A Daughter's Tribute: Honoring Mom and Highlighting Medicaid's Role

The journey of caregiving offers profound lessons, often revealing the quiet strength of those who care for us and those we love. As I reflect on my first Mother's Day without my mom, I am reminded of the invaluable lessons she imparted, from the balancing act of work and parenting to the imperative of activism and volunteerism. Her life was a testament to involvement; she was a committed voter and remained active in local politics until the end.

As her health deteriorated due to Alzheimer's, my sisters and I faced the daunting responsibility of making her end-of-life healthcare decisions. This experience highlighted the importance of discussing such matters with our elders while they can express their wishes. It also inspired me to communicate my own end-of-life preferences with my family.

During my mother's final years, I witnessed the dedication of caregivers who provided her with essential support. The staff at her retirement community, including direct care workers, physical therapists, and dietary aides, exhibited compassion and expertise despite the demanding nature of their work and insufficient compensation.

In her last days, my mother benefited from hospice care, which significantly eased her final weeks. The hospice team’s skill and support underscored the critical role of Medicaid funding, which assists in providing such services. Medicaid's impact is far-reaching, covering 40% of births in the U.S. and supporting 5 in 8 nursing home residents, of whom 65% are women.

Medicaid is essential for both the elderly and disabled, funding 57% of home and community-based services. Many of these services are provided by home care workers, such as those in the AFSCME United Domestic Workers, enabling countless mothers to live independently as they age.

Medicaid coverage, indeed, can mean the difference between life and death. If Congress reduces Medicaid funding, it could result in the loss of over 34,000 American lives annually. The federal support for Medicaid also alleviates state budgets, allowing states to allocate funds to other vital public services. Cuts at the federal level could force states to make difficult choices, impacting essential services like childbirth and end-of-life care.

Recently, I received a notice from Richmond, Virginia, stating that my mother had been removed from the voter rolls. This poignant moment of grief reminded me of her unwavering activism. I am certain she would have stood with me and our AFSCME family in our campaign against Medicaid cuts, and she would have been preparing to vote for pro-worker candidates in Virginia's upcoming elections. In her honor, I will continue her legacy of advocacy and community involvement.