Editorial writers at the Des Moines Register say the state should ‘create a commission to explore whether there are better, more cost-effective ways to care for vulnerable populations” beyond large state-run institutions. They suggest consolidating existing facilities.

Together, two large institutions employ more than 1600 workers to serve about 500 residents with intellectual disabilities, at a cost of nearly $260,000 per year per resident.

An excerpt:

An honest assessment of how this state cares for its most vulnerable citizens is overdue, but ideas will be met with resistance. For example, proposals to close an institution employing hundreds of people will set off a firestorm in that community. Those with loved ones at a facility will be understandably worried about the prospect of sending them elsewhere.

Regardless, the state has an obligation to disabled Iowans and to taxpayers to ensure the state is providing the best and most cost-effective care.

See also:

Post-Atalissa task force won’t release some e-mails - Des Moines Register

This entry was posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 7:26 am and is filed under Atalissa, institutionalization, intellectual/developmental disabilities. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.