Assembly Member Teresa Sayward Connects with Home Care

WILLSBORO, NY - (08/10/2007)(readMedia)-- Assembly Member Teresa Sayward (R,I,C-Willsboro), today visited the residence of home care recipient Dolores Anderson to learn about and experience the many benefits and value of home and community-based care both in her district and across New York.

Mrs. Anderson receives home care services from North Country Home Services, Inc. which allows her to continue living at home with her husband, daughter and grandchildren rather than in an institutional setting. A personal care aide visits Mrs. Anderson and provides hands-on services such as dressing, bathing and assisting with an exercise program in addition to light housekeeping.

“Representing a rural district presents many challenges not found in other parts of the State, such as adequate access to quality health care,” said Sayward. “Home and community-based care is essential to rural areas where family and friends often live miles apart and public transportation is limited. The North Country is fortunate to have wonderful home care paraprofessionals and professionals available to help people stay in their homes and out of more expensive institutional settings. That’s why it is so important that the State Legislature support initiatives that help people stay in the comfort of their own home with the help of home care services.”

Providing cost-efficient and quality health care is a major concern for many New Yorkers, which is why Assembly Member Sayward took advantage of “Home Care Connect,” a home care visitation program sponsored by the New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc. (HCP). Home Care Connect provides State and Federal Legislators the opportunity to observe the benefits of home and community-based care in action.

Kathy Liddell, Assistant Director of Patient Services, North Country Home Services, Inc., said, “If it wasn’t for accessible home care services, many aging and disabled North Country residents would unfortunately be separated from their families because they couldn’t be cared for at home. In addition, the cost-efficient nature of home care makes it an ideal source of care, especially as the population continues to age and live longer. Support for home care by government officials like Assembly Member Sayward is critical to keeping people where they want to be – in their home.

“What better source of care than one that is preferred by participants, keeps people in the comfort of their own home and is cost-efficient?” said Phyllis Wang, HCP President. “Home care allows people to live independently and enjoy a better quality of life. The need for patient-centered home care services will only grow with time, which is why the continued support of Assembly Member Sayward is so critical to improved access to quality home care. With her help and the help of her colleagues in the State Legislature, access to home care services will continue to expand.”

-30-

HCP is a statewide trade association representing the full spectrum of home care and hospice agencies in New York.

Home care. Health care. Your care . . . for life. SM