Seniors in Wheelchairs Denied Care?

In New York State, many residents of assisted living facilities are finding themselves facing discrimination because of their use of a wheelchair. In fact, many facilities have turned away applicants, have threatened eviction, or have even evicted residents because of their use of a wheelchair. The reason why, according to those who run these homes, is because of a New York law that states that some facilities cannot accept residents that are “chronically chairfast and unable to transfer.” The issue is that this state law is older than the federal non-discrimination laws. The federal law clearly forbids denying service to those using wheelchairs, while the state law demands it.

 

And New York is not alone. Other states, like Alabama and Oklahoma, have laws that require residents to be ambulatory, or able to walk on their own. It can be difficult for the directors of these homes to know which of the seemingly contradictory laws they must adhere to.

 

This case is currently on the docket to be heard in a federal court. For now, the decision on the legality of these state laws rests in the hands of judges and lawmakers.

 

Some state laws still prohibit seniors in wheelchairs from living in assisted living facilities. 

 

Things like this can be concerning to those that are involved in the world of senior care. On one level, we want to help as many elderly people as we can, to the highest degree that we are able to do so. This is why we make it a point to fully train caregivers, insure and bond them, and run a complete background check on all applicants in order to ensure that only the people that are most qualified to be caregivers will ever step foot in your home to help your family. At Paradise In-Home Care, we know that you want only the best for your family, so we do our best to make sure that you get it. Laws, regardless of where you live, should be designed to help protect seniors, not make their lives harder. Whatever happens, hopefully this general belief will be followed.

 

Caring for your loved ones is your most important job. Finding them the right help when it is needed is a part of that. If you have a loved one that is in need of assistance, it is important that the caregivers that you hire are putting your parent’s needs first. There are many great assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospice homes out there, but not all of them are of equal quality. The same goes for in-home caregivers. Not all who have this role are equal, and not all will be able to do everything that you expect them to do for your family. Spending some time looking over what your options are and asking each company that you are considering some questions will give you better guidance as you make these choices for your loved ones. This can be a stressful period, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from other family members or people that you trust if you think that it will be helpful.

The post Seniors in Wheelchairs Denied Care? appeared first on Paradise In-Home Care.