Well, I was nervous, I didn't know what I was going to experience today. My Father made arrangements to go with me, which was good. I appreciated the company and moral support. In the final total, one reporter showed up, one supervisor, 2 union reps, 2 interfaith reps, 2 clients including myself and Carolyn Trowbridge. Not the numbers I expected or hoped. Carolyn did speak for some time, though she mostly preached to the choir, except for the one reporter. I'm disappointed that so few members of the media bothered to show up. My Father mentioned near the end that this is in fact at national issue, we all grow old or infirm and we all know people who, in some way, need assistance. I was flattered that Carolyn handed out copies of my statement to whomever would take one. I hope they went to good homes and are read, once or thrice.
The first hearing is on Friday. I assume the participation will be greater. I am concerned, however, that the letters sent out to clients were too delayed for many to make arrangements for transportation. And I cannot help thinking that the Administration was not really in a hurry to get those letters out. They really just don't understand how or why this is important.
I was informed by someone involved in this debate that one major suggestion would be for the county to secure and rebuild the PCA pool. The PCA pool has worked up to now as a strong back up care giver system, which is one of the great failings of the outside agencies. That plan implemented would ease my mind a great deal. However, I have trouble, in general, not seeing the long term affects of all this. I am a long term client; I need to know that my care will be maintained, consistent and complete.
We'll see how the meeting goes on Friday. More updates soon.
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