I’m no mathematician, but I do know that $4,800 is less than $62,000. What those numbers represent is the average yearly amount spent on home care versus the average yearly amount spent on nursing home care.

LD 2173 proposes dangerous cuts to many community programs that help the elderly maintain independence and remain in their homes as long as possible. This includes the homemaker and adult day care programs.

Home-based care is essential for senior citizens. Home-based care includes helping a person receive one hot meal a day, basic housekeeping chores, trips to the doctor or the pharmacy. As people become less able to care for themselves, home-based care can also include skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and other services that help to keep elders at home.

The point is, they can still manage in their own homes, and for significantly less than if they were in a nursing home.

I know that I want to be able to stay in my own home as I grow older, as do my friends and loved ones. If we are honest with ourselves, it’s what we all want.

Legislators must look at all the budget cuts to programs that help the elderly and find a better way to balance the budget. It is not only the right thing to do, but it makes the most financial sense.

Elinor Goldblatt, Auburn


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