State Rep. Peter Abbarno tours renovated Centralia nursing home

Washington state House Republican Caucus Chair Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, paid a visit to the Three Rivers Care facility in Centralia recently, according to a news release from the Washington State House Republicans.

During the visit, Abbarno went to the facility to see recent renovations and to meet with residents, staff and administrators.

According to the news release, it was an opportunity to learn more about the nursing services provided at the facility as well as the challenges faced by the facility and similar facilities providing nursing home services around the state.

"Three Rivers Care is more than just a health care facility — it's a lifeline for many in our community," Abbarno said.

"In rural areas like Lewis County, access to quality skilled nursing and long-term care is often limited. Three Rivers Care is stepping up to meet those needs, investing not only in their facility, but also in the local workforce and community they serve."

During the visit, Abbarno’s discussions with professionals and residents focused on the impacts of state policymaking on care facilities.

According to the news release, the discussion touched frequently on the financial burden on nursing home facilities, including the state's low Medicaid reimbursement rates and a new business and occupation tax passed into law by the Democrat-controlled state Legislature earlier this year.

"Many bad policies coming out of Olympia are straining local health care facilities and, ultimately, the patients and families who depend on them," Abbarno said. "We must work together to invest in our care providers and support their efforts to serve our seniors and most vulnerable neighbors."

The Three Rivers nursing home facility reopened in December of last year after completing renovation work to the building. According to previous reporting by The Chronicle, the building suffered damage during the 2022 flood. The damage forced the company, Caldera Care, to relocate residents to its Olympia location while working on renovations.

Instead of reopening immediately after repairs were finished, however, Caldera Care elected to take the opportunity to renovate the facility. According to Abbarno’s team and Caldera Care, the facility is now capable of a wider range of services and support for its residents thanks to the renovations.