Gov. Kempthorne Focuses on Long-Term Care

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Gov. Kempthorne Focuses on Long-Term Care

By NEDRA PICKLER

Wilmington Star-News, August 18, 2003

Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne said Tuesday that as leader of the National Governors Association he will emphasize long-term care - a problem for state budgets, the country's aging population and his own parents.

Kempthorne's 86-year-old mother had a stroke five years ago and is being cared for by his 87-year-old father. But macular degeneration has taken his father's sight, so he can't drive or cook and has hired a caretaker to help them live together at home.

"Because of his love for his lifetime companion, you don't want to put them in a nursing home," said Kempthorne, whose yearlong term leading the group began Tuesday.

Kempthorne's parents are using the money they saved to enjoy their retirement to pay for help with daily tasks.

The increasing number of people lacking financial resources for expensive nursing home and home- and community-based care must rely on the government, placing a growing burden on cash-strapped state budgets.

In 2001, states paid 44 percent of the cost of long-term care, according to a Georgetown University study cited by Kempthorne's office. Governors want the federal government to pick up more of the cost that is certain to grow as baby boomers reach an age where they will need more services.

Services offered differ by state but can include installing a wheelchair ramp in a person's home, transportation to a doctor, help with chores, respite care to give family members a break, personal care services and caregiver training.

Kempthorne said he will call two national forums and other regional workshops to focus on medication, technology, finances and government policy that can improve long-term care.

"I don't anticipate that we will find a cure for aging in the coming year," Kempthorne said. "But I do believe, with our combined efforts, we can identify practical tools that will improve the state of our long-term care system."

"Perhaps we can declare a new independence day for seniors if we can find solutions," he said.

Kempthorne, a former Republican U.S. senator and mayor of Boise, took over leadership from Democratic Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton at the close of the NGA's summer meeting.

Every incoming NGA chairman selects an initiative to focus on during the year, and Kempthorne's selection of long-term care was applauded by other governors facing an aging population and budget shortfalls.

"This is a problem that is going to overwhelm our whole social safety network," said Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat. "I don't think it's anything that anyone, self included, has thought through."