n March, MACPAC, an independent nonprofit organization that researches Medicaid access, released a study on home and community based services (HCBS) for the elderly. Historically, HCBS workers, the persons who do the daily dirty work, have been paid really low wages. Like the ones who cared for our dear sister Ruth as she was dying, they have been mostly immigrants, working for low wages.
A national shortage of persons willing to do this work exits. Home care agencies often charge between $2500 and $3,000 per month for such support, but the workers only get a portion of that for what are really grueling jobs of dressing, bathing, and changing the persons in their care. Our elderly and disabled need more support, not less.
As a nation, we need to decide how we will care for our elderly and disabled as our numbers grow. For those of us who are young and healthy, such concerns seem far off, but they are not. Most, if not all, of us will find ourselves in such a situation and we need to consider our national priorities and how to meet them.
Prayer for the Day
Come, gracious God, open your word to us, who seek your face and truth
Be with us as we seek your truth and know your ways.
Come, saving God, open your ways to us, who seek to follow you.
Be with us as we follow your ways embracing all of your creation.
Grant us, O God, open hearts and willing minds
To search for your truth for how we live in the world.
In the Name of the One who opens hearts,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.
- Robert Frost, poet (1874-1963)
Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.
- Yoko Ono, songwriter
For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
Upon you I have learned from my birth; you took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you. I have been a portent to many, but you are my refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise and with your glory all day long.
Do not cast me off in the time of ole age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
Psalm 71: 5-9