Why Rural Doesn’t Mean Behind with Traci Haglund of Wakefield Health Care Center
On this episode, hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter talk to Traci Haglund, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator of Wakefield Health Care Center. She shares an unfiltered look at the realities of rural long-term care — balancing limited beds, unpredictable Medicaid rates, and staff recruitment with deep community commitment. From leveraging association leadership to shaping workplace culture that attracts teens and retirees alike, this conversation offers timely insights for anyone navigating the pressures of rural health care leadership.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
03:49 Small-town care requires managing relationships over decades.
05:38 Blended care models improve flexibility in rural settings.
08:45 Staff retention grows when the team knows resident preferences.
10:47 Community excitement about job recruitment is high.
16:36 State association engagement shortens the leadership learning curve.
20:24 Limited bed availability affects care access and strategy.
21:23 Volatile Medicaid rates undermine financial planning efforts.
32:15 Long-term leaders must schedule non-negotiable recovery time.
Resources Mentioned:
Wakefield Health Care Center | Website
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