Comments on: Edwards and Clinton: LTC Plans, Nursing Homes

By: Patti

Patti — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:03:55 +0000

Holly I did note the Republicans have nothing up on their web sites…but that doesn’t mean they won’t address these issues.

I think we have to really look at the true costs of all of this. It’s astronomical and can only go higher…there is no way to decrease what is already present. I agree with Kim in the fact that we could not bear the dual costs of national healthcare (which I am against) AND true nursing home reform.

I honestly believe one of the best solutions is to close down nursing homes and send the residents back home; provide funds for staffing coverage or family coverage- it’s MUCH cheaper and way better for the resident. Only the truly ill or seriously demented should be in nursing homes…

As for Hillary’s plans regarding staff education, I don’t think it’s up to the government to pay for that. I think we should be able borrow from the government, as in loans, like so many do now for college; and pay it back.

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 04:38:19 +0000

It could have an impact if the industry were seriously interested. They are not though. And the costs would have to come from somewhere. People don’t want to pay for national health care AND welfare programs AND this AND that- all at the same time. It would take too much money from each of us..more than half our pay. Congress won’t allow that.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:01:16 +0000

Kim you have to give them credit though- they at least are aware of the problems enough where they put up a policy statement. I agree with Holly too- it shouldn’t matter how much it costs in the end.
There should be no money limits when it comes to caring for our oldest citizens.

I really like Hillary’s national plan for direct support staff education and models of care; I think this could have a big impact.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 03:38:14 +0000

If one really looks into this, Hillary isn’t offering anything any other President hasn’t already done. It’s all political rhetoric; it all sounds well and good but none of it will have an impact. The only thing I see worthy is potential legislation about these sneaky investment groups. This would be the work of Congress and not the President; and the current Congress is already working on it.

The Democrat candidates are full of hot air as are the Republicans. Empty promises they cannot fulfill and have no intention of doing so.

By: Holly

Holly — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:18:02 +0000

Oh and it’s funny:

Edwards will establish national standards for nursing homes? WE ALREADY HAVE THEM in place. Shows what he really knows.

By: Holly

Holly — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:07:59 +0000

Hey Patti! LTNS! How are you? I hope all is well.

I see Hillary’s plan is substantial, but she’s using unknown numbers to base her cost estimate. As far as I’m concerned no amount of money should stop good care (and all that goes with it), but she should state up front her sources of revenue to pay for her ideas isn’t really known.

Obama has no real plan for nursing home care; and Edwards doesn’t either really. The three of these candidates are the only ones though, who even mention it at their web sites. I note no Republican even gives this issue a courtesy look.