Disability Advocacy in Utah

August 17, 2006

Subject: Utah advocates fight back - Our Homes NOT Nursing Homes

KCPW Disabled Rights Group Protests Nursing Home Requirements

Aug 16, 2006 by Rose

Shanti Cook and Baturin protest outside the State Health

Department.(KCPW News) Baturin is caught in a void created by

state budget constraints. She moved to Utah recently with the

expectation that she could continue receiving in-home assistance for

her disability. But she found that in order to qualify for the aid -

which includes helping her dress and bathe - she would have to spend

90 days in a nursing home. Baturin is refusing: " I'm not going to,

no matter if they want to drag, pull separate my limbs, " says

Baturin.

" There isn't anybody who is person with disabilities who wants to go

to a nursing home, " adds Disabled Rights Action Committee spokeswoman

Barbara Toomer. The group organized a protest at the State Department

of Health this week urging a change in the rule that requires a

nursing home stay to qualify for in-home assistance. Baturin says

she's lived on her own for 23 years with the help of home aid. State

Medicaid Director Hales says unfortunately, federal and state

funding restrictions place a priority on nursing home care. People

who prefer to have home-aid must get in line - but Hales notes that

it can take years to move up the waiting list.

" The 90-day stay is a way to avoid being on the waiting list, " says

Hales. " That's just what we have to adminster within the

appropriations we have. There are a huge number of unmet needs in the

state and it's a very unenviable position to be in. "

In Baturin's case, she has just two options - wait and rely on friends

and family to take care of her without pay, or spend 90 days in the

nursing home to speed her request. Toomer says the state should

change the system, since in-home care is generally cheaper and more

humane. Hales says for now, his hands are tied.

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