Rep. Dean Dohrman, Linda Fisher, Ginger Dollinger |
I found my cousin, Karen, and her lobbying
partner at what they called their “office.” This was a perfect area to see everyone
that entered the building. Ginger and I joined them and while we enjoyed our
coffee, we received our first lucky break of the day. My cousin had a place for
us to leave our coats. How great to not have to lug them around.
“Usually when we get here,” I told
her, “we have this big discussion as to whether it’s cold enough that we have
to wear our coats. That wasn’t an option this morning.”
Soon, the Alzheimer’s group passed
by, and we discovered that we were now meeting in Hearing
Room #2, instead of
#3. We would meet to receive our appointment schedules, leave behind packets, instructions,
and don our purple sashes. Our Springfield group was unable to come because of
ice, so our group was smaller than usual.
Ginger Dollinger |
The Memory Day ceremony had been
moved to 2:00 p.m., so for the first time, we had lunch first. Better yet, we
weren’t rushed!
Another first: Ginger and I had
different representatives. Since I’d moved a few miles down the road, I was in a new
district.
We had two important issues to
discuss with our legislators.
Alzheimer’s
Grants. We have been fortunate to receive Alzheimer’s service grants for
many years. This year we asked for $450,000 to be budgeted for grants that
provide respite care for Missourians with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.
This grant has the potential to save the state millions each year. How is that
possible? Respite often helps caregivers keep loved ones at home longer. Eight
hundred families receive respite from this grant. Nursing home care costs Medicaid
(paid by the state) an average of $147 per day. Sixty percent of
nursing home residents are on Medicaid. If respite funds delay nursing home
placement for Medicaid eligible persons by one month (30 days) the state would save $2,116,800. The savings
alone makes sense! I delayed nursing home placement by several months with
in-home care partially paid with respite funds. It is impossible to place a
value on how much that time meant to us.
Senior
Savings Protection Act (SB 244/HB 636). We all know how on our toes we have
to be to avoid being scammed. People with dementia are even more vulnerable to
being exploited. This bill would allow financial industry professionals to
reach out to state agencies and family members if they suspect senior clients
are being exploited and to refuse disbursements up to ten days. Folks, this is
so necessary! Jim had me to run interference for him when telemarketers and
others tried to take advantage of him. Not everyone has a person who can keep
track of all the unscrupulous shysters out there that would love nothing better
than to tap someone’s bank account.
Linda, Ginger, and Rep. Dave Muntzel |
After these visits, we split up.
Ginger went to the ceremony, and I accompanied another advocate on his legislative visit. As soon as our meeting ended, we walked to the second floor
rotunda area where Lt. Governor Peter Kinder was talking about Alzheimer’s
impact on families and government. Advocates held flowers representing their
connection to the disease. The program ended with a caregiver’s personal story.
I dropped off a packet for our
senator and retrieved our coats. On the drive back to Sedalia, Ginger and I
talked about the day, our impressions, our hopes and fears. It had been a
tiring day, but productive.
Being an advocate means being a
voice. Each of us can be a voice to help advance these important issues in
Missouri. Face-to-face meetings make the most difference, but you can lend your
support with a letter, phone call, or email. It just takes a moment, but approval
of the $450,000 Alzheimer’s Grant could be a lifeline for someone you love and
save the state millions at the same time. The Senior Savings Protection Act
could help your grandparents or elderly parents keep their hard-earned savings.
These two issues are a win-win for Missouri residents and taxpayers.
Copyright © February 2015 by L.S.
Fisher
http://earlyonset.blogspot.com
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