Nursing home seniors need budget item
Letter to the Editor,
Many elderly and disabled people live in nursing homes, which can be very costly. When their funds run out, they find themselves on Medicaid. In addition to paying regular nursing home fees, Medicaid gives them a Personal Needs Allowance of $50 per month. This money is spent on cable, WiFi, cellphone, snacks, toiletries, hair cuts, shoes, slippers, shirts, night gowns and other clothing. Of the 50 states, Ohio ranks 33rd in the nation for resident PNA amount.
All of us have felt the increases in food, rent, et cetera, and the people in nursing homes also have felt price increases. To assist these people, the governor has included in the budget a PNA increase to $100 a month. I am eager to see this item kept in the budget. So I’m asking your assistance.
Please write to our representative: the honorable Merideth Craig, Ohio House of Representatives, at 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215.
Urge her to support this increase; it is an important step in improving the quality of life and general well-being for nursing home residents.
Ella Kick
Wooster