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| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 42 Registered: 10-2000 |
washingtonpost.com In Maryland, Disabled but Not Confined Options to Nursing Homes Expand By Mary Otto Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, July 31, 2004; Page A01 It is another sleepy Saturday evening at this Wheaton nursing home. Then the fiery woman in the red dress rolls off the MetroAccess bus in her electric wheelchair. She has a spiral notebook in her lap and passion in her voice. She's quadriplegic. She's Ellen Archie, 37. She used to live here. Now she's back, helping other people get out. "They can't stop you from having a life outside of here," Archie tells her old neighbors, who encircle her with their wheelchairs in the courtyard. Archie is one of a devoted network of outreach workers -- some paid, some volunteer -- who go into nursing homes, whether they are welcome or not, and tell residents about their rights under federal law to live with as much freedom as they desire and can safely handle. It has been three years since Maryland began providing waivers that allow nursing home residents ages 18 to 59 to opt for care in their own homes, provided they can acquire the home health services they need at the same price or less than it costs them to live in an institution. For years, many disabled people have been propelled into nursing homes simply because Medicaid has paid for a bed there but not for the comparatively modest costs of home health care. But federal laws and court rulings -- and the staggering costs for states -- have laid the groundwork for providing more options for the disabled who want to live in the community. "We don't have dementia, we don't have Alzheimer's. We have our minds," Archie tells her listeners. "It's mind over matter." "Mind over matter, that works sometimes," muses her old friend Sherry Haynes, 54, who misses Archie. She used to straighten Archie's dresser drawers and keep her company before Archie got a Medicaid waiver and a rental assistance voucher and moved into her own apartment in Silver Spring. Haynes, who has diabetes and lupus and has difficulty walking, wants to move out, too. It has been a year since Archie left, and Haynes is still waiting for housing. "Ellen, I need another form, the green form for the waiver," Haynes says. "I need to fill it out if you don't mind, sweetie." "I'll get it out to you Monday," Archie promises. Her campaign, and that of other outreach workers, is not aimed at nursing homes that abuse residents or at patients who cannot function without the intensive services there. "Our goal is to get people who do not belong in nursing homes out," says Archie, who keeps files on the people she visits regularly stacked on a tray table at the foot of her electric bed in her small apartment. Sitting in the courtyard with her old neighbors, she acknowledges the struggles of daily life in a paralyzed body, with its spasms, sweats and tics. But mostly she speaks of the small joys of living again in the world: a trip to the coffee shop, a visit to the park or, in the evening, a sip of merlot. She knows the thought of freedom can be scary to some. "A lot of people just give up," she says. She understands. They are not old, yet they have suffered terrible trauma. Their monthly Supplemental Security Income checks are turned over to the nursing home. And they have come to depend on the institutions for all their needs. "Your life will change, " she tells them again and again. "But you have to want it to change." Finding Alternatives Some have taken the leap of faith. "We've gotten 145 out," Archie reported proudly this month. The cases of those 145 people took more than two years of hard work by the state's six nonprofit centers for independent living. A nationwide network of such centers has been charged with protecting the rights granted by the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act and the U.S. Supreme Court's 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. decision, which directs states to offer programs for the disabled "in the most integrated setting appropriate." There is much work to be done. In Maryland, roughly 1,725 people ages 18 to 59 live on Medicaid in nursing homes, the state says. In the District, 1,106 people younger than 60 live in nursing homes on Medicaid, advocates say. Virginia estimates that 3,760 Medicaid recipients younger than 64 live in nursing homes. "Most of the people could live in the community with supports through a Medicaid waiver," said Cathy Raggio of Independence Now, which serves Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Nelson J. Sabatini, Maryland's health secretary, agreed that many people would do better outside of nursing homes. "What we are doing today in some cases is fairly barbarian," he said. "We're keeping people in an institutional setting who don't belong there." He is concerned not only about the way institutionalization can limit potential, but also about the cost. A year in a nursing home can cost more than $60,000; the same services delivered at home cost closer to $40,000. "The waivers have proven we can meet a lot of people's needs in settings other than nursing homes," he said. In this regard, Maryland is known as a progressive state. The General Assembly has approved legislation known as the Money Follows the Individual Accountability Act, which has increased access to waivers to move disabled residents back into the community. Sabatini said more needs to be done, both to help move people out of nursing homes and to contain the rising costs of long-term care under Medicaid. He wants to turn over the state Medicaid program to an HMO-like system that he said would make long-term care more consumer-friendly and cost-efficient. Under the plan, he said, no nursing home residents would be discharged against their will. But organizations would receive financial incentives to develop alternatives. Some advocates for the disabled said they