September 11, 2008

Wright backs expansion of home care initiative

Here's a press release that 77th District state House contender Chris Wright sent out last weekend that I just noticed in my jammed inbox:

Chris Wright, the Democratic nominee for State Representative in the 77th District , will fight to expand a program that will provide an opportunity for families and their loved ones who are in nursing homes to be able to move out of nursing homes to less-restrictive settings, including an individual’s own home.
Wright explained that earlier this year Majority Democrats passed and the Governor signed into law SB 561 “An Act Concerning The Money Follows The Person Project.”
The law requires the Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner to apply to the federal government for approval. “The Money Follows The Person (MFP) Program permits states like Connecticut to move people out of nursing homes to other institutional settings that are community-based or more importantly, an individual’s own home.
“This new law has great potential to reduce the state’s reliance on institutional care and enable the elderly to stay in their own homes,” Wright said. “This is a quality of life issue for nursing home residents and their families, while having the potential of saving the state money.”
Wright pointed out that currently the state receives a 50% match on Medicaid costs, but under the new Money Follows The Person Program, the state will receive 75% from the federal government resulting in savings for Connecticut.
Connecticut’s Department of Social Services is supposed to start this program this month with no more than 25 people to ensure that the transition from nursing homes to an individual’s home works. The plan is that once the program is up and running, its expansion will follow.
“This is a critical first step that has great potential,” Wright said. “I will follow the progress of this program carefully and am prepared to support any and all legislation to ensure its success when the legislature convenes in January.”
“Home and community care for nursing home and disabled clients is a goal worthy of our efforts,” Wright said. “I welcome the opportunity to ensure it will be a success.”


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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like Donavan and the House Democrats are working hard to give Chris Wright his press releases.

Unfortunatly it looks like Chris Wright will be a rubber stamp for the overly liberal, tax and spend House Democrats who have succeeded over the years to make Connecticut one of the costliest states in the nation.

Anonymous said...

The problem with this proposal is that there are no measures in place to ensure the patient is living in a residence that is appropriately suited for their medical need. There are no home inspection processes and no standards in place that make sure the home environment is appropriate for care. This causes concern for danger, especially for the patient and the emergency medical crews that need to remove the patient at a time of crisis.

Just another off the cuff law where details were not taken into consideration.

Anonymous said...

Things like this and the appointment of a new campaign manager with ties to House Democrats show that Chris is not in control of his own campaign.

Anonymous said...

Nor is Fitzgerald who has NO political acumen.

Who is directing her, Mocabee, Schaffrick?

Unknown said...

The sad truth is that for many age did not catch up with them but they did not keep themselves up. We are a society plagued with chronic conditions. The sad fact is that nursing homes many times are the best choice for some people. The chance of abuse actually increases if you move them to another care setting. Best, Anthony Cirillo, FACHE

Anonymous said...

Just listen to these and they call themselves Republicans? How many will admit publically that they are? I'll bet not many. .....Shame. Go back to my space they like adolescents

Anonymous said...

This guy is rediculous! How does Chris Wright know about any of this? From his extensive job experience in filling out forms at a hospital? Or is his daddy the health industry lobbyist still doing all his homework for him?

Anonymous said...

And how do you know anything 10:28? He must do his homework. Ever hear about research? If you shoot from the hip you don't care!

Anonymous said...

Hey Mr. Perfect learn how to spell will ya ?

Anonymous said...

Sounds like Chris Wright is trying to get the senior vote

Anonymous said...

That bill was written by republicans

Anonymous said...

Yeah right the Republicans don't write anything unless it's nasty !

Anonymous said...

Who cares who wrote it at least he backs it. Duh !!!

Anonymous said...

The original Bill was written by the Democrats. Glad she likes it !

Anonymous said...

Gee the one who has his name on here "Wright is wrong" Must like his name. He apparently had to steal it he doesn't have one of his own !! :)

Anonymous said...

I'd like to know exactly what this initiative covers. If a family member is moved from a nursing facility to a family member's home (or back to their own place of residence), what state aid will be available to the family? Will the state build the expensive handicap ramps and make adjustments to the houses (like widening doorways to accomodate wheel chairs and putting in new toilets and showers) so they're handicap accessible? I think many family members would love to keep their parents at home, but accommodating their needs is just too costly for the regular working class - many of whom are supporting children of their own.

Anonymous said...

A vote for Wright is a vote for higher taxes and loss of private sector jobs.

Anonymous said...

Give them a crying towel so they don't slober on all of us!

Anonymous said...

4:06 The answer is Ron Burns!

Anonymous said...

She is in trouble.