On the surface, HR 3001, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (11/18, National/Local, “Long-term care deal considered”) is a compassionate plan to help seniors stay in their homes longer and avoid going into a nursing home.
The proposal, known as the CLASS Act, would give seniors $50 to $100 a day toward their long-term care after paying in a monthly average premium of $65 for five years.
That’s not much money for anyone who is frail, forgetful, unable to dress or cook for themselves, unable to drive, hard of hearing, incontinent, sick or disabled and needs housing modifications, assistive technologies, transportation and round-the-clock caregiving to stay in their homes.
Consider this: It cost $150 alone to transport my wheelchair-bound father from Shawnee to Overland Park and back in a van equipped with a lift so he could see his heart doctor.
HR 3001 makes long-term care facilities sound like the enemy. The fact is, they are vitally important safe harbors for seniors who need compassionate assistance with daily living.
Candace Koehler
Shawnee
Comments