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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2007

Department of Aging Encourages Baby Boomers to Have Frank Discussions About Health with Mom this Mother's Day

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Aging encourages baby boomers to use Mother's Day this year as an opportunity to start an honest and ongoing conversation with Mom about her health and her plans and preferences should she need long-term care.

"Too many families with older relatives fail to talk openly and honestly about long-term care planning before there is a need," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "What often results is tough decisions being made in a hurry without enough research and with limited resources. It is not easy talking about these issues, but doing so when you have the time to be thoughtful and talk comfortably will help both you and your mother."

In particular, families should discuss:

• Mom's current health - Do you know how healthy your mother is? Is her health interfering with day-to-day activities? What medications does she take and how does she pay for them?
• Mom's preferences should the worst happen - Does your mother have advance directives, such as a living will and durable power of attorney, that specify her wishes should she be unable to make decisions for herself? Do you know what role you play in those decisions?
• Mom's plan for long-term care - Where would your mother prefer to receive care? How would she pay for it? How can you support her wishes?

Ohio's aging network is here to help families plan for their loved ones' long-term care needs.

• Mom may be able to save money on her prescriptions using the Ohio's Best Rx program included on her Golden Buckeye card. More information is available at www.ohiobestrx.org or by calling toll-free 1-866-923-7879. She may also be able to get discounts on dental, vision and other specialty medical care through Golden Buckeye. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com for a list of participating business in Mom's community.
• The Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman can answer your questions about advance directives and point you to resources for creating them. Call 1-800-282-1206.
• Ohio recently joined the national "Own Your Future" campaign, which features a free, Ohio-specific, long-term care planning guide available at www.longtermcare.gov. The guide examines multiple aspects of planning, including a discussion of long-term care insurance.
• Trained professionals at your area agency on aging can help you and your mother identify her needs and find appropriate resources. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community and ask for a free personal assessment.

The Ohio Department of Aging proudly supports National Women's Health Week, a nationwide initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health (OWH) that encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life. For more, visit www.womenshealth.gov.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.