worry that the plan would simply turn nursing homes into assisted living facilities, another form of institution . Sabatini disagreed. "I think this model provides flexibility," he said. Like the advocates, he said the biggest challenge to getting people out of nursing homes is finding accessible, affordable places to live. "We can say you can go out and get services in the community, and the money follows you. But the housing is not included," he said. Too Few Choices At a recent hearing of the Governor's Commission on Housing Policy in Ellicott City, advocates for the disabled, some in wheelchairs, lined up to testify to that fact. "There isn't a day that goes by that we don't receive a call on housing," said Cheryl Randall of Baltimore-based Making Choices for Independent Living. She spoke of a client who died the day her name finally came to the top of an affordable housing waiting list. Tom Liberatore of the Maryland chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society expressed the problem in dollar terms. "In 2002, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Maryland was equivalent to 134.5 percent of the monthly SSI benefit received by Maryland citizens with disabilities," he testified. The standard Supplemental Security Income benefit amounts to about $560 a month in Maryland, so to afford housing, beneficiaries rely heavily upon rental assistance vouchers. But the federal voucher program is undergoing cuts and is overwhelmed by applications. In the Washington region, the wait for a voucher can stretch for months and often years. Even for people who can afford to pay, the number of apartments that are wheelchair accessible is small. With the help of the Freedom Center in Frederick, Joseph Boyer Jr., 69, a former construction worker and double amputee, beat the odds. After more than three years in a nursing home, he recently moved into a modest, accessible apartment with the help of a Medicaid waiver for older adults. His daughter and grandson were on hand to celebrate with him. So was his peer mentor, Mary Kemp, who like Boyer lives with diabetes. She worked for a year to help him get the waiver and to find him the apartment equipped with an electric hospital bed and bathroom with grab bars. Boyer will receive twice-daily visits from a home health aide, who will help him with bathing and other tasks. After savoring his new home, Boyer patrolled the parking lot on his electric scooter and checked his new mailbox. Then he sat for a while by his front door, enjoying the speckled shade of a young oak. These small pleasures were missing for him, he said, in those years in the nursing home. Kemp gave him a hug. "It's been a day, Mary," he said to her. "It's been a wonderful day." 'Like Hitting the Lotto' Ellen Archie knows the feeling. She was 29 when she awakened from a swimming pool accident in a helpless body. She learned that the injury to her spine had paralyzed her legs and severely curtailed use of her arms. After months of work, she regained the use of a few fingers. She left the rehabilitation center for a nursing home. Days, months and years passed in a limbo of regimented toiletings and feedings. The nights were punctuated by the wails of some of her elderly and demented neighbors. "Is this going to be my life?" she wondered at 34. Then, by chance, she found help from Independence Now. She waited nearly three years for her housing voucher. And when she received it, she knew she had only three months to use it or lose it. After countless telephone calls, she found Alexander House, a wheelchair-accessible building owned by Montgomery County's Housing Opportunities Commission. "Getting a voucher and getting out of the nursing home is like hitting the lotto for $280 million," she says. The challenges, she says, are unimaginable to most people. So are the rewards. "It is magic. And it's good magic." © 2004 The Washington Post Company | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 43 Registered: 10-2000 |
To the above story I will surely add many of our own stories. Currently in California Arnold S. is doing his best to "cut the spending." In doing so, he is taking first from the disabled by taking away our inhome care completely or diminishing the hours to such an extent that our only recourse will be a nursing facility. That is not "curbing the spending." Matthew 25:32-33 "All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a Shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." "He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left." "Whatever you do for one of the least of these..." "Whatever you did not do for the least of these.." Jesus Christ of Nazareth stood for the downtrodden, the sinners, the outcasts And the disabled. | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 44 Registered: 10-2000 |
ELDRIDGE, CA, Aug. 2, 2004 --"It was the right thing to do," the former campus police chief at Sonoma Developmental Center wrote Friday. "I had to follow my conscience." Ed Contreras was going on record with his accounts of what happened while he was Chief of Police at SDC from 1995 to 2002 -- accounts related to the safety of the 800 people with developmental disabilities housed there. During his years as police chief, Contreras found that hundreds of incidents of resident abuse, suspicious injuries, assaults, sexual assaults and deaths were poorly investigated, or not investigated at all. In many cases, administrators kept Contreras from crime scenes within the institution, or only allowed him in after the scenes had been cleaned of evidence, he claimed. When Contreras tried to bring these concerns to officials with the Department of Developmental Services, the state program which oversees SDC, he was pressured to back away. He also accuses administrators of removing investigative records without his permission. Contreras decided to take his worries to specific legislators and the state's attorney general. One lawmaker launched an investigation, which found wide-spread problems