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Cuts to Meals for IL Elderly Worry Advocates
CHICAGO (AP) -- Advocates say budget cuts to programs that deliver meals to homebound seniors in Illinois may force some frail elderly into nursing homes. That's a more expensive option for both the individuals and the state.

The state's recently passed budget includes a cut of $2.2 million in funding for home-delivered meals and other services for aging residents. It's a reduction of nearly 14 percent from last year.

The amount of the cut represents enough to deliver meals to about 2,400 people.

Meanwhile, the need is rising. U.S. Census data show a 22 percent increase in residents age 85 and older from 2000 to 2010 in Illinois.

David Vinkler of AARP says the loss of a home-delivered meal can be the tipping point that forces an elderly person into a nursing home.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
07 16 11 by Newsroom
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