Sample Nursing Home Family Member Letter to Editor
Dear Editor:
Facing a decision about how to care for a loved one’s long-term care needs as they age is never easy. It is something my family and I faced with my own mother. As hard as it was, as the days go on, I am convinced more and more that it was the right decision.
I don’t worry about the quality of care she receives or the quality of life she enjoys. I know her caretakers personally and they know me. More importantly, they know the needs of my mother, and that brings us both tremendous comfort.
What is upsetting, however, is the dwindling commitment of the state to continue to provide the funds needed to ensure facilities like those where my mother stays gets the resources they need to provide the best treatment and services to residents.
In the past 3 ½ years, Pennsylvania has paid roughly $650 million less than it owed for the care of Medicaid residents in nursing homes, even though our residents are sicker than ever before. For each Medicaid resident, nursing homes are forced to absorb, on average, $14 a day, or $5,000 a year.
When the state cuts its funding, facilities have to find ways to make up the difference, whether through staff cuts or reductions in food services. I can sympathize with state leaders who are trying to figure out how to craft a balanced budget amid growing deficits. But when funding is limited, our seniors in need must be a priority.
SINCERELY,