with investigation of crimes against residents of the institution by staff and other residents. But Contreras found himself the target of retaliation by administrators, who, among other things, had him demoted and removed opportunities for him to advance. Contreras took the state to court, along with those he said harassed him. Last September, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled that that SDC administration and DDS violated Contreras' civil rights. And last week he decided to accept a $950,000 settlement of his lawsuits. "Some have asked me if it was all worth it?" Contreras wrote in his letter for the Sonoma Index-Tribune. "The short answer is yes." "The one puzzling thing is that no SDC or DDS administrator was held accountable for their actions. Those who were involved are still employed at the facility or in Sacramento or have been promoted." "But if I made a difference, if because of my actions I improved conditions for the clients at SDC, if as a result of my complaints, these disabled, vulnerable people have a better chance for justice, and if someone out there reads my story and actually makes an effort to reform the system, then it has been worth it." | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 45 Registered: 10-2000 |
Here's one of my own that was published last year. The link is at the bottom so you may see the entire page of problems we encounter. ""by Denise Gilmore It was night. I was on my way home. My town, like the town of Muscle Shoals where Betty Ingram lives, has very few sidewalks; those we have often abruptly end. There are no curb cuts. Telephone poles and bus stop benches are scattered along their length; my wheelchair cannot get around them. The only way to get around is on the road in my wheelchair. I drove facing traffic. Suddenly, three police cruisers approached, one shining its spotlight on me, blinding me. Two of the officers got out of their cars (the third one stayed in his cruiser-- to call for back-up in case I attempted a fast wheelchair getaway, I guess!) -- but neither approached me. They seemed hesitant. One had his hand on his holstered pistol, and stayed near the cruiser. The other made his slow approach. "That's a fine how do ya do!" I called out. "Blinding a woman in a wheelchair!" I was scrambling for some humor in my fear. Would I be arrested? "Ma'am, what are you doing out at this time of night?" he asked. "It's dangerous!" "Good thing I'm with you, then," I grinned back. I was trying to be the comedian and get them to laugh. I looked up into the sky. "BEAUTIFUL night for drive, isn't it officers?" I was doing my best John Candy imitation. They didn't know what to make of me. It's true I was on the wrong side of the road -- I wasn't driving along with traffic, but facing it. It was the safest way for me to travel on the narrow road, so I could see oncoming cars. On the opposite side of the road, I knew, was a house with two big rottweilers who enjoyed leaping at folks going past the property. It was a weeknight and traffic was practically nil. So for me, this was the safer side. to be travelling. But they might not see things that way. And I'm sure my appearance did nothing to reassure them. A few minutes before they'd come along, I'd put a pair of tube socks on my hands, over my gloves. It was cold, and my thin gloves weren't keeping my hands warm. I kept the tube socks in my pouch for just such an emergency. So there I was, legs sticking way out on the wheelchair extensions, a thick blanket over my legs, a funny-looking hat with ear flaps, bright pink -- and white tube socks over both hands! Yes, I was a sight. But I hadn't expected to be noticed by anyone. It was, after all, 1:30 in the morning. I held my hands up to the officers, turning them as though I were in a fashion show. "Well, what do you think? Think this look will catch on?" That got a smile out of the one who had spoken. The second policeman had taken his hand off his weapon. And the third climbed out of the car. They began talking with me. What had put me in a mobilized wheelchair in the first place, they wanted to know. I needed to be on the other side of the road, they said. The side I was driving along was the safer side, I told them -- and explained why. I had little choice, I added. Had they been at the last city council meeting, they would have heard the grand promises we kept hearing -- of sidewalks, of curb ramps -- that never happened. But they continued to worry about me being hit by a car. They ended up giving me a police escort, them behind me, all the way up to where some sidewalks began again. That was my first encounter. A week or two later, a policeman pulled up beside me, stopping in the middle of the street, him facing one way and me facing the other. He rolled down his passenger side window and yelled, "GET ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, NOW!!!" "I'd be happy to do that officer," I told him. "However, that side of the road is so full of pit holes that it's just too dangerous." As soon as I got to the next street, I'd be happy to move to the other side, I told him. He wasn't satisfied, once again ordering me onto the other side. But when I told him, "I can imagine what this is going to look like to the judge in court if you arrest me," he sped away. I scurried home. A week later I encountered a yet another police car. This one didn't stop; he simply blinded me with his spotlight so I was forced to a complete stop until he passed by. I called the police department after this.I wanted to file a complaint for harassment, I said. The man I spoke with took my name and address and asked me to tell him my story, which I did. Given the situation, it was alright for me to ride facing traffic, said the man who took my complaint. Since then, I have not been bothered. But whenever I go out in my wheelchair along the highway, I am still afraid. Posted Nov. 11, 2003 ----------------------------------------------- Denise Gilmore, who lives south of San Diego, will be happy when her streets have decent sidewalks. http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/extra/hwyharassment1103.html | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 380 Registered: 1-2003 |
