I appreciate those who have written letters recently expressing their concern about the potentially devastating effects proposed state budget cuts could have on the Mount Si Transitional Health Center and other nursing homes in the state of Washington. We all should be concerned about the impact of budgetary cuts on nursing homes, whether or not we currently have a friend or loved one in such a facility.
The likelihood is high that at some time in our lives we will all spend time in a nursing home. Statistics estimate the likelihood of a house fire at 1 in 1,200, the likelihood of an auto accident at 1 in 240; however, the likelihood that we will sometime need long-term care in a nursing facility is one in three.
In January, my husband was a resident at the Transitional Health Center for nine days, as he regained his strength after a short hospital stay. He had excellent, compassionate care at all levels, from the aids to the physical and occupational therapists. If it were no longer financially feasible for the center to remain in our Valley, not only would the long-term care clients be impacted, but also people like my husband who need short-term care.
If nursing homes in small towns close because of budget cuts, some people might say, “Well, the clients can move to larger facilities where there are vacancies.” However, not only is moving a fragile elder from familiar surroundings potentially hazardous to their physical and mental well-being, but it would mean that friends and relatives would have to travel long distances to visit loved ones. I, for one, am grateful that we have a facility right here in our Valley to meet people’s needs, whether for short stays or long-term care. I encourage you to call the Transitional Health Center to learn more about the impact of potential budgetary cuts. Most importantly, let your legislators know of your concern. Personally, I do not feel that it is just that those who are most needy in society should disproportionately bear the brunt of our state’s current financial crisis.
The Rev. Mary Karen Brown
North Bend
