By Copper Country News
The San Carlos Council in partnership with its subsidiary corporation, the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation (SCAHC), has started the planning of a long-term care skilled nursing home facility. The council recognizes the need to care for our tribal member Covid-19 long-hauler patients and elders over the age of 55 who are too ill to be at home or care for themselves at home. The planning, design and construction of the nursing home is made possible by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The council allocated $36 million in ARPA funds for the project.
Even with 20 percent mortality in patients over the age of 65, there are still many patients over 65 whose health has deteriorated to the level of requiring assisted living. Many of our patients age 45 to 65 suffered permanent lung injury due to Covid-19. Lung function declines with age, and it is anticipated that many younger patients who suffered from Covid will have progressive pulmonary insufficiency and require future assistance at a long-term care skilled nursing facility.
