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Shirley
Age: 62
From: Salina, Saline County
Impact of Budget Cuts: Loss of HCBS/PD Waiver Services
Senator: Pete Brunghardt (24th)
Representative: Carol Beggs (71st)
Shirley has renal failure, impaired vision and sustained a stroke that affected her left side. As a result of these medical conditions she also has high blood pressure, GI tract problems, arthritis, and heart problems. She goes to dialysis three days a week.
Shirley is a very proud, independent woman who always works
hard to stay independent. She required very little
from the HCBS PD waiver to keep her healthy and safe in her
home. She was only receiving three hours per week
from a home health agency to assist her with laundry and
housekeeping. Shirley tries to use her energy and
time wisely so as not to burden the State.
Her fight to remain as independent as possible has resulted in a long-term care threshold score that is too low to receive services after January 31st, 2003. Shirley has fought hard to stay off programs. She raised two children alone, and worked full time, before she became disabled. Now, because of her life-threatening disabilities, her health and safety are in jeopardy. Due to losing her HCBS services she will now have a spend-down of over $600.00 every six months that must be incurred before she can receive a medical card. She lives on only $593.00 per month from Social Security Disability that pays her rent, utilities, food and transportation to her dialysis and other medical appointments. This is a debt that Shirley is certain she cannot handle; therefore she is considering doing without her dialysis, even though she is aware of the deadly consequences.
Vernon Kestor
Age: 47
From: Phillipsburg, Phillips County
Impact of Budget Cuts: Lowered Protected Income
LOC Score: 47
Senator: Janis Lee (36th)
Representative: John Faber (120th)
Vernon's client obligation went from $235 per month to $300; a $65 increase. Vernon has Multiple Sclerosis and uses a wheelchair full time. With his medical card he is able to get his many medications. He also receives HCBS services to help him do household chores, cooking, and heavy work that he can't do from his wheelchair. Vernon is very independent and does as much as he can by himself, but with less money to live on, his independence is in jeopardy. "Once you've paid rent, lights, telephone, and groceries - it doesn't leave much to live on, " says Vernon. It is little things like being able to afford decent clothes that Vernon can't do anymore. He finds his brothers and sisters paying for clothes and other personal items he needs, but it isn't fair. Vernon just needs to be financially stable so he can be independent and feel a sense of belonging in his home and community.Jean Zimmerman/G.S. l Contents l Marie Gaines/Jo Dee Dunn
Statewide Independent Living Council of
Kansas
www.silck.org
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