In some cases, receiving care at home would stop premature institutionalization, help families struggling to care for loved ones, and save the state tax money. We're saying we need to change that mind-set. Such a shift, contends Arriolla, would place far more emphasis on providing assistance to people before they're in need of critical care. In that study critics argue there's no documentation that respite care reduces institutionalization. Campaign donations to the state's political candidates are regularly made through political action committees or PACs.
Lobbyists say they're simply participating in the political process.
The governor receives lots and lots of money from organizations, but it has never affected his decision-making on issues. As for its part, the nursing home lobby's position is clear. If you divert funds for nursing home services, then you take away care for the sickest and frailest of our elderly population. There aren't enough resources now to fund the Medicaid nursing home program. And from a realistic point of view, I don't feel you can fault an industry that wants to protect their market share. . . .