Clients and family members have been stepping up and opening their homes to help legislators better understand the vital role that home care plays in their lives. In collaboration with our Hearts for Home Care Ambassadors, in the last few months, six families in four states have taken the opportunity to educate their lawmakers and take a stand for home care.
The visiting legislator is hearing first-hand the problems clients are facing and it makes the issue about real families facing real problems – not about facts and figures.
NJ client Carly H. and her mother Lori hosted Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez on a visit in their home earlier this year. Carly, who has spinal muscular atrophy and is attending Rutgers University with the assistance of her home care nurses, was able to boast that due to her nursing care at home, she has never needed to be hospitalized.
The family of client Unzilla Z. in Egg Harbor, NJ was extremely candid about the challenges they face during their home visit. Assemblyman Armato shared that to “hear” through emails and calls are one thing, but the impact of “seeing” what families face is beyond compare.
Pennsylvania state senator Mario Scavello visited East Stroudsburg resident Mrs. Mliss S. to learn about the merits of hospice care. Smith, who receives end of life services from BAYADA Hospice in East Stroudsburg, welcomed the opportunity to meet her senator. Senator Scavello learned a great deal about how hospice care helps patients and their families, whether in a facility or a private home. Mrs. Smith’s daughters emphasized how supported they felt by their hospice team and were thrilled at the care and attention provided to their mother.
NJ Assemblyman Jim Benson visited client, Jim D., where a small group of ambassadors discussed the extensive needs of our clients and showed, firsthand, many of the behind-the-scenes activities that go into providing care for a client. It’s not just about scheduling a nurse or an aide. This is an important message, as we advocate for increased PDN coverage.
And client William B. in Florida hosted US Senator Vern Buchanon on a home visit to demonstrate to the federal legislator the value of home care and the need for our federal Medicaid and Medicare programs to cover home care as a cost-effective option to facility based care. Mr. B. receives physical therapy and occupational therapy to help him regain his strength and promote independence in home. He enjoyed the Congressman’s visit and his PT, John Lumpkin, was able to talk about the care he provides and demonstrate some of the exercises performed. Overall, the visit was great and informative for the Congressman, who plays a very important role in current legislation that is to help eliminate PDGM.
Hearts for Home Care continues to look for clients to host legislative home visits throughout the remainder of the summer and into the fall session. If you’d like to be considered for participation in one of these opportunities, please speak with your Clinical Manager or Client Services Manager today or reach out to us at [email protected].
