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Gloria Dolbow
Age: 52
From: Andover, Butler County
Impact of Budget Cuts: Waiting List, Vision Services, Transportation
LOC Score: 36
Senator: David Corbin (16th)
Representative: Todd Novascone (99th)
Gloria sighs, "It is a major fear to think I will have to go in a nursing home if I can't get this assistance, which is minimal." Gloria needs assistance with getting in and out of the tub, transportation to doctor's appointments and the pharmacy, getting medications, and other daily activities. Gloria is currently on the waiting list with a score of 36. She was supposed to be able to get services starting in January or February, but because of the budget cuts, that date has been pushed back.
Currently Gloria's daughter, who has 3 girls of her own, takes time out of her day to make sure her mom is okay. This is only possible because her daughter is currently between jobs. Because her daughter has her own family, and is looking for a job, caring for Gloria is an added stress in her life. All of these problems are compounded by other service cuts such as the elimination of transportation to doctors and funding for vision services. Gloria was especially hurt by the latter cut, because she has major eyesight problems. Gloria used to be active in the community, where she attended a church singles group that had activities such as watching soccer games and going to the movies. She loved to be able to do these activities, but without help, she is just "stuck in her home." Soon she won't even be able to be stuck in her home, and will have to go to a nursing home if she does not start receiving HCBS services.
Tina Fitzpatrick
Age: 34
From: Wichita, Sedgewick County
Impact of Budget Cuts: Lowered Protected Income Level
Senator: Jean Schodorf (25th)
Representative: Nile Dillman (92nd)
Tina, who has Fibromyalgia and Arthritis, will now
have to pay $50 more per month to continue to receive
HCBS supports and care for herself and her 10-year-old
son who also has a disability. Tina needs a PCA
to help her with daily living activities like bathing,
preparing food, and other arduous tasks that are
difficult because of her disability. Paying more
to keep her needed attendant services, means Tina has
less money to pay the bills and buy food; she was
already struggling. "I'm not really
making it and now I'll have to pay $50 more? "
questions Tina. Her expenses
include rent, utilities, food, and special skin
products and vitamins (which Medicaid does not
cover). She was struggling to feed herself and
her son on $716 a month, and now she is expected to
live on only $645. Tina just wants to be able to
live independently and give her son the attention he
needs. Tina sighs, "I spend most of
my time fighting for what little I can get - and I'm
tired."
Jeanette McNeese/Amy Ritter l Contents l Jean Zimmerman/G.S.
Statewide Independent Living Council of
Kansas
www.silck.org
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