[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 15, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S9400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]







             HOSPICE AND HOME CARE IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE



 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today to tell you of two of 

my constituents from Merced, CA. I recently met with both of them and 

learned how the availability of home hospice and home health care in 

their homes improved their lives.

  I had the opportunity to visit Carmel Flinders, a 93-year-old retired 

teacher with an engaging personality and a voracious appetite for 

reading books who lives at her home in Merced. On Christmas Eve, she 

was preparing for a large family gathering and unfortunately broke her 

hip and had to be rushed to Sacramento for surgery. Thanks to home 

health care paid for by Medicare, Carmel was able to return home and 

resume her life, supported by home health care workers and family 

members. She had the help of Rigo Mayoral, a caring physical therapist, 

who works for California Home Care and Hospice. She also benefitted 

from the assistance of Kim Holmes, a gifted nurse recently named Home 

Health Nurse of the year. It was inspiring to meet Carmel Flinders and 

the health care workers who have contributed to her strong recovery.

  Americo Martignoni, and his wife, Eleanor, lived in the lovely home 

that they built more than 40 years ago. Americo was a retired farmer 

and veteran who was able to live at home with hospice care for the last 

11 months. He was visited every week by Kerry Cheek, a licensed 

vocational nurse, and also assisted by Kaye Moyer, a certified home 

health aide. A lung cancer patient, with an indomitable spirit, Americo 

loved Eleanor's polenta and her legendary biscotti. These special 

people have a wonderful and supportive family of which they are so 

proud. Home hospice care, paid through Medicare, improved their lives 

while saving dollars. Mr. Martignoni died on July 7th at his home. He 

was a remarkable man and I extend my deepest condolences to his wife 

Eleanor and his family.

  Medicare will soon celebrate its 38th birthday. It is gratifying to 

see this program at work, making a difference in the lives of my 

constituents. I saw the importance of this program through the eyes of 

two remarkable Americans, Carmel Flinders and Americo 

Martignoni.



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