Denise, I am sorry to hear about your struggle to live a normal life in a wheel chair. I hope you get decent sidewalks soon! Do you do all your own shopping, etc. IOW: do you have to go out a lot? | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 381 Registered: 3-2004 |
Denise, From what you have posted I understood you were handicapped to some degree, but I did not know you were in a wheel chair. I know many cities do not have sidewalks. Here in Henderson there are many streets that do not have side walks. So it must be very difficult for you at times to get around, even for a walk in the moonlight. I Hope you get decent sidewalks soon. I will be praying for you. God is awesome. Diana | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 796 Registered: 11-2002 |
The cops down where you are seem of the same ilk as the cops where I am. Cops like hurrassing people. The more vunerable someone is the more cops like hurrassing that person. Please, be very careful. Years ago I had a friend who is blind. She reused to use her white tipped cne. Wouldn't even use it while crossing busy streets. I asked her how come and she told me because then all the purse snatchers hanging out at the mall knew how vunerable she is and she's had her purse snatched twice by the thugs. One time she'd been knocked down and reslly messed up. Awhile back was an article in the paper abot a man in a wheelchair who had his laptop computer stolen. He couldn't do anything about it. I don't remember the circumstances but the computer was either on his lap or in a bag hanging from the handles. Please be very careful. You don't want an encounter with thugs or cops (often these two are the same person). I wonder if your city counsil has been giving themselves raises? | ||
| Tealeaves Registered user Username: Tealeaves Post Number: 99 Registered: 5-2004 |
Susan, It seems like you have been really hurt by cops. But I know some really great people who are cops too. They care about the world, they want to make a difference, and they work in difficult conditions, with people who are often at their lowest moments. And they do it with little pay, high risk to their own lives, and very little appreciation from anyone. I know there are some cops who have an attitude, and maybe more in some areas than others, but it kind of bothers me to hear people generalize that all cops are awful, like they are a race of nasty mutants out to make everyone's life difficult. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 384 Registered: 3-2004 |
I am so sorry you ladies have had such bad experiences with cops. I have met some people here where I live who have had bad experiences with cops. I really am saddened by that as they are supposed to be there to protect us. I also have 4 nephews who are policemen. Two in the town where I live, Henderson, one in Las Vegas and one in Riverside, CA. Cops are human also and need praying for so they can perform their duties as they are supposed to do. Diana | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 797 Registered: 11-2002 |
In all honesty I did mention on a recent entry that our local police department has several very decent police officers. These several are the exception and not the rule. In my area three deaths have occured recently because of police thuggery. During the arrest of two of the three the arrestees were handcuffed with their arms/hands behind them and put in a position on the ground that they sufficated. The other incident involved a local rancher and he got shot by the officer in the head. Also, last year the local jail released an inmate and told him he had to leave the jail premisis. He kept telling the receptionist that he wanted to wait for someone to pick him up. He was told when an inmate is released the inmate must leave the property immediatelly. The fellow was totally blind. He was only arrested for being under the influence in public. He left because he was told he had to leave. He got hit and killed because he couldn't see where to walk. The family sued and now the jail can't make blind inmates leave without a ride. Some places are worse than others. In the nex town over from me the police department has an excellent reputation. In fact, the police cheif and his family from that town attends the same church where I attend and I believe his Chistian commitment plays a big part in the reputation that his department has with the community. However, I love in a small town that is known for many miles in every direction as havig thugs as police officers. I think it is because or local police department is activelly recruiting officers from large, crime infested urban areas, such as L.A. and Oakland. These officers are used to a different type of criminal and bring their attitudes to my small town. My town has a population of around 13,000. Around four years ago there was a murder. That had been the first murder in this town in nine years. The few really honorable officers on the local force though are very decent and good people. I hope I ave not offended you, Diana. It was not ment personally towards you and your police officer kin. I am sure your kin are a cut above the rest and have higher standards than a lot of the others do. Just like a few bad preists did the molestations and people should not fault the entire Catholic system because of the small percentage of crumbballs, it is the same with the police. There are some bad. A few bad though will give the entire department a lously reputation. Unfortunatelly or local police departments lously reputation is well deserved. I am hoping the citizens group for accountability goes through so my community gets a non-police, citizen group to do oversight on the local police department. I honestly ment no offence to you or your loved ones. | ||
