I am the caregiver for my wife who has Parkinson's disease, Menieres, as well as severe

back issues, requiring that she be in bed many hours of the day.  We tried using an

agency, and that was a nightmare.  Our first attendant told me on the first day that she

was underpaid, so she would expect a sizeable Christmas bonus.  When she realized that

I was going to be at home most of the day, and she would not be left alone with my wife,

she decided to go elsewhere.  It took a couple of weeks for the agency to find someone 

but there was no one available that had their own transportation, so we reluctantly agreed.

Since it was winter time and cold, many days I would give her a ride home rather than her 

walking to the bus stop. We also never knew for sure that she would show up.  There 

seemed to be constant turnover, and that caused a lot of anxiety in Brenda. 

You can imagine our delight when we discovered I could be paid to take care of Brenda.

We've been married 56 years and without a doubt, I am the best qualified person to care

for my wife.  I take care of all the house chores, cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, 

scheduling doctor's appointments, dispensing medications, bathing, etc.  Brenda is happy

that I am her caregiver rather than a stranger who may or may not show up on any given 

day.  Given the current climate in the workforce, I'm sure it is difficult for agencies to find 

well qualified people to work for the amount of money that is authorized.

For the reasons above, we ask that spouses and parents be given permanent status in

the care of their loved ones.  Thank you!

Respectfully,

Jack and Brenda Joyner

P.S.  If necessary, we can provide many references from people who have known us for

many years who can testify to how I care for my wife.