As In-Home Caregivers Throughout California Are Honored for Their Work, Vital Support Programs Face Detrimental Cuts

November is designated "Family Caregivers Month" as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Is Threatened by 20% Cut Due to State Budget Woes

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During the month of November city and county officials throughout California have been honoring the essential role over six million Californians play as caregivers to family members and friends by designating the month of November as "Family Caregivers Month." However, the proclamations come as vital caregiver support programs such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) are slated to be cut.

Coordinated by SEIU United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW), which represents over 180,000 California in-home caregivers and nursing home workers, proclamations raising awareness of the important work of in-home caregivers and their "courage to care" have been passed by nearly 30 city councils and county board of supervisors with more scheduled for this week (see full list below).

"In-home caregivers play an essential role in ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities have the vital care required to keep them out of nursing homes and living safely at home, while saving taxpayers millions of dollars each year," said Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks.  "On behalf of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, we are proud to designate the month of November as Family Caregivers Month - a time to recognize the contributions of all in-home caregivers."

However, as elected officials throughout the state are recognizing the work of in-home caregivers and the vital role they play in protecting some of our most vulnerable residents, the In-Home Supportive Services program, which provides essential in-home care to over 400,000 California seniors and disabled residents, is facing a 20% cut to care hours as part of the 2011/12 state budget $700 million "trigger cuts" that were signed into law.

"If implemented, these trigger cuts to the IHSS program would place hundreds of thousands of fragile lives in jeopardy," said Laphonza Butler, president of SEIU ULTCW.  "Every hour of in-home care taken from our parents, grand parents, and children with disabilities places them in danger of experiencing falls, breaking bones, not taking their medications, or even worse.  We simply can't balance our states budget on the backs of our seniors and those with disabilities.  The consequences are too great."

Although the state deadline for determining whether or not trigger cuts will be enacted is December 15th, state officials have indicated that the state revenue projections are not expected to meet the requirements to stave off the cuts that would take effect on January 1, 2012.

If trigger cuts are enacted, IHSS recipients will receive a letter in the mail informing them of the 20% cut to their hours and explaining the Supplemental Care Application they must fill out and return within a small window of time in order to potentially protect as many care hours as possible. 

SEIU ULTCW, Disability Rights California and other organizations are working to raise awareness throughout the senior and disability communities, as well as with caregivers, to ensure that care recipients are aware of the application process and how to exercise their rights.

Cities and Counties That Have Recognized the Work of In-Home Caregivers by Declaring November as "Family Caregivers Month" include:

County of Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles
Alameda County
City of Oakland
Napa County
City of Rialto
City of Monterey Park
City of Bell Gardens
City of San Bernardino
City of Oxnard
Ventura County
City of Santa Paula
City of Glendale
City of Baldwin Park
City of Pomona
City of Carson
City of Downey
City of Lynwood
San Bernardino County
Monterey County
San Benito County
Santa Cruz County
City of Watsonville
City of Inglewood
City of Gardena
City of Ontario
City of Compton
City of Cudahy
City of Fontana
City of Victorville
City of Rosemead
City of South Gate

SEIU United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW) is California's leading long term care organization representing 180,000 workers dedicated to providing and protecting quality care for some of our most vulnerable residents.

Media Contacts:
Wendy Carrillo (213) 321-7085 [email protected]
Scott Mann (323) 333-4850 [email protected]

SOURCE SEIU United Long Term Care Workers (ULTCW)