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Jean Zimmerman
Age: 56
From: Minneapolis, Ottawa County
Impact of Budget Cuts: HCBS PD Waiting List Freeze/Moved Off List
Senator: Pete Brunghardt (24th)
Representative: Joann Freeborn (107th)
My name is Jean Zimmerman. Ten years ago I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and osteoarthritis and then in 2002 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and Parkinson's disease.
My arthritis affects me mainly in my hips and legs. It hurts my knees to stand for long periods of time. My Parkinson's disease causes me to spill things and I have a hard time eating and swallowing. It has also made it hard for me to write letters and be a historian of the VFW auxiliary. I can't bend over to wash my legs and feet or wash my hair when bathing. I can't scrub my tub, mop my floors, lift groceries, do my wash or walk my dog. I want to do all that I can do in order to remain as independent as I can.
To help me try and remain independent, I was placed on the physical disability waiver waiting list in October of 2002. Due to the SRS budget cuts and the freeze, my name was taken off the list. After my doctor recommended I receive physical therapy, I was re-evaluated and placed back on the waiting list -- but now at the bottom.
While I wait for the freeze to be lifted and my name to come up, I am forced to pay out of pocket for others to assist me. I have been fortunate to find the help I need, but I'm having a hard time coming up with the money to pay for these services, because of my fixed income.
I hope you will reconsider the freeze on the physical disability waiver. This is very important to me and others like me. Thank you for taking time to read my story.
G.S.
Age: 55
From: Salina, Saline County
Impact of Budget Cuts: Lowered Protected Income
Senator: Pete Brunghardt (24th)
Representative: Joshua Svaty (108th)
G.S. is a 55-year-old woman with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) who weighs 85 pounds. Issues surrounding COPD are - heart problems, circulation problems, osteoporosis, and very limited breathing needing O2 continuously. G.S. has a very limited capacity to breath and must use a wheelchair or sit all day to conserve her energy. G.S. sleeps in her recliner and she does not bathe or change clothes on a daily basis in order to conserve energy. She needs someone to assist her with eating, all her personal hygiene needs, changing her clothes, daily housekeeping (for breathing issues), emptying her bedside commode, going to the grocery store, checking the mail and sending bills, and doing her laundry.
G.S. receives services on the HCBS Physical Disability waiver. She lives independently on a very limited budget. Effective February 1, 2003, she will now have to pay for some of her services because it was determined people could live on only $645.00 per month. Out of her disability check she makes her house payment, pays her utilities, buys her food and other necessities. "The State has me so scared, I am afraid to open my mail. I am afraid they will yank something else out from under me."
Upon first learning she would have to pay for her services her statement was, "They may as well put me in a pine box now, because that is where I am heading."
Gloria Dolbow/Tina Fitzpatrick l Contents l Shirley/Vernon Kestor
Statewide Independent Living Council of
Kansas
www.silck.org
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