State program cuts are a life-or-death matter
By Margaret Nesbitt (Contact)
November 19, 2008
Hank Lacayo, longtime president of the Congress of California Seniors, surveyed the crowd gathered at the Derby Club in Ventura.
There were many things that concerned these seniors. The state budget showed huge fiscal problems, and many senior programs were to be cut drastically. Seniors are living longer, and the aging baby boomers are on the horizon. Presently, there are 4.5 million seniors in California, and about 500 of them were in this hall, anxiously waiting for some good news. It did not look as though they were going to get it.
Seniors, ready to spend their golden days free of worry, were being faced with cuts of all kinds.
Victoria Jump, director of the Ventura County Agency on Aging, stressed the fact that "seniors were a powerful voting bloc and needed to use their power as a united voice."
Anyone who visits a nursing home on a regular basis knows of the many problems encountered by the residents. They are often a lonely voice not heard by anyone.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman program has efficiently and quietly been there to hear their complaints and concerns. Members visit these facilities regularly and follow the complaints until they are resolved. The program will have drastic cuts and will not be able to operate as efficiently.
Elder abuse is a particular concern of Adult Protective Services. What will happen to reports of abuse if there is not enough staff to investigate? There is a good chance that many of these cases will end up in miserable and painful deaths.
Abridged
SOURCE: Ventura County Star Ca. USA
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Unfortunately, in today's climate of economic downturn; we will be seeing more of such reports not only in the US, but also many other countries will be tempted to do the same. As I mentioned in an earlier post -"Elder Abuse: The First Cut is the Deepest" -- Those in government, must remember that seniors make up a powerful voting bloc. Do not ignore us!
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