Ohio Department of Aging
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2007
COLUMBUS - As the number of elderly and disabled Americans increases, there is an increasing demand for a broader array of services in a variety of settings. Assisted living is a long-term care service that helps to meet this demand in a home-like setting. National Assisted Living Week is observed from September 9-15 to recognize the important role assisted living providers play in the long-term care system.
"Assisted living residences, also called residential care facilities, play a crucial role in helping our nation's elders and people with disabilities enjoy a meaningful quality of life," said Barbara E. Riley, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Assisted living facilities and their caregivers offer personalized services and loving care to residents who need some help with the day-to-day activities of life."
Assisted living residences combine a home-like setting with personal support services to provide more intensive care than is available through home care services, but less expensive and restrictive than nursing facility care. Most residences provide meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and social activities. They also offer personal care, such as assistance with eating, bathing, grooming and personal hygiene.
Built on Governor Ted Strickland's Turnaround Ohio initiatives, Ohio's 2007-08 budget focuses on long-term care by promoting consumer choice and a variety of services, which would not be possible without the vital contributions of assisted living residences.
To help more older adults take advantage of the opportunities assisted living offers, Ohio's Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program was created to pay the costs of care in an assisted living facility for certain people with Medicaid. The program is open to individuals currently residing in a nursing facility or enrolled on another home- or community-based waiver program.
"Assisted living residences foster choice, dignity, independence and autonomy for our elderly across Ohio and the nation while offering their families and caregivers peace of mind," added Riley.
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.
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Ohio Department of Aging