Nowhere to Go: When Care Cannot Wait

Even good insurance may not open the door

You may have worked for years and paid for good insurance. But what happens if a care center will not take you because of registry rules, a county ordinance or its own policy? Money and insurance cannot open every door.

We need to examine how restrictions, including those changed by SB 212, affect access to care. Which barriers come from the law, and which come from a facility’s own rules? The rules can depend on the person’s case and where the care center is located.

People’s needs change. Memory loss, problems with thinking and physical disabilities can change a person’s abilities and care needs. At the Oklahoma hearing, Dr. Stephanie Jerstad asked lawmakers to make room for a fair review of each person. That review should look at health needs and help keep everyone safe.

Age or disability alone does not tell the whole story. A proper assessment should consider present risk, needed care and safety for everyone.

Concern needs a path forward

At Oklahoma’s October 6 hearing, defense attorney Jacqui Ford asked people to work together and look at the facts of each case. She spoke about caring for an aging parent and the need for a real way to seek help. She also called for the tools and support needed to make change work.

That leaves a clear question for Florida: What needs to change so families can find safe care before they reach a crisis?

A place to start

• Find out why care facilities turn people away.
• Look at funding, costs and rules that limit care.
• Bring real stories and research to lawmakers.
• Find a lawmaker or public champion willing to help.
• Build a clear plan and keep the public informed.

We are still building this effort. We need a leader and a team to help turn these goals into action.

Time will not slow down while we wait. We need to build a path to safe care now, before more families face a crisis. Safety matters. So do care, dignity and a fair look at each person’s needs.

Thank you, Stephanie

Thank you, Dr. Stephanie Jerstad, for taking time to talk with FAC and for being willing to work with us toward our future goals. Your help means a lot to the people and families facing these worries.