve as a valuable resource for officials unfamiliar with the health care landscape. He emphasized the significance of collaboration between legislators and health care providers to navigate the complexities of the industry.

As Ashby prepares to transition to a state senate campaign and Thigpen aims to succeed him, both officials expressed their commitment to addressing the needs of the health care sector and ensuring quality care for residents in Texas. The tour of Parkwood in the Pines served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the nursing home industry, particularly in the context of rural health care.