Friday, February 4, 2005
Contact: Terri Durdaller, (573)751-1274
Blunt Announces Consolidation of In-Home Care Programs
Reaffirms Commitment to Expanding Options for Seniors
JEFFERSON CITY - Fulfilling his pledge to streamline the delivery of in-home services to Missouri seniors, Governor Matt Blunt today signed an executive order consolidating in-home care programs into one agency rather than three.
Blunt's action today will reduce duplicated services for Missouri's in-home care system for the elderly and disabled. Previously, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Heal th and Senior Services provided identical in-home care services. Blunt's executive order will place all in-home care program responsibilities and duties into the Department of Health and Senior Services. Blunt believes this will allow for greater fo cus on delivery of high quality care.
Blunt's order, along with his budget recommendation to boost in-home care provider's salaries by two dollars an hour, are examples of his strong commitment to Missouri's social welfare programs.
"Traditional long-term care facilities are not always the best options for Missouri seniors," Blunt said. "In-home care often allows for a higher quality of life at a reduced cost to taxpayers. I am committed to expanding the options av ailable to Missouri seniors."