Casinos not the only game on Beacon Hill -- Elder Caucus Lobbies For Home Care Funds

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 03, 2008 -
The request comes at a time when 66% of all MassHealth long term care dollars go to nursing homes, and the Commonwealth ranks 2nd in the nation for percentage of seniors in institutions.

"We're playing a losing numbers game," said Mass Home Care Association Executive Director Al Norman. "We can care for two people at home for every one we place in an institution. That's a winning hand."

In a "Dear Colleague" letter dated March 13th, circulated by Representative Barbara L'Italien (D-Andover) and Representative Richard Ross (R-Wrentham), the lawmakers urged the House and Senate Ways & Means Committees to increase funding for six items affecting the elderly.

Among the items sought:
•   $46 million for Governor Patrick's "Community First" program to keep elders and individuals with disabilities living in the community.
•   $58 million for an "enhanced home care" program that keeps nearly 4,700 elders out of nursing homes.
•   $9.1 million for local Councils on Aging.
•   $2 million to raise the wages of homemakers
•   $21.5 million to combat elder abuse
•   $925,000 for a geriatric mental health counseling program for seniors

"It's a safe bet that seniors want to be cared for at home," said Old Colony Elderly Services Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi. "Yet most of our tax dollars go to nursing homes. It's time to put our money where our seniors are and want to be --- at home."

Norman said that Massachusetts ranks second only to Connecticut in the percentage of seniors age 65 and over who are in nursing homes. "We've become overly-reliant on institutions," he said. "We're playing with a deck stacked towards institutions. It's time to up the ante by putting more money into community care first."

Lawmakers covering OCES' service area who signed onto the "Dear Colleague" letter for home care include:  Stephen Canessa, Brian Joyce, Christine Canavan, Frank Hynes, William Galvin, Viriato deMacedo, Thomas Calter, Robert Creedon and John Quinn.

OCES serves the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.  

About Old Colony Elderly Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elderly Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  

The organization’s mission is to provide services which will support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.  

The agency has 110 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oc-elderly.org.