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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor, Jan. 8 DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Jan. 8, 2016 @ 12:01 am Posted Jan. 8, 2016 @ 12:01 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2324,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Compensate caregivers Regarding "New CARE Act could help family caregivers": I read Ms. Waldman's article in the Local section of the Tidings about HB 3378 passing unanimously through the Oregon Senate and becoming implemented this year. Since I am an elderly caregiver, my ears perked up right away to see if there was indeed some relief for so many here in Oregon that find themselves being caregivers in the winter of their own lives. After reading and rereading her article, I became more and more incensed that all this bill accomplishes is to "retrain" us already overly burdened caregivers with even more responsibilities. The bill states that now hospitals are required to train loved ones, aka caregivers, in the art of wound dressings, or how to insert and clean a catheter. How about feeding tubes? Got a class for that as well. And then to find out that there are over 460,000 of us caregivers here in Oregon alone, and that we now save the state a whopping $5.5 billion a year. Well, you can see why I'm questioning the merits behind AARP being so proud of getting this bill signed. In answer to my inquiries, Mr. Bartholomew from AARP, whom I also wrote to, told me that there are many "programs" for fee as well as free — if one qualifies — but that doesn't help the hundreds of thousands that either don't qualify for Medicaid or can't afford respite or any other kind of relief from the daily responsibilities of caregiving a loved one. It never ends. We are always on call and get few to no days off, even for good behavior! I am also not complaining, just stating the truth here. We caregivers are the silent backbone to an aging society. We take care of our own and always have. That does not mean, however, that we should go silently into the night without voicing our opinions about this increasing and much-needed assistance. Why shouldn't caregivers be compensated in some way? An amount a month to be spent on whatever the caregiver needs to spend it on, for either their own mental health and well-being, or to hire someone to help out around the house. This would certainly ease a great deal of burden on those that now — now that we know — feel totally taken advantage of, to the tune of $5.5 billion a year. I'm only talking about $1,000 to $1,500 a month — certainly only a dent in what we save this state annually. I'm sure there are ways of safeguarding a program that could compensate caregivers that qualify. Now this type of a bill would be something to be proud of, indeed. Cherie Walshin Talent Maslow says thanks On behalf of all Maslow Project kids, families and staff, I would like to send a warm thank you to everyone who helped make our 2015 Holiday Program such a huge success. Fifty-six individual sponsors helped make Christmas extra special for 320 kids! That is our best yet! Toys, food, clothes, household needs and more filled our building with colorful paper, ribbons and bows. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped wrap, shop and deliver, too! Our community is so generous and giving, we were overwhelmed by your support. Happy 2016! Mary Ferrell, executive director Maslow Project DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Jan. 8, 2016 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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