Having been a conservator for an elderly person, I can tell you that this is a complex issue. Counseling will certainly muddy the water and make a fairly straightforward decision much more complex and confusing for the elderly. The elderly person I took care of pretty much picked where she wanted to go, and I and social services did the paperwork. Between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia I seriously wonder how many elderly will not be greatly traumatized by this kind of “counseling.” But, I do get it. It seems like this country does not care one whit about anyone once they leave the workforce and are not productive. Our elderly are not revered.

its not an issue of not caring. It a matter of listening to our experts in this field, when they tell us there are better ways to do that will save taxpayer money. Much of what the conservatives label as Obamacare is crafted to reduce needless spending, but people resist change and want everything to stay the same. Unfortunately, every time an expert recommends change, they get blasted as being socialist .

To: Obamacare comethfor you!, By the way, this is what your STATE government legislated. Not you favorite wipping boy Oboma. So, get your facts straight before spouting off!!!

Looks like a matter of semantics to me. One calls it counseling the other calls its information guidance. The article doesn’t go far enough with the descriptions of what is proposed by each side of the situation.

BTW I think the author meant “uninformed” not “uniformed”.

In order for a person to be admitted to assisted living or a nursing home, doctor signed paperwork is required. You just can;t drop Grannie off. The doctor is already involved but may not be the most knowledgeable person as to what is available. A social worker would be very helpful. I know this because I have been the primary caregiver for elderly parents since 1997 and have had to move them three times as one or the other needs a different level of care. The more help the caregiver/family can get, the better family can make the correct decision. This help was not available in 1997. It is getting better, but can be improved. There are many rules and regulations that are involved with medicare and private insurance (if these are applicable). There are different levels of care and facilities are different in how/what they care for.

Speaking from experience outside, non-vested (not making money from the advise like talking to the sales department of a facility) counseling would be extremely helpful and would save money in the long run.

Why are so many people on this blog bashing Obama when the proposal is being put forward by Republican state representative?