OR Seniors Connect Jobs, Economy with Long-Term Care Safety Net
PORTLAND, Ore. - Both of Oregon's prospective new governors are hearing this week from seniors and AARP members. The message, even from those who are retired, is the importance of jobs – not only for those who need to keep working, but for caregivers whose skills and services allow older people to remain in their own homes and communities. The state has reacted to the budget crisis by either trimming, or threatening to trim, these in-home services.
Jerry Cohen, AARP Oregon state director, says callers and audience members at Chris Dudley's tele-town hall meeting on Monday weren't shy about stating their views.
"People shared their stories. Many individuals shared the challenges, frustrations, and also the benefits they've been able to receive, in terms of support and a safety net, around Oregon's model of home-based care."
One point raised at the meeting was the economic benefit of Oregon's current long-term care system. Cohen says allowing seniors to remain at home means less drain on the state budget – in part, because of families' major roles as unpaid caregivers.
"We're talking about anywhere from $4.8 billion to $5 billion a year, just in the state of Oregon. And that translates to savings that otherwise might go to costs we'd all have to incur, for nursing homes and more restrictive settings, when they're not necessary."
About 14,000 people attended Republican Dudley's tele-town hall by phone. His opponent, Democrat John Kitzhaber, is on the hotseat on Thursday morning. Cohen says starting Friday, AARP will post video of the meetings so voters can view them both. They'll be at livestream.com/aarporegon.
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