INDEPENDENT LIVING:
A VIABLE OPTION FOR
LONG-TERM CARE
by Andrew I. Batavia
ISBN 1-886236-34-8 • Hardcover • 368 pages
6 x 9 • Illustrated • Acid Free Paper • Index • $39.00
In this important book, my former health policy aide Drew Batavia comprehensively examines the independent living model of long-term care. The independent living model offers a key option for people who need long-term care, and should be seriously considered by policymakers at all levels. —John McCain, United States Senator
…provides essential information and perspective for anyone interested in long-term care policy. Andrew Batavia, drawing on his extensive knowledge, insight, wit, and passion, has written an exemplary book, one that can serve as a model for serious discussion of any health policy issue.
—Victor R. Fuchs, Ph.D., Henry J. Kaiser Jr. Professor Emeritus, Stanford University
Batavia breaks down the iron curtain in social policy between personal assistance services and long-term care. By bringing these two issues together, Batavia clarifies the stark policy choices society must make in advancing the wellbeing of individuals who need long-term assistance. Batavia draws heavily on his experience as a policy analyst, a legal scholar, and as a consumer of long-term services. This is a must-read for any individual, scholar, policymaker, or consumer who wants to be considered knowledgeable about this domain of American social policy.
—Gerben DeJong, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Health Administration, College of Health Professions, University of Florida
…Batavia incisively analyzes consumer-directed home care, one of the key options for long-term care reform. He comprehensively and persuasively makes the case for this type of care, while carefully noting the problems that "independent living" faces.
—Joshua M. Wiener, Ph.D., Principal Research Associate, The Urban Institute
In Independent Living, the author provides readers with a thorough understanding of independent living as a viable option in selecting long-term care. Designed for policy-makers, medical professionals, and knowledgeable consumers, the work offers personal insight into the problems that may be encountered, as well as public policy, legal, and cost considerations in evaluating the option. It also presents a thorough review of all present long-term care options, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of independent living, and laying out the criteria for when it is the appropriate option.
About the Author
Andrew I. Batavia, J.D., M.S., was an Associate Professor at the School of Policy and Management of Florida International University. He had formerly served in several key disability policy positions in the federal government, including Associate Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona, Special Assistant to U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh, and Executive Director of the National Council on Disability. As a researcher and research administrator, he served as Research Director for Disability and Rehabilitation Policy at Abt Associates and Associate Director of the National Rehabilitation Hospital Research Center. In 1990, Batavia was appointed a White House Fellow by President Bush, and helped the Department of Justice to promulgate the regulations for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He has authored two books and over 60 other publications on issues of disability policy. Batavia was a founding Associate Editor of the Journal of Disability Policy Studies, the founding President of AUTONOMY, Inc., and a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court, the State Bars of Florida, California and the District of Columbia, and Georgetown University's Kennedy Institute of Ethics.