| Pw Registered user Username: Pw Post Number: 91 Registered: 6-2004 |
I know that there are good and bad cops, they are no different than the type of people in any other profession. But I was rather taken by the lack of compassion they had on someone in a wheelchair. A couple years ago I had a appendix attack outside a church in the parking lot and while waiting for paramedics, I had a cop standing by making jokes about my condition and asking if he could use a rusty knive to cut it out. A friend of mine could get over what a jerk this guy was. I just hope he's not around when a child is injured or sick. It's not hard to see why these type of cops make the entire department look bad. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 387 Registered: 3-2004 |
Susan_2, I am not offended because I know cops are human and will do things they should not do, even in the line of duty. I just wanted to say that all policemen are not the same way. There are good policemen who are compassionate and caring. I am not saying that just because of my nephews, but because I have met them. I am so sorry you and others have had the experiences you have had with the bad ones. It is the rotten apples in the barrel that make the others look bad. Cops do many good things for the community. It just does not get advertised. Right after 9/11 the police department where my oldest nephew works decided to hold a bachelor acution for the families of the policemen who died in the World Trade Towers. OK, this is not local, but is an example of what they do that does not get advertised. I do not know how many police bachelors there were, but my oldest nephew, was auctioned off for $3000. He brought the highest price at the auction. I will say that the Henderson police department does not have a good reputation, but the ones I have met are terrific people. I have met policemen on the East coast who were really nice people. And as Pw said above there are good and bad in every profession. That is just human nature. Diana | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 799 Registered: 11-2002 |
What is a batchler auction? I have never heard that term before. BTW, I think I probably have more respect for the Highway Patrol than anyone else. They truly are a noble group. As far as local police go-well, if I had the authority to make policy I'd fire all municiple police and put in military police to keep order. Then I'd go with the Libertarian Party on personal responsibiity and short of total meyham the military police on duty would mind their own business. I'd pretty much try to restructure the entire system. I'd also encourage more people to get involved in the NRA and the Second Admendent Sisters and take resposibility for their own protection. It irritates me seeing so much of what our Founding Fathers fought for being overturned by the courts, judges and those elected polititions. Our country hardly even follows the Constitutation anymore. Last night at Farmer's Market the ACLU and the American's United for Seperation of Church and State had their booths just across from each other. I thought it was fitting that their booths were so close together. Both groups goals are to deminish our personal rights and freedoms. It's sad seeing this awsome great and wonderful nation being taken over from within by groups who do not value the individual. | ||
| Tealeaves Registered user Username: Tealeaves Post Number: 102 Registered: 5-2004 |
I am an ER nurse... And some of the cops I was speaking highly of are those that I have met in my work. Maybe I will simply share some of the stories, to balance things out a bit. Many times the cops will bring in homeless people on cold nights who need some minor medical attention, but mostly need a warm bath, some conversation, and some TLC. They could just cruise right by in their cars and not brave the weather, but they get out of their cruisers instead, and offer their time and asssistance to people they are no way entitled to help. THey know the "regulars" by name, and they are very kind and consistent in their dealings with them. Often, when the jail beds aren't full, they round up some of the "regulars" and even if they need no medical attention, take them to the jail where they can get a bath, a little food, and a safe night's rest. I don't know very many others that are out on those cold nights doing this. I don't know many other's who even know these people's names. The cops stop in sometimes on slow beat nights, and slow ER nights, to talk to us. We banter back and forth about the "regulars" and get caught up on how they are doing. And they offer their assistance if we have some situations that are a security risk to ourselves or others. Believe me, I don't think all cops are invincible heroes, and I have certainly met some with attitude problems. But I have met a lot of docs, nurses and patients with attitude problems too! The people I have met in public service aren't heroes in big ways. But I have seen some of them show incredible heart and compassion to "the least of these" that often no one else pays attention to. And I have seen them keep all night vigils in the waiting room for patients they brought in, but didn't even know. And I have seen them shed tears over hard situations,and comfort families when the ER staff doesn't have time to. On the whole, I used to think that cops were schoolhouse hall monitors with ego and a little power. But I have come to appreciate some of what they have to do, and the absence of appreciation they receive for it. I just hate to see people generalize about anyone. Where there are problems, I strongly believe that management and structure are the root of it. As a whole, people don't become cops just so they can be power-tripping bullies, they become cops to protect and serve. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 388 Registered: 3-2004 |
