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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 10, 2009
COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland today declared Nov. 15-21, 2009, as Long-term Care Comes Home Week to recognize the nearly two million friends and family members, thousands of direct care workers and hundreds of home health provider agencies that enable older and disabled Ohioans to get the care they need in the place they want it most: their homes.
"Seven out of 10 people over the age of 65 will require some long-term care services in their lifetimes, and nearly 80 percent of long-term care is provided in the home," said Gov. Strickland. "Family and friends provide much of this care, at an estimated value of $14.2 billion annually in Ohio alone. These family caregivers often get vital support from home health and hospice agencies, who provide assistance at a fraction of the cost of institutional care."
"Home care is a vital aspect of Ohio's long-term care system, and there are many players that make it a reality," added Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Family members provide the bulk of care. Home care and hospice aides and agencies help fill in gaps or provide services family cannot. Aging network services, such as caregiver support, transportation, home delivered meals, adult day services and more, round out the system and truly bring long-term care home."
If you are looking for a home care provider for yourself or a loved one, the Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice, provides a searchable database of agencies on its Web site, www.homecareohio.org. If you can't afford to hire a home care aide or agency, your area agency on aging can help you identify resources and match services to your situation through a free long-term care consultation. Options include the Home First program, which allows nursing home residents who qualify for Medicaid home care waivers to bypass waiting lists and access services to return to their communities immediately. Area agencies also provide support programs and resources for family caregivers. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.
The department and Gov. Strickland encourage all Ohioans to plan ahead for their long-term care needs. Advance planning can give you more choice in the type of care you receive and in what settings. Planning also allows you to consider how to pay for the care you might need. Visit www.longtermcare.gov to download or order the free "Own Your Future" planning kit.
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.aging.ohio.gov.
State of Ohio
Executive Department
Office of the Governor
Columbus
IN RECOGNITION OF
LONG-TERM CARE COMES HOME WEEK
NOVEMBER 15-21, 2009
Ohio is an "aging" state. Each month, 12,000 Ohioans celebrate their 60th birthdays. By 2020, the state's 60-plus population will grow by 28 percent, while the state's total population will only increase by five percent. Seven out of 10 people over the age of 65 will require some long-term care services in their lifetimes, a likelihood that increases with age.
Advancements in medicine and technology make it possible to treat and manage many long-term chronic illness and disabilities in non-medical settings A recent AARP survey found that 94 percent of Ohioans would prefer to receive needed care and services in their own homes.
Today, nearly 80 percent of all long-term care is provided in the home. Most care is provided by family members at no cost. Nearly two million Ohioans care for an aging or disabled loved one. The care they provide is valued at $14.2 billion in Ohio alone.
But, family caregivers can't do it alone. Hundreds of home care and hospice providers statewide provide vital support and services to help keep older and disabled Ohioans in their homes, at a cost much lower than institutional care.
FOR ALL OF THESE REASONS, I, TED STRICKLAND, Governor of the State of Ohio, proclaim November 15-21, 2009, as Long-term Care Comes Home Week in Ohio.
I urge all Ohioans and communities to honor caregivers and learn more about home care and hospice services for themselves or a loved one.
On this 11th day of November, 2009
Ted Strickland
Governor
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