I love my patients – I love the caregivers that work for me – and I love the fact that I’m able to help people through difficult times. It is a rewarding profession and it gives me more than I’m able to give back. At this point, fair readers, you’re probably saying – Yes, but what about … wait for it … the MONEY. Ok, you got me, I’ll admit it – I make a living at it too. My family doesn’t go hungry but let me assure you – no one is getting rich here. Why am I telling you this? Well because our fine legislators in Sacramento (at the behest of the largest labor unions) want to change the care giving business forever. They call the proposed laws sweet things like The Home Care Services Act and The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights but what they are called and what they will do are two vastly different things. Believe me when I tell you – unless your name is Gates, Getty, or Walton – passage of these laws, as written, will force many grandmothers out of their homes and into a nursing home. A prospect that makes me sad. Passage of these laws, as written, will be bad for caregivers (especially live-in). A prospect that makes me mad. I wrote a letter to my assembly-person yesterday, and I’m attaching it below, if you read it and feel motivated to act, please let me know. A letter, or call in support would go a long way. If you want more info check out the debate from yesterday’s AirTalk radio program – Click Here
Dear Assemblymember ___________-
I’m a small business owner from your district and I strongly oppose both AB889 and SB411. Both are an ill advised attempt to regulate the home care business. While I agree that there is room for improvement in our industry these bills will drive even more of the in-home care business “underground” and away from legitimate employee based in-home care agencies like mine. I pride myself on running a business that not only provides the kind of quality care I would give my own mother or grandmother but one that provides a living wage to our employee caregivers.
From a budgetary standpoint – If AB889 and SB411 become law the cost of private in-home care for our venerable seniors will skyrocket, basically removing the option of private in-home care for all but the most affluent. Without a private sector option more and more seniors will rely on state administered programs – an expense that the state can ill afford. In addition, not only will the State incur huge costs in administering the law, it will lose payroll tax revenue as more families choose care from illegitimate “underground” sources.
I urge you to oppose these two bills and welcome any questions you might have.
We are a family owned company that was founded because of personal experience with aging parents and grandparents. We want to continue helping others and doing our business in the best way we know how – these two bills make that nearly impossible.
Thank you for your time.
Home Care Extraordinaire – 949-500-2379 Orange County or 310-995-5332 Long Beach/South Bay
Tags: Alzheimer's, Assisted living, assisted living at home, California Goverment, Caregiver, dementia, Elder care, Elder law, elderly care, Government Debt, Home Care, Home Health Aide, In Home Assistance, In Home Care, in home nursing services, inpatient care, Long Beach, Nursing Home, Orange County, senior home care, South Bay