2/11: Seniors, People With Disabilities to Tell Governor Schwarzenegger: 'Have a Heart!'

Seniors, People With Disabilities to Tell Governor Schwarzenegger: 'Have a Heart!'


Hundreds to Deliver Signed Hearts, Photos Representing Those Who Will Suffer From Governor's Proposed Cuts to Home Care

SACRAMENTO, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of Valentine's Day, hundreds
of California's elderly and people with disabilities, their family members,
home care providers and supporters will rally at the Capitol to tell the
Governor: "Have a Heart. Protect Home Care." Home care workers and recipients
will attach their photos and signatures to hundreds of hearts to be given to
the Governor, to remind him of those whose lives will be affected by the home
care cuts. At the same time, activists will also hold a rally in Los Angeles
at the Governor's office.
The Governor has proposed slashing state funding for California's in-home
caregiver pay to the minimum wage and eliminating funding for benefits. This
proposal will increase the already high turnover rate of home care workers as
they are forced to leave their clients to find alternative work to support
their families. The supply of home care workers will further diminish, making
it more difficult for the 380,000 Californians who rely on home care to remain
safely in their homes.
In addition to allowing seniors and people with disabilities to remain in
their own homes, home care is a much cheaper alternative to institutions such
as nursing homes. Care for seniors and people with disabilities forced to go
into nursing homes could cost taxpayers up to seven times more than in-home
care.

WHO: Elderly and disabled home care clients, employees and supporters
WHAT: Press conference and rally calling on Governor to "Have a Heart,
Protect Home Care" this Valentine's Day.
WHERE: State Capitol South Steps, Sacramento
WHEN: Friday, February 11, 11:00 AM

The Quality Home Care Coalition is a coalition of Californians dedicated
to preserving in-home care for seniors and people with disabilities.

For further information, please contact Jennifer Kelly, +1-213-368-7408,
or cell, +1-213-300-3336, or Kathleen Miller, +1-510-251-1250, or cell,
+1-510-773-7102, both for Quality Home Care Coalition.



SOURCE Quality Home Care Coalition