New York
The University of Buffalo has conducted a survey of it’s 50+ adults in order to better understand the needs and desires of this growing age group. The study highlights several items; some surprising, some not. The information that was collected proves something that many communities are starting to see: The majority of older people want to stay in their own homes as they age and the opportunity for new (or more) resources in the community to meet the needs of those aging adults.
Communities across the nation are starting to delve into the types of questions asked in the Buffalo survey. The need to create communities that are sensitive to, and provide for, the needs of older citizens by dealing with topics such as properly designed homes and buildings (Universal Design), getting local organizations and businesses actively involved and creating opportunities for transportation.
Read More: Regional Institute Releases Policy Brief Based on Survey of Erie County’s Age 50-Plus Population
PDF of report: When I’m 65
You can right-click and save to your computer or click to view online.
Tennessee
Gov. Phil Bredesen took a big step recently when he signed the Long-Term Care Community Choices Act for Tennessee. The Act gave permission to TennCare to begin creating a system to support the long-term care for older adults. According to a report from the AARP, Tennessee is in last place when it comes to the amount of Medicaid money being spent for home and community based care. It also states that 10 million adults require assistance for activities performed every day and over 30 million have some type of disability that limits their activity.
The gist of the rationale behind the bill is this: Medicaid can support almost three elderly people using in-home and community services for every one it supports in a nursing home. For example, in 2006 Oregon and Washington both spend more than 50 percent of Medicaid dollars on long term care for home and community based services. Historically, Medicaid can pay $9,000.00 per year for a person to receive a combination of home/community based services vs. the $25,000.00 per year for nursing home care.
Read More: Act lets Tennesseans make home 1st choice and see more information about the act on the Tennessee Disability Coalition news site
Get Involved
The impact on our country is going to be staggering. Get involved locally and urge your representitives to take action. Have a look at the article “No Place Like Home” on Divided We Fail, an AARP sponsored website.
