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The importance of in-home support services
August 07, 2010,

Editor,


As part of his budget plan, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating In-Home Support 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 centres. Nursing homes cost five times as much per IHSS client. The number of skilled-nursing-centre beds has dwindled through the years as IHSS’ success has grown at helping the elderly continue living independently.


Now after over 35 years of being disabled, certain things had not been fullfilled. But it is a lot better. That day, Jan. 31,1975 we drove in the rain. I passed a truck.We hit another car head on. We lay on the side of the farm road one hour before the ambulance came.


I had big a gash on the left side of my neck,so blood was flowing out for that length of time. So it real miracle that I lived to reach the hospital. I was in a coma for ten days. The doctors told my parents there was no hope of my recovery, and that if I got out of the coma,I would spent rest of my life in a convalescent home, but the Lord had other plans. People prayed for me and I came out of the coma.    


When I emerged from the coma, I had to re-learn how to walk, talk, read and write. I spent almost one year in therapy, learning to cope with only my left side working. I also felt very condemn as I almost killed someone. I was virtually helpless and IHSS not only cared for my physical needs, but they also worked with me to regain all communication and mobility skills, which for I’m eternally greatful.



Ted Rudow III,MA


Menlo Park