Issues in Health Care for the Mentally and Physically Challenged

October 12 at 11:03pm
Senator Cantwell,

The current economy has me concerned because I have a mentally and physically handicapped sibling who is dependent on state and federal funds. Although Senator Deccio created a bill that guaranteed her support with her family and in her community, she has been moved 4 times, from bellevue to redmond to sammamish to woodinville. Each tme, her programs are cut, and it is 3 to 6 months to find something, even 2 hours a week.

The staff/agency who "provides" care has also undergone name changes and staff turnover and multiple moves...not to mention a 75% turnover, on the average, every year.

The health care program definitely affects her, and it is for her that I, and my siblings pay our property and income taxes. I don't have children, but I am grieved by the utter lack of any programs whatsoever, and in the course of this decade of "care" she has lost her speech, her ability to walk, and her ability to toilet herself. All under "state certified care."

Please ensure the voiceless are not overlooked in the health crises and economic crises. She is LAST MAN in the chain of services, and what is documented as services by the caregiving agency does not change the fact that edema and muscle atrophy are the least of her physical concerns. Her body is bruised, and DSHS and police have been notified repeatedly. The "documentation" may cite a bruise, a cut, but never mention the cause.

I don't need more money for management, for state overseers. I need the funding to get to her, to her programs. To a concerted walking and swimming program that isn't repeatedly canceled or delayed because of funding cuts, staff turnover, or whatever may be going on inside the politics of Olympia.

Sincerely
Your constituent (person signed the letter, but I will not disclose the name)