WCA Home reports ‘progress’ with its staff | News, Sports, Jobs

WCA reception in Fredonia.

There is a little more optimism this week when it comes to the WCA Home in Fredonia. The care facility, located on Temple Street in the village, sounded the alarm over a week ago about the possibility of an exodus of staff due to a demanding New York state warrant COVID vaccines for health workers.

Late last week, however, a note to families of residents currently at the facility indicated a brighter picture. “The wonderful news is that we have all but two employees (who have) agreed to be vaccinated” said Marnie Ulkins, assistant administrator of WCA Home. “So we feel a lot better about October 7th. “

Earlier this month, WCA Home feared it would lose a third of its staff due to the state edict, which is being legally challenged. This would have forced the home to potentially release the residents.

In the meantime, the search for new workers continues to be a struggle. Ulkins noted that the institution continues to seek applicants with little luck.

“The problem remains to find the right solution for our needs” she wrote. “We need state certified aids for nursing staff and nursing staff is our main need right now. We need medication aids and they don’t need to be certified, but we do need a second and third shift (staff) which is hard to find even with the differential of quarter.

WCA Home is not alone in facing these challenges. Last week, nursing facilities across the county voiced concerns about the tenure of their workers.

Lisa Haglund, chief executive of heritage ministries, estimates that between 70 and 100 unvaccinated heritage ministry workers could end up resigning in places in Chautauqua County before a state-imposed deadline. That’s about 10% of the workforce, she said, which offers options for rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living and long-term care at multiple facilities.

Ulkins noted that challenges remain while reassuring residents’ families of his commitment to care. “So far we are making good progress”, she said. “We are not there yet, but definite progress has been made. “