Budget cuts have occurred in the home care program for FY17, at a time when the elder population is growing in our state. Managed Intake is in place statewide for consumers with lower levels of need. That said, LifePath remains open for most referrals.
There is no waiting list for home delivered meals. The budget cuts affect only a portion of consumers who access meals through a specific Home Care plan. Due in large part to the support our community gives to the program, Meals on Wheels continues to be available to interested people over age 60 who can’t prepare meals for themselves and who can’t attend a congregate meal site,
On September 1, priority enrollment began, which will affect some applicants for Home Care services. LifePath, Inc., is using uniform procedures to determine wait list placement, so that elders across the commonwealth are treated equally.
During this time, we ask that you please continue to make referrals to LifePath without interruption. There will be some elders who will have to wait before they can begin receiving services. Others will not be able to receive the level of services that they need. But by continuing to refer all elders in need of care, we will have the opportunity to review the full array of program options through LifePath, as well as to be creative in identifying other resources that might be available to elders and their caregivers.
We cannot predict when this managed intake situation will end. Contact your legislator and the governor to advocate for elders so they can get the support they need as soon as possible.
Our goal is to provide care, not deny it, but we must operate within our budget. Be assured we will do everything we can to respond to requests for home care services.
Contact LifePath at 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259 with questions or to make a referral.
Roseann Martoccia
Executive Director, LifePath
Turners Falls