Cutting Services the Right Way
Friday, November 28th, 2008
Government needs to stop and think about making long term strategic cuts that represent good social policy. It is more simple than they think.
As states are forced to make budget cuts, too often it is the elderly and disabled that feel those cuts. These cuts are usually in community base services. However, what government needs to really do is to increase the threshold of eligibility to receive institutional or 24/7 care. In 2006 according to the Wall Street Journal federal and state spending for nursing home care was $47 billion and $15 billion for home/community care.
Survey after survey shows the elderly and disabled per to live in their community and receive less restrictive care. It is cheaper, more individuals can be served for less money and the outcomes better.
(pic by jayelaherm)