You know what an auction is, don't you? You know what a bachelor is? A male person who is not married. So all the unmarried policemen were auctioned off. They brought in a good amount of money for the families of the policemen who were killed in the World Trade Towers. That is what a bachelor auction is. Diana | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 801 Registered: 11-2002 |
I still don't get it. Yes, I know what a batchler is and I know what an auction is. What I don't understand though is what these batclers do once someone has bought them on the auction. Do they do chores for the person like if the person bought the officers time from the auction? What does someone do with a person he or she bought at an auction? The only mental image I can come up with is back during slavery. The slaves went before the auction block. The highest bidder then owned the slave. I used to attend the local livestock auction every Saturday and Sunday. The highest bidder owned the animal. What did the officers do for the highest bidder who bought them? | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 393 Registered: 3-2004 |
They just went on a date with the woman who bought them for an evening. That is it. Diana | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 803 Registered: 11-2002 |
That sounds like fun. | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 46 Registered: 10-2000 |
Here it is after 4am and much to my surprise there are many posts to this post of mine. The post I had originally posted was not at all to make Police officers look bad and infact, just below that story was a story of another Police officer who is a Conscientious man with integrity. I'm a fair journalist in representing both types. But what everyone did miss, was what the politicians are doing in taking away our inhome services and in another post, our meds and other needful services to help in our longevity and most of all our "quality of life." Since we are the only ones to be able to tell what we deem as "quality of life", then I find it deplorable that others seem to believe they qualify for this position. This includes our politicians and Doctors. And as Christians, we have a duty to keep the politicians in line to the best of our voting capacity. In remaining silent on these issues, it is to our death and quite possibly the death of someone you love or even yourselves. Silence is Death. Hitler started out by euthanizing (putting to death) the disabled first. From there he went on to others of "non-white" skin and on and on. And all this time, he claimed Jesus Christ as his Lord and the Christians stood by and did nothing. Hitlers words then were nothing compared to his actions. Actions mean everything, words mean nothing. Hitler got his ideas from the United States of America Journals of Psychiatry and other Medical Journals. That is how Hitler started. If you want proof of this, I will post the links here and there are many. We have that same system right here in the good ole' U.S of A and it is escalating unless enough people speak out. Not "hope" but "speak out" and "vote" against it. Actions not words. Prayer is one of the Christians most useful tools to use but along with prayers, our actions must speak the mind of the people. Pheeki, your statement is something I must comment on and you asked quite a loaded question without intending to. You stated: "Denise, I am sorry to hear about your struggle to live a normal life in a wheel chair. I hope you get decent sidewalks soon!" Then asked "Do you do all your own shopping, etc. IOW: do you have to go out a lot?" First allow me to say to you that I know for a fact that you have a good heart and meant no harm whatsoever. I know this to be true so please do not take the rest of my answer to you too harshly but look at it as something to think about. Okay? I love you Pheeki, never forget this fact as you read. My gratitude to you is great for your kind heart towards me, someone you do not know. This shows your compassion and Christian attitude for a certainty! As to your statement, it is the word "hope" that I have a difficult time with. Please "pray" and "vote". And vote not for Democrat or Republican but for the person who champions the most Christian causes. This Democratic or Repulican label is silly to me and means absolutely nothing when it comes down to the nitty gritty issues we have at hand in the United States of America. And here's a little unknown truth about me: I don't find Bush nor Kerry adequate for our President. Bush is an out and out liar and Kerry is for things like Abortion. They both Kill innocent lives so neither one of them have my confidence. That's where I stand. It may not be popular but it's a fact. So you truly can call me NON-PARTISAN. Either way, as a Christian, I will pray that whoever wins the vote (legally this time--hopefully), will lead this country in a God (Jesus Christ of Nazareth) directed way. Now your question is a two parter: You ask if I do my own shopping. The answer to this is I used to but my health and the heat is preventing this and this is one of the areas that "inhome support services" comes in handy (life saving is a better word). The very thing that Arnold the terminator is trying to dispose of or shorten the hours to the point that some will get these services and others will get a bare minimum. All in the name of saving $$. Oh sure, it will save a few bucks for the wealthy but most certainly it is already doing it's damage in this state and many other states where other governors and the legislation have not allowed these services. Many people who needed these services are dead today, some of my own family member as well. So we can toss them on the pile of dead bodies who already suffered the greatest loss and that pile will get higher if this doesn't change. Then you asked do I have to go out a lot. Hmmmm, the truthful answer to this is I wish I could get out more often. It's not a matter of "have to" but a matter of "want to." Would you like to be couped up for months at a time? I'm not certain anybody would and I'm no different. When my health allowed for