There have been recent reports about the imminent closing of adult day cares centers in the California area. Due to the state budget problems, the state is looking forward to cut the $169 million that is annually expended in these respite care centers. Ironically, this initiative instead of saving money will actually create more expenses to the state as the clients of the 274 daycares that are facing closure, are forecasted to end up impatient in nursing homes and other facilities in as little as six months if they stop receiving the care they are getting at these respite centers. In others words, the state is shifting the cost from Medi-Cal (which currently is paying for the daycare services) to manage care programs, and by doing that is condemning thousands of elders that are still able to enjoy their home and families to be removed from their environment into impatient forms of long term care.
After seniors’ protest in front of San Francisco city hall, it is clear that these fragile citizens are ready to stand and fight so their rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act are not violated. The dilemma has become an important issue for the San Francisco mayoral race, and those who aspire to become majors are debating their initiatives at the rallies. However; no solution has been achieved and it all will be really determined on Nov 8, when a federal court in Oakland will hold a hearing about the case that has been filed as an effort to cut short the elimination of Medi-Cal financing for the centers.
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