Montana misplaced almost a dozen nursing properties in 2022. The fact is that dozens extra assisted residing and lengthy term-care amenities are hanging by a thread.
They’re ready to see if our governor and state Legislature will take the vital steps essential to hold important elder companies obtainable throughout this huge state. Now could be the time to make your voice heard on this important concern.
Whereas the governor says Montanans would favor to age of their properties, and nobody would disagree, the fact is {that a} beloved father or uncle or husband, weighing 200-plus kilos, incontinent, turning into combative in his dementia, could also be greater than his 85-year-old, 100-pound partner can deal with.
As amenities with expert nursing, medicines administration, PT, balanced diet and 24-7 caregivers shut their doorways, households are seeing their family members shipped a whole lot of miles away, solely to see that facility shut just a few months later, simply in regards to the time their liked one begins to develop into comfy with employees and furnishings.
Persons are additionally studying…
This doesn’t have to occur.
The governor and lawmakers want to regulate their funds to implement the suggestions of the $2 million supplier price research they commissioned final 12 months. The governor’s funds doesn’t come near attaining this.
Additionally, the governor and lawmakers have to put the cash the place their mouth is in the case of funding for home- and community-based companies, which at this level doesn’t come near assembly the wants of our elders.
Many may get alongside of their properties with just a bit assist: balanced diet help, dwelling care and case administration to help with family chores, meds, adaptive constructions and gear to assist accommodate independence.
In distinction, the state of Montana is sitting on a $2 billion surplus, and this week the Senate will take up a invoice (SB 121) that provides $6,000/12 months to Montanans making over $1 million/12 months, like our governor, and a $50 annual tax lower on common to Montanans making $43,000-$67,000 a 12 months.
That type of largess to the rich may as a substitute go to fund the required funds assist wanted to help the era that raised us, constructed our faculties and roads, and taught us the distinction between proper and flawed, so they may age with dignity, near family members within the communities they supported for thus a few years.
If you wish to assist, you’ll be able to attain out to your consultant or senator (go away a message with the Capitol switchboard at 406-444-2511) and Gov. Greg Gianforte (406-444-3111) and ask them to totally fund elder companies, each long-term care and residential and community-based companies.
For extra details about contacting your elected officers, go to leg.mt.gov/session/have-your-say/.
Margie MacDonald is board member and lobbyist for Large Sky 55+, a nonprofit group organizing seniors. She represented Billings within the Montana state Home and Senate for 12 years between 2009-2020.
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