[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2133-E2134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL HOME HEALTH CARE MONTH

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, November 8, 1995

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the fact 
that the month of November is National Home Health Care Month and 
National Hospice Month. Yesterday, November 6, I participated in a 
visit to a 32-year-old constituent who was diagnosed 

[[Page E 2134]]

with Lou Gehrig's disease back in 1988. In August 1990, the disease had 
progressed to the point where Tim was completely immobile and Home 
Health Aides were ordered to assist Tim with his personal care.
  Currently, Tim's nurses visit him three times a week to assist his 
respiratory status and to monitor his overall condition. Two Home 
Health Aides visit daily to assist with bathing and personal hygiene. 
With the assistance of Homecare Health Services, Tim has been able to 
remain in his family's home. I would like to insert into the 
Congressional Record a letter that was given to me yesterday during my 
visit with this courageous young man, Tim Brewer of Big Sandy, TN.

       I want to thank you, Representative Tanner, for your letter 
     and for your visit. I want to also thank the nurses and aides 
     from Homehealth. I am sure you understand how important home 
     health is to those of us who need it. I know the nursing home 
     industry has a strong lobby in Washington, but I believe it 
     is better for patients to stay home if they can, as well as 
     being more cost-efficient for taxpayers. I know I have saved 
     Medicare hundreds of thousands of dollars by staying home. I 
     have only been hospitalized a few times and I have never had 
     even the slightest bedsore. Being at home has also allowed me 
     to be more active in my daughter's life. Please remind the 
     Speaker of the House that the first cuts should be from fraud 
     and inflated medical supply cost. Remind the House that real 
     people are behind all the numbers. Please fight for home 
     healthcare.
       Please come back to see me again.
           Thank you.
     Tim Brewer.

                          ____________________