(Clinton, NY – Jan. 2015) In a quiet protest, LutheranCare resident, Herman Friske has vowed not to shave until he receives a raise in his Personal Needs Allowance garnered through his Social Security payments.
LutheranCare Ombudsman Tom Talbot explained that Nursing Home residents on Medicaid are permitted to retain a small amount of their monthly Social Security check to purchase items not provided by the facility. This Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) must cover everything from clothing and shoes to postage and haircuts.
In 1981, the New York State Legislature set the PNA at $50 a month. At that time, Jimmy Carter was in the White House and a 1st Class postage stamp cost 18 cents.
Talbot went on, “Fast forward to 2015 where the cost of living has increased 274 percent. Social Security recipients have received a yearly cost of living increase to help keep them current but not Nursing Home residents. They are still stuck at $50 a month.
These forgotten citizens, like Herman, ask how they are supposed to get by on a 1981 allowance while paying 2015 prices.
“Is this any way to treat our elderly?”