Governor Deval Patrick
At a time when eldercare advocates in some states are disappointed with their governor’s budget proposals and use of funds from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, direct-care workers in Massachusetts are happy with this week’s announcement that Governor Deval Patrick is using $764 million of the state’s share of the recovery money to bolster hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, and group homes.
The Boston Herald reported that the March 25 announcement at a Cambridge Hospital brought terms of endearment for the governor from healthcare workers.
“It’s a great first step,” said Lindsey Tucker, manager of health reform policy at the nonprofit Health Care for All.
Patrick is giving $255 million of the stimulus funds to save jobs at government-funded hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health centers.
I think Gov. Patrick is a man with a vision. His dedication to healthcare reform will save the state of Massachusettes a bundle in the long run. The citizens of Massachusettes are fortunate the healthcare industry is a recipient of the stimulus funds. Three cheers for Governor Patrick !!!!!
I don’t agree with Health Care For All and the commenter above that the recent announcements of the Patrick Administration are helpful for elders. The Administration announced allocations of funding for the big institutional providers. It failed to recommend any additional funding for home care programs or community-based services such as home health care and adult day health programs. These programs employ thousand of direct care workers and serve thousands of elders who will not be benefited by the stimulus fund allocation. In addition, none of the “health reform” benefits are available to most elders, since individuals with Medicare do not qualify for coverage. Elders and their direct care workers have been left out in the cold for too long.
While I do not disagree with your sentiments Ruth I feel, like Debbie, that home care too needs the resources our Governor is targeting to long term care.
As wait lists grow here in Hampshire County for elders trying to get into the home care program we have already started to see frail elders getting placed as the help they need is delayed. Often by the time the need is recognized and the family is moving to action they find the wait will be too long as their loved one needs help now.
I recognize the Governor only has what he has for resources, but our priorities need to be realigned to assure that the most vulnerable among us can live with dignity.