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Politics

Scott: Helping Familes Care for Their Elders Is a Budget Priority

November 15, 2017 - 6:00pm

Recognizing Florida has the highest percentage of elders in the nation, Gov. Rick Scott has recommended $12.5 million for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in his 2018-19 Securing Florida’s Future budget.

The governor announced in a Department of Elder Affairs press statement Wednesday, the money will serve more than 1,100 elders in need and be used as an investment in programs that support Florida families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and make necessary changes to outdated technology that will enable Florida’s Aging Network to better serve seniors and their caregivers. 
 
Said Scott, “Florida is proud that so many elders are choosing to call our state home and we are fully committed to providing them with the services and support they need. These important investments are essential to helping our elders remain healthy, safe, and independent so they, and their families, can continue to enjoy our great state.”
 
Here's what the budget includes:
 

  • $3 million to provide services for additional elders with Alzheimer’s disease and relief for their caregivers through the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI);
  • $5 million for home and community-based services for more seniors at risk for nursing home placement through the Community Care for the Elderly Program (CCE);
  • $1 million to provide services for more of the frailest individuals through the Home Care for the Elderly Program (HCE);
  • $2.65 million to improve the Department’s client assessment processes and technology, including replacement of the 26-year-old Client Information and Registration Tracking System (CIRTS); and
  • $876,000 for the Aging and Disability Resource Centers to assess needs and provide services to elders across Florida.

 
Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Jeffrey Bragg said, “... We must continue to set an example by investing in essential home and community-based services that best meet their needs. I am so grateful for the leadership and support of Governor Scott in providing these increases year after year -- more than $163 million since 2011 -- and for his commitment to serving Florida’s 5.2 million seniors.”

A number of other state leaders in the area of elder affairs weighed in on Scott's $12.5 million budget for their priorities:
 
Jaime Estremera-Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Area Agency on Aging for Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc. and vice president of the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging (F4A), said, “I am very thankful to Governor Scott for his support and investments in these programs that are vital for frail elders in Florida and allows us to help them maintain their health and independence in their own homes and communities.”
 
Debbie Moroney, ACSW, CEO, Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., said, “ADI is such an important program that supports caregivers and those with Alzheimer’s disease in Florida. Governor Scott has once again recognized the critical need for respite services for the selfless caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. They need our continued support, and I applaud the Governor for his continued support of our efforts.”   
 
Lisa Bretz, MSW, executive director, Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, said, “Through this increased funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Governor Scott has shown his support for our organizations in our mission to promote the independence, dignity, health, and well-being of seniors and their caregivers, and we applaud him for providing this funding for us again.”
 
Andrea V. Busada, President of the Board of Directors, Florida Association of Aging Services Providers (FASP), said, “We are extremely pleased with the Governor’s continued commitment to enhancing the tools and technology at the Department of Elder Affairs which will allow service providers to more effectively serve our seniors.” 

Comments

Seniors "choose" Florida for the "Heat" and the "Sun"; (and THOSE ain't basketball teams Governor) ! AND they believe "NFL" stands for "No F-----g Love" for America"!

Assisted Living Facilities that serve low income and middle class Floridians are at a tipping point. Rising property taxes, increasing costs of labor, fuel and regulations have created a crisis. The current Medicaid rate of $12.25/day has led many smaller facilities to call it quits and increasingly throughout the state there is a "silent crisis" of seriously disabled seniors unable to access Assisted Living Facilities because they are $300 - $400 a month short. The truth is the reimbursement system for care is broken and in disrepair for the seniors and the mentally ill. The AHCA recently reported that the number of state licensed LMH-ALFs has dropped from 1100 to 800 from 2015 to 2017. So the State Budget shows no movement for improving access to care....the rise in unlicensed facilities seem to be the new wave in Florida's future and these rogue facilities pose a more serous threat to the well being of Floridians than ever imagined. The proposed generator rule will push some facilities over the edge as it will eliminate any rational reason to remain in business. It would appear that the Nursing Homes will roll the costs through cost reports, the private pay ALFs will send a "hidden tax" onto the private pay residents and the state funded residents will have to endure budget cuts or reductions in care as there is no where to pass along the costs. One idea being floated is to provide the ALFs property tax credits, this seems only fair since last year the legislature granted not for profit ALFs 100% property tax relief. Property tax credits would help alleviate the "tipping point" and improve affordability for working families.

Each Resident, pays $3,600.00, a Month, on average in Florida, to live in a Nursing or Assisted Facility. These Facilities are understaffed, and in some cases in violation of State / County codes for Health and Safety, and all you can discuss is the Profit margin of the Owners................Please don't give me their Tears-of-Wealth scenario. If there wasn't a very large Profit, they wouldn't be in the business

Hey, Rick Scott.........Throwing $$$ money into the Air, gives the appearance that you are doing something "Good", but the fact is, you have NO (I MEAN ZERO), over-site of how this money is spent, and if it even goes to anywhere, except into the Pockets of the Facility owners. *Part of that reason is that you, (Yes You), got rid of the Public Advocate for Seniors, as soon as you became Governor. An "Independent" Ombudsman, if you will, that appeared to have a very good record of achievement in getting Nursing / Assisted Homes to live up to the existing Legislation.....Why did You allow that to happen?? ....Curiously, at the same time the Legislators "De-Regulated" the ONE Industry that needed complete Over-site. They and YOU allowed our Seniors to become "Subservients" of some Ruling and Harsh Facilities, with no-where for our Seniors to seek AID. Now acting like another Harsh Hurricane, you are Hastily, and carelessly wanting to "Throw" Good money, after BAD money you helped Create.

this Cat is going to set a record for vote pandering... You would think he is running for office...

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