http://www.elderhealth.org Inside ElderHealth
In This Issue: Advocacy Alert: 1/23/09 
•   The Conversation - KUOW 94.9 - 1:00pm Today
•   Call 1 (800) 562-6000
•   KUOW: Washington Budget Woes Test Patience in Legislature
•   Join us in Olympia February 3
•   State Must Not Stop Funding Adult Day-Health Centers
•   ElderHealth Northwest’s New Facebook Page
The Conversation – KUOW 94.9 – 1:00pm Today
Listen to KUOW’s “The Conversation” today (January 23) at 1:00pm. Ross Reynolds is scheduled to talk to ElderHealth Northwest Executive Director Nora Gibson about Governor Gregoire’s proposed cuts to adult day health.

PICTURED: Ross Reynolds

Listen to KUOW Now

http://www.kuow.org/listen/
KUOW: Washington Budget Woes Test Patience in Legislature
The Washington legislative session has just begun. But already the state's budget crisis is taking an emotional toll. That became clear at a recent legislative hearing. Unions and social service advocates packed the room to denounce proposed cuts. The committee chair responded with a less than welcoming approach. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins filed this Capitol Postcard.

THEY CAME IN WHEELCHAIRS AND WALKERS. THE BLIND, THE DISABLED, THE BRAIN INJURED, THE ELDERLY. . . .

Read/Listen to Continuation of KUOW Story

http://www.kuow.org/program.php?id=16770
State Must Not Stop Funding Adult Day-Health Centers
Gov. Christine Gregoire's proposed budget would eliminate funding for adult day-health centers, which provide people who are elderly or disabled a more affordable alternative to expensive nursing homes, Times guest columnist Collin Tong writes. Closing the 36 centers in Washington state would cost the state far more than it saves.

By Collin Tong
Special to The Times

The nation's current economic meltdown has hit Washington and threatens our state's health and human services system. As a result of our state's $6 billion deficit, one of the services targeted for elimination is our adult day-health centers.

For the past 2 ½ years, my wife has been a participant in Elderhealth Northwest's adult day-health center in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood. More than four years ago when she was 57, she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. . . .

Read the Continuation of Colin Tong’s Op-Ed

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2008660725_opinc22tong.html
Call 1 (800) 562-6000
Save Lives. Save Money. Save Adult Day Health.

Adult day health saves lives.

In Oregon, a major adult day health program closed. A year later, 50% of its former participants had moved to a higher level of care (such as a nursing home), and 25% of its former participants had died.

Adult day health saves money.

Adult day health costs about $7,000/year. A nursing home costs $65,700 or more. If even 10% (a conservative estimate) of those who use adult day health move to a nursing home, it would cost the State over $12 million — that would more than wipe out any projected “savings” when adult day health is cut from the budget.

Adult day health needs your help.

Governor Gregoire’s budget eliminates adult day health in its entirety, putting over 4,000 frail individuals at risk for premature or unnecessary institutionalization. Call the Legislative Hotline at 1 (800) 562–6000 and let them hear your voice: Please restore funding for adult day health!

Find Out Other Ways to Contact Your Legislators

http://www.leg.wa.gov/Help/faq.htm
Join us in Olympia February 3
On Tuesday, February 3, 2009, the Washington Adult Day Services Association invites you to participate in Adult Day Services Advocacy Day. Centers from across the state are encouraged to meet with their legislators in Olympia to advocate for continued funding for adult day health services.

4,000 elders and disabled adults are at-risk of losing these vital services. No one can communicate the message in any more depth than the individuals and families who rely on adult day programs; participants and their families are invited to attend as well.

Other advocacy days include Alzheimer's Advocacy Day on February 10 and Senior Lobby on February 17.

For more information, contact Sara Myers at the Washington Adult Day Services Association: (206) 461-3899. If you are interested in representing ElderHealth Northwest in particular, contact Dave Budd at (206) 224-3772.

http://www.adultday.org
ElderHealth Northwest’s New Facebook Page
ElderHealth Northwest recently launched a Facebook page. Stay abreast of ElderHealth’s programs and advocacy issues; you can even become a “fan” of ElderHealth.

View ElderHealth’s Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ElderHealth-Northwest/35384598451
"Inside ElderHealth" is an occasional e-newsletter of ElderHealth Northwest, a non-profit organization providing innovative eldercare options since 1976.

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