Budget cuts lead to cuts in service
By Robert P. Dean
As a result of severe budget cuts, statewide managed intake for the State Home Care program has begun. During the past year, the State Home Care and Enhanced Community Options (ECOP) programs were cut by more than $13 million dollars statewide. As a result, there is not nearly enough funding to serve the thousands of seniors across the Commonwealth who are expected to apply for and who would otherwise be eligible to receive the State Home Care program services they need in the year ahead. The program provides an array of essential family-like services that are designed to promote independent living. Such services include in-home assistance with personal care needs such as dressing, bathing, and bathroom assistance, and with homemaking. The recently implemented managed intake process seeks to substantially limit the number of seniors statewide who can be enrolled into the program. Effective September 8, 2009, all seniors applying for the State Home Care program are to be placed on a waiting list unless they meet one of a limited number of qualifying exceptions, in which case they can be enrolled into the program and begin to receive services. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs will determine when seniors can be removed from the waiting list. We will most likely see a very large statewide waiting list.
During tough economic times, the need for basic human services goes up - not down. More people need food and fuel assistance, and home care. Home care should be the first option for seniors in need of services. The overwhelming preference of seniors is to continue to live in their own homes and communities, and that if or when they need long-term care services to receive those services at home. Home care is far less costly than nursing facility placement and can help delay or avoid such placements. This past year’s cuts to the State Home Care and ECOP programs will cost taxpayers more in the long run if seniors in need of in-home assistance receive more costly institutional care instead. Here in Berkshire County, we currently serve more than 1,000 seniors a month in our State Home Care and ECOP programs. A waiting list will be painful.
It is important that seniors in need of services continue to call Elder Services in the months ahead. There are many things we can do to help. Seniors may meet one of the exceptions to the waiting list for the State Home Care program, or may be eligible for some of the other services and supports we provide such as Meals on Wheels, volunteer services, SHINE (health insurance information counseling), or caregiver support, to name but a few. The Choices program, which provides our highest level of in-home services to MassHealth-eligible seniors will continue to enroll new applicants who meet the eligibility requirements for the program. Our Adult Family Care program provides MassHealth-eligible individuals with care in a home environment. Family members (with the exception of a spouse or legal guardian) are eligible caregivers and can receive a tax-free stipend. Our Personal Care Assistance program provides in-home services to MassHealth-eligible individuals who require physical assistance with such things as bathing, dressing, toileting, and medications, while promoting independence and support to allow the individual to retain self-direction and control.
If you need help, please give us a call at 1-800-544-5242.
Robert P. Dean is Executive Director of Elder Services.
