Luzerne County mom spreading the word for home health funding in PA

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Many families face quite a dilemma when they cannot access the home care they need for their child, spouse, or parent.

It means they often consider leaving their jobs to care for their loved ones themselves full-time or must make the difficult decision to place their loved ones in a long-term care facility.

That’s why private-duty nursing is crucial to many local families.

A mother with a special needs child from Luzerne County is helping to spread the word about the importance of home health funding in Pennsylvania.

Although the mother from Hazleton is grateful for the nursing services her child receives at home, she hopes the state increases funding for private duty nurses so that she can better access care for her young daughter.

It’s really hard to care for someone like GiGi.

Two-and-a-half-year-old GiGi Cruz of Hazelton was born with Muscular Dystrophy, but a health scare in the spring of 2023 turned her family’s life upside down.

After being hospitalized with an upper respiratory infection, GiGi needed a tracheostomy and a G-tube insertion.

GiGi was supposed to be in a rehabilitation center for six weeks but ended up staying for six months due to the lack of available in-home nurses in Pennsylvania.

“They sent her to rehab so they could train me and her dad how to care for her with tracheostomy and G-tube, but we could not do everything on our own, so we needed support and it took longer than expected,” GiGi’s mom, Arabeska Cruz, said.

Even though GiGi has five private duty nurses from Bayada Home Health Care Agency, her mother says it’s still not enough to care for her toddler’s needs around the clock.

“I work full time, so it’s really hard for me, as much as I like to do everything as her mom, I can’t do everything by myself, I need the help,” Arabeska added.

Private Duty Nursing (PDN) are state-funded services provided to medically qualified children and adults that allow these individuals to live at home, rather than in a nursing home.

However, according to Bayada, low state funding for PDN has resulted in a shortage of available in-home nurses.

Michelle Vitz is a licensed practical nurse with Bayada and provides in-home care for GiGi.

“When we’re at home we start with feeding through a G-tube, respiratory treatments, bathing, standing,” Michelle explained.

Michelle has worked for Bayada for 15 years.

Although Michelle loves her job, she says nurses are routinely attracted to higher-paying jobs elsewhere.

“We need more nurses in home health care to bring kids like GiGi home to be with their families,” Michelle said.

“So what do you think needs to change, more pay? better conditions?” 28/22 News Reporter Paola Giangiacomo asked.

“Yes more funding, to bring nurses in because we’re losing nurses to better-paying jobs,” Michelle replied.

“At this point, they have been with us for six months and GiGi loves them and I love and appreciate everything they do for us, I would not be able to have her home without their help, and GiGi loves being home,” Arabeska said.

Arabeska and Michelle are asking the State to increase private duty nursing funding by June 30, when the state’s final 2025 budget is due.

Advocates say If Pennsylvania does not address its outdated funding formula, nearly 13,000 children, adults, and seniors will be at risk of losing their in-home care.

Arabeska and Michelle are asking the state to increase private duty nursing funding when the state’s final 2025 budget is due.

Advocates say if Pennsylvania does not address its outdated funding formula, nearly 13-thousand children, adults, and seniors will be at risk of losing their in-home care.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.