Sunday, February 18, 2007

Dear Editor,

I applaud the courage it takes to care for a sick or disabled family member, but understand the hardships such a commitment can have (Families of disabled and frail children need more home-care support, Feb.3 editorial). Strengthening home and community-based care should indeed be a priority for state and federal governments and insurance companies.

Home care is not only cost-effective; it results in a better quality of life for patients and families. Home and community-based care helps keep people out of expensive hospitals and it provides patients and families the “opportunity to live in an environment that is as least restrictive as possible.”

Home care is the answer to so many health-related issues affecting New York families. I only hope that access will continue to grow, especially amidst proposed federal cuts to home care programs.

Sincerely,


Phyllis A. Wang

The writer is president of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers (HCP) - a statewide trade association representing the full spectrum of home and community-based providers.