By Tracy McPherson, Hamilton
The proposed $420 million state budget cuts scare me because like a lot of people I have a hard time making ends meet right now.
I’m a caregiver in Hamilton, where I’ve lived for the last 26 years caring for my disabled son. If I didn’t care for him he would likely end up in a group home costing the state considerably more money. Like many parent care providers my work with him doesn’t fit into a traditional work schedule, and I’m only paid for a fraction of the time I spend with him.
In addition to my son I care for seven other clients. They count on me for help with cooking and feeding, house cleaning and personal care. Most days I am the only person they see. Without me they don’t get the help they need simply because they can’t do these things for themselves anymore. I’m especially worried about one of my clients. I help her with writing checks and balancing her checkbook because her hands shake so bad she can no longer do this basic task.
There’s still time to avoid this disaster. I’m begging our legislators for help. Go back to Helena and finish your work to protect our vulnerable citizens that depend on homecare. People like my clients are depending on you.