Thursday is Alzheimer’s Action Day in the State Capitol–an effort to draw legislative attention to the budget cuts of agencies servicing people with this dementia. Advocates are concerned that the governors proposed elimination of Medi-Cal benefits for adult day health care centers would mean that 37,000 Californian’s would lose services.
About 64 percent of the people who attend adult day health care centers have dementia. They have an average age of 78 and also have three or more chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 73 percent of these people need assistance with basic activities of daily living and 39 percent are on six or more medications.
By cutting Medi-Cal funding, the California Association of Health Care Centers estimates the state saves $137.4 million, however, other studies show that a minimum of $221.4 million in cost shifting as many of these people will go to nursing homes without adult day care.
Currently, the governor has proposed the budget elimination for March 1 and discharge by June 1. Facility’s will have only three months to notify families of the elimination of the program. Although this same issue came up last year and was defeated, this year the state has already started to eliminate Medi-Cal benefits no longer required under federal Medicare–such as dental, vision, and incontinent supplies.
Unfortunately, this is just another prime example of how the elderly and disabled are getting the short end of the stick amidst the state’s current budget troubles. Such proposed cuts will deconstruct the safety net we have for these people and they will either end up in a nursing home or be left at home alone when a family member goes to work. The risk for neglect is high.
The nursing home attorneys at Berman & Riedel, LLP represent victims of elder abuse and neglect throughout San Diego and Southern California. If you would like to speak with one of the firm’s attorneys regarding the care an elderly loved one is receiving in a California nursing home or other type of elder care facility, call Berman & Riedel, LLP today at (858) 350-8855. Our attorneys will happily provide you and your family an initial free consultation to discuss with you any questions or concerns you may have. To learn more about the firm’s practice, visit www.preventelderabuse.com.
