by: Katie Bolin
January 29, 2009
Up until last October, elders in Massachusetts were able to get the help they needed to continue living independently in their homes. Now there are more than 300 elders on waiting lists to receive services. This is a result of a $6.7 million cut from the Commonwealth’s Home Care program.
“The cuts are very hard on elders who already have many financial challenges. Further cuts could drive those elders who are barely sustaining themselves into nursing homes,” states Linda George, Executive Director of Boston Senior Home Care. “None of them want that.” Ironically, it also costs the Commonwealth more to support an elder in a nursing home as opposed to the home care program. The difference is $8.75 per day for an elder enrolled in the home care program compared to $158 daily for nursing home services. Over the last eight years, the home care program has actually saved the Commonwealth over $439 million.
By July, Boston Senior Home Care needs to reduce the number of clients its home care program serves by 125. Meanwhile its waiting list has swelled to 34 elders; all of whom have already been deemed eligible for the program. It is unclear when these persons will be admitted as the next round of budget cuts approaches.