An Our Island Home Alternative

To the editor: Before the community of Nantucket commits to its most expensive public project ever, serious questions should be raised concerning the entire idea of long-term in-patient skilled nursing care.

It is a mode of healthcare already under close scrutiny for its exorbitant expense and dismal rates of recovery. All developed nations other than the US put far greater emphasis on long term care for the elderly and disabled in the comfort of their own homes and the presence of their loved ones.

A small modern SNF near the Cottage Hospital for stays of less than ninety days might be a more reasonable alternative. Perhaps the present Island Home could be converted to much needed housing for home healthcare providers. The last thing Nantucket needs is a huge expensive new facility built to provide a mode of healthcare already deemed subpar and obsolete.

Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Ruttenberg