Thursday, September 29, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt’s Budget Recommendation Leads to Improved Care, Secures Choices for Missourians
SPRINGFIELD –Gov. Matt Blunt today met with in-home care providers whose job has been made easier due to his commitment to strengthen in-home services.
"Allowing individuals the opportunity to stay in their homes, to keep the connections with their communities, to remain in the least restrictive, safe and familiar environment is my goal for long term care," Blunt said. "Keeping citizens out of nursing homes and giving them a choice to live at home is better for communities, for Missourians and for the state."
Blunt emphasized the importance of in-home services in his State of the State address in January. His original budget recommendation included a $2 per hour rate increase for in-home care providers. Despite facing significant budget challenges, the General Assembly worked towards strengthening these vital services and secured a $.64 per hour increase.
The increase protects the viability of the state’s in-home care industry and ensures that Missourians will continue to have a choice when it comes to their long-term care.
In most cases, the increase has been passed directly on to front line employees. It has had a notable impact on providers’ ability to retain qualified employees. Improved retention has decreased training time and turnover and as a result has improved care. In addition the rate increase has allowed in-home care providers to remain competitive as they work to recruit and attract new skilled workers.
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