Legislators, elderly discuss health issues
"The young people today are the caregivers tomorrow."
That was the statement made Oct. 22 at the Marion Senior Center by Julie Govert Walter. Walter is the executive director of the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging. The agency hosted the annual "Heart to Heart" workshop with senior citizens, legislators, and elderly service providers.
"If schools were to adopt (more) programs to encourage youth to be more involved in volunteerism and community service activities, these future caregivers will have a better understanding of how to take care of their parents, aunts, uncles, and other family members," said Walter.
This topic and other elderly health care topics were discussed.
State Senator Jim Barnett from Emporia and State Representative Joshua Svaty from Ellsworth were present to answer questions pertaining to upcoming legislature and state-funded program.
The major point of discussion with the legislators was the state's budget and how it will affect the local programs.
With the reduction of funds and residents on waiting lists for care, case workers are reporting more elderly whose needs are not being met.
"I know of a lady whose daughter has relocated from another state to assist her mother until care can be given to her," said Connie Suderman, case worker. Family and friends are having to assume more responsibility.
"What's going to happen to me when my friend can't bring me to the Senior Center every day?" asked Doris Ewert, Marion resident. "My eyesight doesn't allow me to drive and someday I may not have anybody to bring me down for my meal."
Barnett and Svaty agreed that so many issues are related to funding and understand the quandary facing the elderly and providers.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for those of you who care for the elderly," said Barnett. "You are to be commended for your dedication and desire to help people."
Walter provided statistical information regarding the aging population.
From the 2000 census, Kansas' total population of 2,688,418 has 98,608 ages 60 to 64, 175,916 ages 65 to 74, 128,542 ages 75 to 84, and 51,770 ages 85 and older. Seventeen percent or 545,836 Kansans are 60 years old and older.
From 1990 to 2000, those residents aged 60 and older increased more than 89,000. By the year 2025, those aged 60 and older will exceed 777,000.
In order to meet the needs of those Kansans 60 years old and older, there are 11 area agencies on aging that work with the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA), the Kansas Department on Aging (KDOA), local service providers, county and municipal governments, and communities to provide services to senior citizens. These agencies are commonly referred to as a "continuum of care."
Nationally, 40 percent of long-term care expenses are paid by private sources. Individuals pay out-of-pocket costs of 25 percent and private insurance pays another 10 percent.
More fully funded programs will mean more savings may occur. Home and community care could be used instead of institutionalizing.
On the average, it costs state taxpayers nearly $2,500 per month for every Medicaid customer in a nursing facility. Nursing facility care is an entitlement under Medicaid. A customer with similar care needs could be kept in their residence of choice with HCBS-FE services for about $900 per month. SGF customers' care costs are even less — averaging less than $100 per customer per month.
Walter further explained that when home and community services are not fully funded based upon case load projections, customers are put on waiting lists.
At present there are about 1,902 Kansas senior citizens waiting for in-home care.
"For every one of those on the waiting list who chooses to enter a nursing facility, the state could have cared for so many others in their homes," Walter said.
In addition, those citizens who stay in their homes, continue to pay property and sales taxes.
