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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Jay Purdy |
State Rep. Rick Taylor |
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Taylor proposes funding to address backlog of inspections
at personal care homes for aging, handicapped
HORSHAM, May 25 – State Rep. Rick Taylor, D-Montgomery, will introduce legislation to bolster the number of state inspectors to address a huge backlog of inspections of facilities for the aging and people with disabilities.
“We must do better in protecting those unable to protect themselves,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s proposal would authorize $167,000 so that the Department of Public Welfare could hire 20 additional inspectors for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. He also expects to support funding to continue the higher staffing level into the new budget year.
“The need is critical,” Taylor said. “Recently, we had word that only about 30 percent of the nearly 1,600 personal care homes in Pennsylvania have received the annual inspection required by state law, and that follow-up inspections of homes cited for deficiencies are also severely hampered by the staff shortage.”
Taylor said personal care facility occupants need assistance with everyday tasks like bathing and dressing, taking medication and managing their finances. Many also have behavioral health issues, including dementia.
“Meeting these needs is essential to their well-being,” Taylor asserted. “We must ensure that standards of care are being met because many of these affected residents don’t have the ability to assert themselves for their own safety and well-being.”
Taylor is gathering co-sponsors prior to introducing the bill.
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