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Amid staff shortages and closures, how can we rely on safe and dependable nursing home care?

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Nursing homes provide a vital service for those who cannot live independently, but in Iowa, finding the right nursing home care can be incredibly challenging.

Since June of 2022, more than 26 nursing homes in Iowa have closed. Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe talks with an Iowan who had to move her mother to a senior living community another county away when her last home abruptly closed.

Then Clark Kauffman who has reported on Iowa healthcare for over 30 years will share the root causes of some recent distressing nursing home incidents he's covered.

State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Angela Van Pelt shares what her office has implemented in her two years at the helm to ensure their mission of protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of those in long-term care facilities, and advocate John Hale discusses what changes must be made to improve Iowa's nursing home system.

Guests:

  • Sandy Loney, district two supervisor, Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
  • Clark Kauffman, healthcare reporter, Iowa Capital Dispatch
  • Angela Van Pelt, state long-term care ombudsman
  • John Hale, co-owner, The Hale Group
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.