Obama Boosts In-Home Services for the Disabled

[babylonsister]

Obama Boosts In-Home Services for the Disabled
by Jennifer LaFleur, ProPublica - June 22, 2009 1:02 pm EDT


President Barack Obama announced today measures to increase the ability of people with disabilities to live at home, rather than in institutions.

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C. <1>, which said that making services for disabled people available only in institutions and not at home violated the Americans with Disabilities Act <2>. Scant progress has been made toward that goal, and disability advocates have been disappointed that the issue has not thus far figured in the administration's health care reform plans.

"The Olmstead ruling was a critical step forward for our nation, articulating one of the most fundamental rights of Americans with disabilities: Having the choice to live independently," President Obama said in a statement <3> intended to kick off what he termed "The Year of Community Living."

"I am proud to launch this initiative to reaffirm my Administration's commitment to vigorous enforcement of civil rights for Americans with disabilities and to ensuring the fullest inclusion of all people in the life of our nation," Obama said.

Currently, services in nursing homes are mandatory for Medicaid recipients, while services in the community are optional. Tens of thousands of people who live in institutions such as nursing homes, rehab centers and state hospitals around the country would rather receive services at home. With the appropriate assistance, such as an aide to help them get out of bed, dress and bathe, many can do so.

In today's announcement, President Obama directed Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to identify ways to improve access to housing and community services for people with disabilities.

The administration also provided more than $140 million in Recovery Act funding for independent living centers across the country, which assist people who want to move out of institutions and into their own homes.

more...

http://www.propublica.org/feature/obama-boosts-in-home-services-for-the-disabled-622

[Captain Hilts]

1. Long time coming. Good on him. Go, Bam! nt

[Cha]

2. Thanks Pres Obama and I'm sure those

who need that help are eternally grateful!

[WePurrsevere]

3. As someone who's disabled (MS) and may someday need more

care then my family can provide this means a lot to me.

[goclark]

8. YES! YES!YES!

This is great news!!!!!!

[goclark]

4. K and R ~ this makes my year to know that help is coming

Help is coming if not for my Mother but for others.

My Mom is 90,sweet as pie and loves her HOME.

I am her Care Giver.
I am honored to do it and yet, it is like the excellent book says
" The 36 Hour Day."

Mom has Alzheimer's and it is not possible to leave her alone.

Does she belong in a nursing home -- NO!

I want to take care of her all the time but I now realize that I need additional help and a saint named Nellie comes to care for her about 20 hours per week. Nellie is less than the going rate, she is $10 per hour and is worth $50 per.

Why are people finding the Nursing Home as the only option? A good one cost $4000 per month and what else can they do if they are not able to care for their loved ones at home?

I am lucky. I have Long Term Care Insurance, because of her pre existing condition, I could not get it for her. Believe me, if you can get it --- GET IT NOW!

There are millions of people that could benefit from this new option and they would be so relieved to have even 2 hours a day -- what a joy!

[truedelphi]

5. Can I point out that Long Term Care may well be another rip off

Go ahead and suggest that someone purchase it, if they suspect that they are about to come down with full blown MS or Parkinson's etc and will be facing this illness within the next five years.

But do you really think that the companies offering long care insurance will NOT BE BANKRUPT when every other Baby Boomer now signing up for these plans (And diligently paying a huge fortune!) is in their eighties or older?

In any event, blessings to you for your courage in helping out your Mom and in being wise enough to turn to Nellie so that you can stay healthy and capable yourself.

[goclark]

6. I'm talking from the experiences of my friends

that are Seniors.

Those that I know have benefited , especially those that took it out several years ago.

I'm sure that others may have not. Insurance in general is a lot like going to Vegas. The difference is that I don't gamble on my health if I can do something to prepare for an emergency. That's just me.

Based on my own experiences, mine has more than paid for itself because I needed someone to help me after major surgery. I was here in my own home and did not have to stay in the hospital additional days. They PAID for someone to care for me right here.

And -- I was able to be here with my Mom as well. The Care Giver cooked for us and technically took care of both of us.

To each his/her own.

[Spazito]

7. That is good news!

I am recommending your OP as it is both FACTUAL and GOOD news, a breath of 'fresh air' from recent OPS!

[Odin2005]

9. We have this in Minnesota and I get this assistance.

I am a high-functioning autistic (Asperger's Syndrome) have and have staff a few hours a day 3 days a week to help run errands, make appointments, do paperwork, etc.

[Odin2005]

10. Kick!