CM Won on Elmhurst Extended Care Unit funding and expansion
Councilmember Won asks about the Elmhurst Extended Care Unit opened in December 2024. Olberg confirms the ECUs operate at a loss but provide longer-term savings through avoided future admissions. Won asks about FY27 funding and expansion beyond 20 beds; Olberg promises specific numbers.
Thank you, Chair.
I want to start by acknowledging something positive.
The extended care unit that opened at Elmhurst in December 2024 is exactly the kind of investment this community needed.
20 beds, up to 120-day stays, and 50% patients connecting to permanent housing on discharge.
That is a real result.
My question is about sustainability.
What is the annual operating cost of the Elmhurst ECU?
Is it fully funded in FY27?
And is there any plan to expand capacity beyond 20 beds?
Can you answer that?
Yes.
I think currently for the extended care units, we do operate those beds at a loss, right, because we understand how valuable they are.
And, again, it's a loss measured by the stay.
But there is a return, I think, on the person's care in terms of avoiding future admissions and future costs, and that's why we operate the program at a loss because we think there's a longer-term savings to be had.
I can get you those specific numbers, right?
Please do.
Mine are across all the ECUs, but we can certainly provide you the numbers.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair.
Okay, great.
Councilmember Aldebar, followed by Ressler.