We have worked at HomePlace in Oak Harbor since we opened 10 years ago, and have been in elder health care for many years. We would like to take this opportunity to ask the residents of Island County to write their legislators asking them to vote against budget cuts for Medicaid funding for Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Adult Day Programs.

We understand that our state is facing a huge revenue shortfall and that decisions about funding will be difficult, however it’s vitally important that our state’s most vulnerable adults are not left behind. Please join us and oppose any cuts in Medicaid rates for nursing homes, boarding homes and cuts in funding for Adult Day Services in any proposed budget. Please ask them to oppose any legislation that does not maintain current rates as a disparity already exists between the cost of care and the current reimbursement rate. A number of facilities will not take Medicaid residents because of this reimbursement rate, and a reduction in this rate may force other facilities to drop out of the Medicaid program.

Our question is where will these folks be forced to live? We work with those affected with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and work very hard to provide the quality of life they deserve. We have a wonderful group of residents and their families, many of whom are retired military. They should be allowed to spend their final years in a safe and caring environment. Some families may be forced to care for their loved one with Alzheimer’s at home in a situation which can be dangerous to both parties, and often ends with the family caregiver becoming ill and needing care themselves.

Cuts in long-term care funding also mean that jobs will be lost. As advocates for the elderly, we value consistency in quality of care and quality of life. Making cuts to funding will absolutely compromise this consistency and put all of us in jeopardy residents, caregivers and family members alike. Please take the time to contact your legislators and ask them not to make one drastic decision that would affect thousands of lives.

Evelyn DeVries, administrator

Wendy Sines, Community Relations director

and all the Staff

360-279-2555

Email: HPOakHarbor@frontiermgmt.com