Re: support initiatives for PWP

[Kathie J Creveling <kcreveling@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I agree wtih you that we should try to do for ourselves as much as we can.
That is why I am still trying to work in a physically demanding career. I
wake up every morning almost as tired as when I went to bed. I care for my
husband as well as myself. I do not really have the security of a caregiver.

Over the past 20 years I have cared (in-home) for my in-laws (both
physically unable to care in any way for self), raised my three children,
two nephews and have been there for so many others (fixing, baking, sharing
holidays etc) My husband put in 36 years of giving to Uncle Sam. I have been
working in home with the care of others' children for about 30 years. I am
not asking for money to be handed to us. I am not asking for others to come
and do the work for us. I simply want to know if there are already grants
available for those who have no other way of getting the money to have one.
Giving of one self for so many years to others is not very profitable. I
have family who could do this for us and may well have to some day.

As for taking gov. money or having gov. again in our life.... I am not too
worried. The gov. gives money away like it was theirs to give and that there
was a tree out behind the capitol that bloomed year round. They give it to
artist to paint pictures that will cost the people even more to challenge.
They give it to those to make deals. they give and give and give and give.
Do you really think to have a program that would allow grants to those who
need home-modifications for various disabilities would be using up our gov.
money. Besides... we have paid into that pot as well. My husband put in over
36 years of paying taxes and donating money etc. to various needs. I have
put in over 30 years. I am asking about a home-modification grant for ramps,
railing on steps and in showers etc. Nothing more... I am not even asking
that we create one... just is there one out there already where the money is
already allocated.

I can appreciate the comments on not being dependent on the gov. More so
then you know and for reasons deeper then you know. It was the gov.
protection over large corporations that allowed me to be implanted with a
known defective pulse generator unit that caused the seizures, falls and
neurological damage. I also appreciate the information on local state
agencies and organizations. I will look into that. Yes, I want to keep gov.
out of my life... but they already are totally in it with the insurance,
medical, taxes and life choices / perhaps much more then you have had to
experience.

Thanks to all who have responded to this... it is a difficult subject. When
to draw the line and when to ask for assistance. It is different for
everyone and we must stay open to the reality that not all have the blessing
of having a choice. Where would we be if we the PWP did not learn to swallow
pride some and accept assistance from home and family? I would rather accept
a $500 grant from the gov. (for which I paid in for a life time) then to
accept it from a son-in-law (to whom I would have to feel beholdent to). I
suppose it really is individual.

May we all be in a situaiton where we have the opportunity of choice. Until
then... thanks to all for the information.
That is what makes this list serve valuable. Direct head on voices being
heard and respected.
Kathie Creveling   kcreveling@xxxxxxxxxxx