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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2007

Governor, Department of Aging Salute Those Who Make Home Care a Viable Option in Ohio
November 4 -10 is "Long-term Care Comes Home Week"

COLUMBUS - Governor Ted Strickland declared November 4-10 as Long-term Care Comes Home Week in Ohio to recognize and celebrate the contributions of countless Ohioans who give their time and their hearts to care for others.

"We know that most Ohioans, if given the choice, would prefer to receive the care they need in their own homes and communities," said Governor Strickland. "Family caregivers and dedicated, hard-working home care workers make this choice a reality."

Nearly 80 percent of all long-term care in Ohio is provided at home - most by friends and family members, with the support of paid direct care workers.

Additionally, Ohioans are living longer. Each month in Ohio, 12,000 people celebrate their 60th birthdays. Currently, there are about 2 million Ohioans age 60 and older - a number expected to grow to 2.8 million in the next 12 years. While older people are living longer and generally healthier lives, they also are living with and managing more long-term, chronic illnesses.

"Home care isn't just about caregivers providing care to those who need it - though that certainly is a large part of it," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Department of Aging. "Families, agencies and the aging network are all necessary components. Family members provide the bulk of care, home care aides and agencies help fill in gaps or provide services family cannot. Aging network services, such as caregiver support, transportation, meals-on-wheels, adult day services and more, round out the system and truly bring long-term care home."

If you are providing care for a loved one, or feel you need assistance for yourself, your Area Agency on Aging can help you identify resources and match services to your situation through a free long-term care consultation. Call 1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com for more information.

November is National Family Caregiver Month to recognize the free care they provide loved ones - care valued at more than $300 billion nationwide and $10 billion in Ohio. November is also National Home Care and Hospice Month to celebrate the contributions these informal caregivers make to the long-term care system by saving states and individuals money over institutional care. The Ohio Department of Aging joined with Governor Strickland to create Long-term Care Comes Home Week and emphasize that home care is multifaceted and truly possible only when individuals, professionals, agencies and networks work together.

Governor's proclamation...

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.