The Options for People Who Need 24/7 Care
Home care isn’t possible for everyone. Congregate-care facilities are crucial. July 5, 2023 3:45 pm ET Photo: Jen Rynda/Zuma Press Providing care for loved ones who can never be left alone and who can’t assist in their care is daunting (“When Caring for Mom Costs Over $1 Million,” Personal Journal, June 22). As attractive as home care sounds, it isn’t possible for everyone or all situations. For over 40 years, I have worked to preserve the option of congregate-care facilities for people like my son, who at age 54 is nonverbal and functions on the level of a young toddler. In recent years, my experiences have included the care of my husband, whose brilliant mind was attacked by Alzheimer’s disease. Over time, my family researched, visited and then secured a place in a memory center for him. Misinformation about specialized-care facilities for those requirin
Photo: Jen Rynda/Zuma Press
Providing care for loved ones who can never be left alone and who can’t assist in their care is daunting (“When Caring for Mom Costs Over $1 Million,” Personal Journal, June 22). As attractive as home care sounds, it isn’t possible for everyone or all situations.
For over 40 years, I have worked to preserve the option of congregate-care facilities for people like my son, who at age 54 is nonverbal and functions on the level of a young toddler. In recent years, my experiences have included the care of my husband, whose brilliant mind was attacked by Alzheimer’s disease. Over time, my family researched, visited and then secured a place in a memory center for him.
Misinformation about specialized-care facilities for those requiring 24-hour care has been relentless. Lobbying to weaken and eliminate congregate-care facilities, particularly those caring for people living with lifelong developmental disabilities, has also been relentless. In many states without licensed, specialized long-term-care programs, area jails, hospitals and foster care have become the dangerous default residential programs for people unable to care for themselves.
Human-service systems should include a range of service options—home-based services and congregate care and licensed facility-based services. We should support them all.
Carole L. Sherman
Nashville, Tenn.
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