Guest Home administrator gives insight into health care

Rayne Rotarians gained some insight into the operations of a nursing home and the regulations they must meet from Ricky Bonin, administrator of Rayne Guest Home during their meeting Thursday, Jan. 22.
Bonin opened his remarks by noting the nursing home was established in 1966 by local physicians, Dr. Curtis, Dr. Brown and Dr. Guidry, and is operated by their descendants. He also pointed out the facility will be marking its 50th anniversary in 2016.
The Rayne Guest Home’s residents, Bonin noted, benefit from the fact that those descendants “walk the streets of Rayne” and, therefore, are very attuned to the concerns of family and the community.
The 120-bed Guest Home currently operates with a staff of 120 full and part-time employees, with a $3 million payroll.
As a nursing home, Bonin explained it is required to do everything necessary for its residents, from health care to even supplying personal clothing, if needed.
The nursing home is funded largely by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, with only between three and four percent of residents paying personal monies for their care.
Proof of health needs are required before anyone can be accepted as a resident, said Bonin.
The nursing home industry, he continued, is highly regulated. Without a hint of exaggeration, Bonin estimated that all state and federal agencies have some role in overseeing the operations of a nursing home.
Regarding health care trends, Bonin said nursing home are becoming more like rehab centers and are seeing a younger clientelle.
Bonin also announced that Ratcliff Construction of Alexandria is expected to submit construction bids for a planned expansion within days.
If the bid is accepted, construction work could begin with the next five to six months, estimated Bonin.
To prepare for the expansion, Rayne Guest Home purchased the section of Amelia Street in front of the nursing home and property cross the street.