Letter to the Editor from PA SILC Executive Director Corey L. Rowley
Friday, June 29, 2007
Why he's worried
Dr. Stuart Shapiro's commentary "Let's Be Honest About Home Health Care," June 20 Perspectives) is the nursing home industry's latest self-interested attack against home care. Ironically, his argument supports home care and demonstrates the industry's need to update its business for changing times.
He is correct, most people want to age in their own home. A University of Pittsburgh study found 90 percent of those age 50 and older wish to stay in their community. Plus, 18 percent of people living in nursing homes today would prefer to get care in their own home.
However, until recently a person with a disability or a senior with Medicaid needing long-term care could stay only in a nursing home. With the strong support of advocates, the state began giving people new freedoms to choose where they get care, but the system is still heavily biased toward nursing homes.
Today, nearly 80 percent of state spending for long-term care goes to nursing homes and only 20 percent for home care. The state is trying to shift that ratio to a 50/50 balance. Obviously the nursing home industry is worried.
Home care is less expensive. Two people can receive care in their home for about $23,000, less than half of the $55,000 it costs for one year in a nursing home.
This serious issue will likely touch every family. Hopefully the industry will stop trying to protect its billions in government funding and understand it is about the freedom to decide where to live and receive care.
COREY L. ROWLEY
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council
Harrisburg