it, I would go out as my article shows. However, my health doesn't allow for that so much anymore and to tell you the truth I've got cabin fever. Even so, when I could get out as my health allowed, it was limited due to wheelchair transportation only as I'm not one to be able to understand bus maps and everybody's words to me were that they would teach me, the fact is that nobody ever taught me. They were JUST WORDS. Along with those words came the words from Christians that they would take me to Church. I do have leg braces that at that time I could use. But again, they were JUST WORDS that fell to the floor. I haven't been to Church in quite some time now. So, forums like this are my Church and my own apartment, if anybody shows up, which is rarely since I've become dis-abled and assert my rights to be included in ALL parts of this life. Not just the parts that others "decide for me" are okay and also not embarassing or inconvenient for them. Does this help answer some of your question? If not, please feel free to ask more and please please please do not be offended by what I've said as it's not an insult to you but something to think about for you. My prayers go up for you Pheeki and I know you will think on these things because of your attitude toward me, with your compassionate words and attitude tell me you are my sister in Christ, our Lord God Jesus.  May God Himself Smile upon you and your entire household, May He keep you all healthy. In Jesus Christ Name. This I pray for you and yours. amen. Your sister in HIM. denise | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 806 Registered: 11-2002 |
Dear Denise, I wish I knew who to vote for that would actually implament better policy in these areas. While campaigning the politions say one thing and after getting into office often do the opposite. I try to look at all issues and then weigh them against the person seeking office and vote then for the person I believe will best meet the needs of U.S. Americans. I worked for a long time doing in-home supportive care. I soon will be startig this again. What is exterely discouraging in your above post is that there aren't Christians in your area who will take you with them to church. I hope you don't give up on this because fellowshipping with other Christians is important. Maybe you can just start going down the yellow pages calling churches and asking for assistance. Do you read the magazine Sojourner's? You can get an idea about it by going to www.sojo.com This organization is Christan and their main focus is the teachings of Jesus and Christianity in following the commands of Jesus how to treet the needy, etc. Rev. Jim Wallis is the editor of the magazine and one of the main pastors of the organization. I went to hear him speek several years ago. You might like their outlook on things. I do write letters to my representives and senators on these issues. I've heard that letter writing to our elected really does help. Just one question. When you were SDA did any of them come and offer assistance in any way? | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 394 Registered: 3-2004 |
Dear Denise, I am so sorry not one has helped you by coming by to take you to church services. Are there any transportation services that could take you to church and pick you up after? I know at the church I now attend there is a transportation service that brings people in wheel chairs and takes them home after the service. I do work as a home health therapist and I know there are various transportation services to take folks to the doctors and other services that help people clean and go shopping. As some one above suggested, call various local churches and see what kind of help you can get from them. I am very familiar with the problems that handicapped/disabled people have with transportation and sidewalks and living alone. I do use the power of the vote to vote for the person who is best suited for the job and I will continue to do that. I will also pray for you that you can find a ride to church. Diana | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 53 Registered: 10-2000 |
Sweet Susan and Diana, Susan, thank you for that web address. I'll go there this night. As to this statement and subsequent question: "I've heard that letter writing to our elected really does help. Just one question. When you were SDA did any of them come and offer assistance in any way? Yes, letter writing is an excellent way to get through to your elected officials. Also, you can find many of them on the net and bombard them with emails. They hate that but it gets their attention! When I was SDA, Susan, my legs hurt very badly but I didn't let on to anyone that this was going on. Also I could walk and even skate boarded with one of the children from a FAF parent. My walking ability was not affected at that time. But the pain was un-imaginable. Even my first night at the FAF meeting, nobody knew just how much pain I was in. This went on for 2 years before I woke up paralyzed from the hips down. That lasted one month and at that time I had no inhome care and nobody could hear me yelling for help when they came to my door. And I could hear my telephone ringing but couldn't get to it as it was in the other room. Thankfully, just the night before, a thought ran through my mind that people are always talking about laying in bed and watching television or reading a good book. (This conversation actually took place at a FAF meeting with somebody, I forget who now. But she told me how she "unwinds" from the days stress.) Well, I didn't (and still don't) have television but I had a great book called the "History of the Reformation." So I thought to myself, "hey, everybody talks about laying in bed watching t.v. or reading a good book because it's so relaxing. Maybe that'll help with this pain." With that thought I grabbed a 52 ounce to go mug of ice water, a box of crackers, a loaf of bread, a block of cheese and some sliced meat to munch on while reading. Also I had just