Friday, May 21, 2010

Budget plan eliminates worthy social services

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Letters from our readers: Budget plan eliminates worthy social services


May 21, 2010




As part of his budget plan, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating In-Home Supportive Services, the state’s fastest-growing social services program, which pays caregivers to help the disabled and the frail elderly. Nearly half a million disabled Californians get subsidized home care.

Without IHSS, many current clients would be forced to move to skilled nursing centers that accept Medi-Cal patients. At an average expense of $55,000 a year, nursing homes cost five times as much per IHSS client. The number of skilled-nursing center beds has dwindled through the years as IHSS success has grown at helping the elderly continue living independently.

Ted Rudow III, MA
Menlo Park

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