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What would you do if your parents didn't get their Meals on Wheels?
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If your aging parents count on Meals on Wheels or state-funded transportation, brace yourself. State cut-backs may translate to cuts in senior services. This week Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue proposed cutting over a million dollars from the 2009 state meal budget. In September the state closed the prevention clinics that help seniors promote healthy habits and manage chronic diseases like diabetes and arthritis. Budget restrictions have already reduced state funds for in-home help, caregiver respite programs and transportation and meal funds for senior centers. State spending on senior services could be reduced by 11% by 2010.
Every state faces budget reductions, and each will find a way to manage more limited funds. In the coming months we'll get a better sense of what to expect in the next year or two.
In some families, state-funded senior services help maintain a delicate balance; disrupted senior services may mean big changes for aging parents and their families. Families may pick up the slack by a move that would bring aging parents and their adult children physically closer , hired in-home care providers or a new residence in an assisted living community or nursing home.
Vicki Rackner, MD, founder of The Caregiver Club helps those caring for others avoid burn-out, speak up with their doctors and stretch health care dollars. She's a speaker and author and nationally noted expert in the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Rackner's latest book Caregiving Without Regrets is due out in March 2009. Reach her at 425 451-3777
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