Home Aides for Elderly

* Many thanks for the definitive articles by John Hurst on home health aides (May 29-30) and the widespread abuse by such caretakers.

However, I call attention to a glimmer of hope, enacted by our state Legislature in answer to a proposal by the California Senior Legislature, i.e., AB 3477, as summarized by the Legislative Counsel:

“Would require the Department of Health to deny, suspend, or revoke a certified nurse assistant or home health aide certificate or application if the applicant or certificate holder has been convicted of certain violations.

“Would require criminal background checks for all initial applicants for nurse assistant or home health aide certificates, commencing July 1, 1995, and phased in for renewals.”

And now it will remain the responsibility of skilled-care facilities and those who hire in-home health aides to demand a certificate which is dated after July 1, 1994, and which certifies that a criminal check shows no previous conviction for a felony.

Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (now state senator) worked hard for and achieved consensus from all parties. Senate vote, 38-0; Assembly concurrence vote, 73-5; signed on Sept. 30, 1994.

SHIRLEY P. SHAFFER

San Dimas

* I have known an elderly lady requiring housekeeping services from In-Home Supportive Services since 1992. My elderly friend is legally blind with an artificial hip, had triple bypass surgery and has suffered from depression on a fixed income.

The county is only allowing her 69 hours a month for cleaning, shopping, medical appointments, cooking and errands. If there are more days in the month, the 69 hours does not go far in providing her with daily care. We are currently appealing those hours, but it has been very difficult to find housekeepers who are willing to work for minimum wage and travel more than 10 minutes to and from the work site.

She has had housekeepers steal her car, her TV set, money and other small household items. After I found out about these thefts, I acquired power of attorney to protect what little she has. I hope that I never grow old like this.

I have my own family to raise, I just cannot be there for her all the time. My friend has no real family to fall back on. Program officials told me that all they could give my friend was 69 hours a month; how many are receiving the reported maximum of 283, or even more than 69 hours?

SUSAN Y. CHAIDEZ

Hawaiian Gardens