I am a provider with IHSS. Have you ever thought what might happen if you or your loved one suddenly became disabled or ill and needed full-time nursing care or home care? Would you then quit your job to care for them or would they, to care for you? Have you ever put yourself in the shoes of the folks in this position or imagined the problems they encounter, such as the costs of nursing facilities or a home health nurse?
There are many dedicated, compassionate caregivers in Lake County who deserve recognition for the position they fill in the community. They are the ones who are relied upon for the care of the most vulnerable people. When you are young you have your parents to care for you. When you are old you may not have anyone to rely on.
These caregivers take time out of their lives to nurture and ease the fears of those they care for by being available to help them with the daily chores of life ranging from getting a bath and getting dressed to eating and drinking etc. Just imagine what you might need if you were disabled. Just for one minute, imagine the struggles of daily living one might encounter when older or disabled and the worry of being subjected to those costly and so dreaded nursing homes.
Have you ever wondered how a person can survive on $6.75 an hour, with no health care benefits in these times, let alone how a person can get quality care for that price?
Aren”t we all getting old and shouldn”t we care about improving the IHSS program and the quality of care? What is more important, the city streets or human lives? I am asking you to search your hearts and ask your savior what he would want you to do about this situation. We need leaders who will competently work to improve the care of the elderly and disabled. We need leadership who will lift the people of Lake County out of poverty.
Please join us in the fight for wages and benefits to improve the quality of living for every one. Call David Smith, 274-8280, to find out what you can do to make a stand on this issue and what your rights are as a provider or a recipient.
Together we can make a difference; there are over 1,500 providers alone in this county. Stand up for your rights and ask your county to make a commitment to care for the elderly and disabled.
Felicia Smith
Clearlake
