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In-Home Care Program For Disabled At Risk

Michael Condon, who uses In-Home Supportive Services, rests in his wheelchair outside his home. After his diving accident, he is unable to feed, bathe or dress himself.
Amita Sharma
Michael Condon, who uses In-Home Supportive Services, rests in his wheelchair outside his home. After his diving accident, he is unable to feed, bathe or dress himself.

In-Home Care Program For Disabled At Risk
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today said he’ll terminate an in-home care program for the disabled to help close a budget shortfall unless the federal government gives the state $7 billion.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said today he plans terminate an in-home care program for the disabled to help close a budget shortfall unless the federal government gives the state $7 billion.

The governor proposes eliminating the $5 billion In-Home Supportive Services program in his 2011 budget. More than 450,000 disabled people, seniors and the blind rely on IHSS for help in cleaning their homes, cleaning themselves , cooking and feeding. Kristine Loomis has a severe form of arthritis that has left her in a wheelchair.

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“Losing my home care workers would be completely catastrophic. I use home care providers to go to the bathroom, to bathe, eat. I can’t even roll over in bed without their help,” Loomis said.

Disabled advocates say they plan to lobby the legislature hard to keep the program.