grabbed my purse with all my meds in it (without them I'm dead). Good thing I did! For one entire month I lay in that bed with the food listed to survive. Then out of pure anger and frustration I pulled myself out of the bed, legs slamming to the floor with a thud. I pulled myself to the telephone in the kitchen and told my Doctor that "I'm having some problems with my legs." Ahem. So typical of me to downplay because see, I too, was in the business of taking care of people most of my working years. I did hospice care and medi-vac (Helicopter Medic). Now, I cannot walk down my hallway or if I attempt to, when the legs are not numb or wreaking in pain or both, I absolutely need assistance. Thus the Power Jazzy Wheelchair! Now at this point in my life, there wasn't any contact from anyone from the SDA Church. Course even as I was going to the SDA Church my one and only best friend was in her 80s and she was the only person who would have anything to do with me outside of Church. She still does but now lives in another city and I CAN'T GET THERE!! grrrrrr. I still love Arleta with all my heart and soul. May God Bless her forever. She is so full of love that I learn a great deal from her. I sort of dwiddled out of FAF due mostly to the pain. (the meetings are great btw!). Also about this time, because of the pain and doctrinal matters, I decided to just stay home and let God teach me some more. Also I had this thought that this pain would just go away if I just rested more. Well, it didn't but my legs were back in use, albeit with a great struggle. Did I recieve telephone calls from Christians? Yes, I've spoken to Colleen a number of times, and to others in that year. Not many telephone calls anymore, if any, but I do get an email every once in a while from Colleen asking me how I'm doing. And this is always a good feeling for me. She didn't forget me! (COLLEEN! Is ya lisinin? I is talkin' bout ya! :::snicker:: Don't nobody tell her I talked about her k? (like my grammer?). So Susan, hopefully this helped answer some of your question. I really do appreciate these boards and our discussions and again, thank you for that website! God is good to us, isn't HE? And also, if my posts are scattered, please understand that I do have brain damage that is progressing. So ya gots to be patient with me or I'll cry.  Diana, thank you for that idea of calling the Churches to see what they have to offer. That hadn't occurred to me to do that! What a great idea! Only, I hope they don't expect me to read a map. That's a real setback if they do because maps totally confuse me. But I will try calling now that I want to get out and go to Church. Not every week as that pushes my limits but it sure would be nice to have Christians friends to visit with and also hear a sermon in person. What a concept eh? And Diana, thank you so much for your prayers. Lord knows they're needed but NOT for healing please. Just to be able to continue to do what I'm doing now. As it stands, my prognosis is that there may come a day I won't be able to do this. So, ask the Lord, if you will, for His Will to be done. He knows what my needs are. You too have a great heart, this shows every single time you post. I'm a blessed woman. Thank you for sharing that heart God gave you with me. You have no idea how that uplifts my spirit. Well, maybe you do considering you not only take care of others but also those online. God is Good. And it looks like a whole lot of us were in the business of taking care of others! Wow! And we are still doing that! Thank you. May God Bless you both with Blessed Health and a good BM everyday. In Christ Jesus Name, this I pray for you both. amen. Denise, (who understands that request also!) | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 529 Registered: 12-2003 |
Denise, I am praying for you, that God will give you peace and courage and relief and His strength and bless you in the ways you need blessing. Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 398 Registered: 3-2004 |
Denise, I am an occupational therapist and have taken continuing education courses that deal with pain. If you do not mind, can you tell me what your diagnosis is? If you do not want to, I will not push it. I have done work on people with pain and it has helped them tremendously. That is why I am asking. I just want to help you if I can. Diana | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 56 Registered: 10-2000 |
Dear Colleen, Your prayer for me covered all the bases and you have surely made my day this day. God will Bless you for this! Thank you* Your friend and sister always and forever in Christ Jesus. denise | ||
| Denisegilmore Registered user Username: Denisegilmore Post Number: 57 Registered: 10-2000 |
Diana, In front of everybody???? Oh dear, now that is...is....I don't know what word to put there. If you would like to email me, perhaps we could exchange telephone numbers and any help you have to offer, I'll gladly try. Here's my email address and yes, I know the world can read it but that's okay: mygodismystrength@hotmail.com Please feel free to email and I'll tell you what dx's (plural) I have and perhaps by working together, things would be a little smoother on this end and you would most certaintly be rewarded by God Himself. Why just your very tender heart alone is worth more than a thousand words! So there you have it, my email address, and if you would put in the subject line something to let me know who you are, then it won't accidently get deleted by me thinking it a stranger. May God bestow bountiful Blessings from His Riches, which are already yours as a child of God Almighty. This I pray to the over-abundance, pressed down, shaken together and flowing over and out of His Great Grace and of His Good Plans for you AND your household. In Christ Jesus Name. amen. Denise* | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 404 Registered: 3-2004 |
Denise, Thanks. I will send you an e-mail and in the subject line I will put FAF member. Diana |
