We Cannot Give Up
“The man who gives up accomplishes nothing and is only a hindrance. The man who does not give up can move mountains.” Ernest Hello
Excerpt from letter to legislators, May 3, 2019
I was recently asked by a family member of a nursing home resident, “What will it take for the legislature to better fund care for our seniors? Do they really just not care?”
Since last session, we’ve worked with state leaders, and visited with lawmakers across the state, on a common-sense, fiscally prudent solution that would not add one penny to the state budget. A solution that would absolutely improve care for the more than 90,000 Texans who will sleep in a nursing home tonight. Although legislators we’ve communicated with throughout have acknowledged that something has to be done, the legislature has not seen this as the answer and has yet to recommend an alternative.
While we as Texans take pride in personal responsibility, providing 24-hour care, seven days a week for those who cannot care for themselves is not inexpensive. For many who have saved their money and did the best they could to prepare for retirement, they simply can’t afford it. We shouldn’t hold it against them. We should look after them because that’s what Texans are raised to do….
If no action is taken this legislative session to address the financial crisis, in whatever form you might choose, there is an increasing number of Texans who believe you are turning your backs on the very individuals who raised and cared for us and built the Texas we love today…
This session, there’s still time for you to act. You have the ability to change the trajectory of nursing home care in Texas for generations to come. If there’s an alternative that is acceptable to the legislature then let’s have that discussion before it’s too late. Please don’t adjourn without funding senior care. I’m asking you to find a way to make seniors a priority.
Members of THCA, I’m asking you to continue your outreach to your elected officials and ask them not to leave at the end of this legislative session, without addressing the financial crisis being faced by the long term care profession in Texas. Be the voice for those that you serve and be heard.
Onward and Upward