Waiting for Help
Posted March 2, 2012 by Mandy Smith in Independent Living
Today we share the story of Rebecca T. She has been on the Waiting List for Home and Community Based Services for almost 3 years. The following words are hers. Notice that Rebecca would need a minimal amount of supports to assist her in the activities that she is physically unable to do on her own.
I am 55 years old. I personally have been on the waiting list since May, 2009. I have problems breathing and I swell horribly. I am in continuous pain and have arthritis really bad in my knee and ankles. If I rinse my dishes to put them in the dishwasher, I am having trouble breathing and my lower back hurts very badly by the time I can get done. I have trouble taking care of my feet and toenails so I just do not. If I cook anything I have to start a little at a time, can not do anything on my feet for very long. Grocery shopping is a very painful experience for me even with the motorized carts, most things are out of reach and then I still have to get them in my home and put up.
I have multiple sleeping disorders, restless leg syndrome, severe obstructive sleep apnea (I am fortunate I have a c pap machine, as MEDICAID will not pay for them, I am supposed to get a new mask every 6 months and have had mine for over 1 year now) and I have severe insomnia. I wake up multiple times through the night even though I take Lunestra. Without Lunestra I barely sleep at all. I have other personal problems due to my disabilities that I will not say publically as it is way too embarrassing. I do work part time and try to stay active as I am able to be. Just getting my mail at the Post Office is a chore for me.
Please join in the advocacy action to contact the Legislators on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Appropriations Committee and let them know that the Waiting List must be funded! There are over 3,400 stories like Rebecca’s, and that number is growing.
