Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I am extremely pleased that The Smithfield Times published the article “Isle of Wight seeks input on services for seniors” in the June 1 edition.

At 82 years of age, I have lived adjacent to Chuckatuck in Cherry Grove Acres for over 45 years. I have been diagnosed with a rare chronic hereditary neurological disease: cerebral ataxia. This affects the lower extremities. I have been declared disabled since the middle 1980s. Until recently I had some mobility, however, I am now confined to my home. My physician has acknowledged the same.

As such I now have nursing care on a daily basis, which has been a blessing. Nursing care that is reliable does cost money. My income is considered middle class.

Two related things come to mind:

• First, it has made my attempts to get Medicaid impossible as I now understand it to be the case through the Isle of Wight County Department of Social Services.
• Second there should, in my mind, be standards that allow for an individual’s diagnoses and circumstances to obtain at least some reasonable assistance.

 

David W. James

Smithfield