| ■ Many States Cutting Programs for Elderly and Disabled | 2010.07.23 |
| Budget deficits have led many states to slash home-care services for the elderly and the disabled, such as housekeeping, meal deliveries and assistance for family caregivers. The cuts threaten to reverse the long-term trend of helping extend the number of years people can stay in their homes, The New York Times reported. Since the recession began, at least 25 states and the District of Columbia have curbed home-care services for the elderly and disabled, according to a research group called the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Among the reductions in service: Alabama cut housekeeping services for more than 1,000 elderly people. Meals on Wheels in Illinois stopped accepting new clients because the group wasn't being reimbursed by the state. Last year, Florida put 69,000 people on waiting lists for home or community services and 5,700 of them ended up in Medicaid nursing homes. Arizona reduced independent living supports and respite programs for family caregivers. In the next year, Kansas will cut independent living services for 2,800 people with disabilities. |