Your Opinion 2-04-2010
Published: February 3, 2010
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Enough is Enough
Editor: My name is Len Brown and I live in Old Forge. I am writing you to let you know why Waste Management should be allowed to have an expansion permit.
I am on a fixed income and like most of the people of Old Forge, I own my one house.
Without the landfill, I fear a lot of people will be forced to sell their homes and move out of this town. Old Forge used to be a town that everyone loved. But now it is a love-hate borough.
With the economy the way it is some weeks I have to think which bill to pay first. The benefits that will come from the landfill would help Old Forge a great deal.
I think it is a shame that our council of seven is allowed to speak for the whole town. Most of the people of Old Forge that I speak to say we should allow the landfill to expand.
It’s not coming into Old Forge so we should have no say in the matter. The towns of Taylor and Ransom have the landfill in their towns and they want it. Who is Old Forge to tell them that they can’t have it? Enough is enough.
Thank you
Len Brown
Becoming Licensed
Editor: On Dec.12, 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) published new regulations applying to home care agencies and home care registries. Prior to this date, home care agencies and registries were unregulated entities. For the home care industry, this is a huge stride in the right direction; ensuring consumers receive quality care and protection while receiving home care services, regardless of who is paying for services.
Home Care agencies and home care registries provide non-skilled services to individuals in their homes or other independent living environments. Home care services include assistance with personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, shopping, meal planning/preparation, transportation, companionship, self-administered medications and much more! Often, these services provide a much needed break for family members of the elderly and those with disabilities.
The new regulations promote consumer control and the independent living philosophy, which encourages consumers of home care services to be involved in the planning and management of their home care. Further, the regulations pose minimum standards for background checking, competency testing, and screening potential caregivers, or direct care workers. While the financial burden of this screening may pose difficulties for some businesses, the consumer benefits far outweigh the costs. All home care agencies and registries already in existence in the state of Pennsylvania will be required to apply for a license by February 10. After that time, all new home care companies will be required to meet these standards prior to providing home care services.
Congratulations to Home Care Agencies and Registries across the State involved in the efforts to become licensed!
Mia Bartoletti
vice president,
CareGivers America
