COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) Director Ursel J. McElroy today testified before the Ohio Senate Health Committee to discuss and support the critical aging initiatives included in the DeWine-Husted Administration Budget Proposal for State Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.

“Our budget request is sound. It is reflective of our moral imperative to see that all Ohioans have the tools and the understanding they need to live up to their God-given potential. In my role, I am privileged to work with and for older Ohioans every day. And, in this job, you come to understand quickly that the potential we each possess doesn’t have an expiration date,” Director McElroy said. “With the right support, older Ohioans can and do contribute their talents and wisdom to their communities and our economy in meaningful ways long past retirement age.”

During her testimony, Director McElroy highlighted several of ODA’s priority initiatives included in the Executive Budget. Below is a short summary of each, accompanied by a link to watch the Director’s remarks on that segment of her testimony, via The Ohio Channel. Or, you can click here to watch the Director’s full testimony.

Healthy Aging Grants
Establishing Healthy Aging Grants would award funding to counties for local aging initiatives that provide services – like nutrition services, minor home modifications, personal care, and more – to keep older Ohioans in their homes and communities longer, preventing the move to institutional care and reliance on Medicaid. (WATCH)

Home- and Community-Based Service Rates
Bolstering Home- and Community-Based Service rates would allow providers to retain and recruit skilled workers who deliver hands-on assistance with activities of daily living to older Ohioans who may otherwise face a move into a nursing home, reversing the workforce drain seen in recent years. (WATCH)

Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementia Respite
Boosting the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Respite line would provide a wide range of additional supports to the caregivers of the 220,000 individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in Ohio. (WATCH)

Senior Community Services
The Senior Community Services line provides flexible funding that allows Ohio to offer services such as home-delivered meals and transportation, while also serving as the match for federal Older Americans Act dollars. Increasing this line is needed for Ohio to continue to be able draw down the full amount available in the form of ARPA funds. (WATCH)

Aging Technology and Infrastructure Modernization
Updating IT systems would ensure long-term efficiency within the aging network, support the aging workforce, and improve access for consumers; enhancing not only the user experience, but improving the quality of care provided to Ohioans. (WATCH)

Additional Updates

• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Expansion (WATCH)
   
• Ohio Governor’s Nursing Home Quality & Accountability Task Force (WATCH)

About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.