Issues on Aging
June 2010 |
Ms. Little was able to leave the nursing home thanks to Home First during last year's wait lists.
Benefits of Expanded Home First include:
- Less Disruption – keeping older adults from unnecessary nursing facility placement eliminates the trauma of transition and decreases depression.
- Medicaid Savings –
allowing older adults to receive their long-term care services at home results in Medicaid cost savings. PASSPORT services average about one-third the cost of services in nursing facilities.
- Better Balance –
Ohio ranks among the 10 worst states in the nation for disproportionate nursing facility spending.
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Expanded Home First
- What it means for Ohioans
Governor Ted Strickland signed House Bill 398 into law on May 28; the bill broadens access to home and community-based services for Ohioans when waiting lists exist.
The bill ensures that more people who want to receive the care they need in home or community care settings will no longer be relegated to waitlists.
This is a much needed expansion of choices for older Medicaid-eligible Ohioans who want to remain living in their own homes and in less costly assisted living facilities when they are in need of long-term care - rather than moving to more expensive nursing facilities.
While there currently are no wait lists for these services, this law will provide the safety net needed if future budget cuts create long wait lists.
“Sen. J.Carey, Senator D.Miller, Rep. D.Newcomb and Rep P.Lehner provided bi-partisan sponsorship and led this bill to a unanimous vote. We are grateful for their confidence in the PASSPORT program and Governor Strickland’s” said Cindy Farson, Director of COAAA.
"This law will give many older Ohioans, their families and caregivers the choice they desire.” |
Contact us:
614-645-7250
1-800-589-7277
coaaa@coaaa.org
online referral
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Online Referral for PASSPORT, Consultations
COAAA now offers an online referral form. Whether you would like to refer a friend to PASSPORT, or to schedule a consultation to discuss your aunt's in-home care needs, you can use the form located under the menu item 'Services' or by clicking HERE.
Of course, you can still make a referral or inquiry by calling 614-645-7250 or 1-800-589-7277 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. |
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Consumer ID cards
Consumers using COAAA programs, such as PASSPORT, Choices, and Assisted Living, will soon receive a consumer ID card (pictured above).
If you are a health care professional, please look for this card and contact COAAA when a consumer is admitted or discharged from your facility. COAAA's goal is to provide professionals with support and assistance with discharge planning. |
Helpful discharge planning guides and checklists at: www.caretransitions.org
www.nextstepincare.org
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
614-645-7250
1-800-589-7277
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Advocate safety during hospitalization, medical changes
Aside from the day to day assistance caregivers provide, it is YOUR VOICE that is vital in assuring the safety of your loved one when their condition changes and hospitalization becomes necessary.
The most critical time to speak up is in the planning for your loved one’s transition from one healthcare setting to another. This is when communication can break down with serious consequences for patients.
In the National Family Caregivers Association publication, Take Care!, Dr. Eric Coleman, Director of the Care Transitions Program at the University of Colorado advises,
“Question anything that doesn’t make sense because there is always the potential that instructions were missed or never communicated.”
“Don’t assume anyone is in charge. Chances are you are the only one asking these questions.”
Today, transitions from hospital to rehab/nursing facility to home and sometimes back happen ever more rapidly – and often abruptly. Following are some suggestions to help keep your loved one safe.
- Maintain a list of your loved one’s medications and provide this upon admission to any new healthcare setting. Monitor, clarify and discuss the use of medications and possible interactions.
- A discharge plan includes all the arrangements for your loved one’s care after they leave the hospital or nursing facility. A nurse or social worker will be assigned to assist with developing the discharge plan. Make contact with the “discharge planner” as soon as possible.
- Identify yourself as your loved one’s primary caregiver.
- Prior to discharge discuss your loved one’s treatment plan.
- Determine what medical follow-up will be needed after your loved one leaves the hospital or care facility, when, and with whom.
- Verify contact information for any referrals made for home health care, hospice, medical equipment, or other community services.
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CAREGIVER
VIDEOS! |
Videocaregiving.org offers free videos on caregiving - great for professionals and caregivers!
www.videocaregiving.org
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Fran Ryan (right) with State Representative Marian Harris
Councilwoman Tyson (right) presents Farson with resolution. |
Officials support older adults
State Representative Marian Harris visited with COAAA Advisory Council recently to discuss older adult issues and to share advocacy tips with the council.
City Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson presented COAAA Executive Director Cindy Farson with a resolution recognizing May as Older Americans Month.
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Sally Smith
Diana Kubovcik
Cheryl Royster
Cheryl Stockwell
(singing at the event)
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Advocates honored
Kubovcik, Smith, Royster and Stockwell recognized for outstanding service
Congratulations go to Sally Smith who received the Adult Protective Services Worker of the
Year Award at the March Ohio Coalition for Adult Protective Services (OCAPS) conference. Smith serves on the COAAA Advisory Council as a representative from Licking County.
"Having Sally on our Advisory Council has been instrumental in sharing with community leaders the importance of APS and impact of the lack of resources for the program," said COAAA Executive Director Cindy Farson. "They couldn't have picked a better person for the award."
COAAA Client Services Director Diana Kubovcik received an OCAPS founder’s award in recognition of the OCAPS 25th anniversary.
"COAAA is so proud to have Diana recognized for her early contributions to organizing OCAPS," said Farson.
"Her passion for the protection of vulnerable older adults has been a driving force at COAAA."
Advisory Council member Cheryl Royster received the Fayette County ‘Hometown Hero Lifetime Achievement’ Award from the American Red Cross for her long-time patient advocate with Fayette County Memorial Hospital. Royster was nominated in part for being available at all hours to ensure patients have access to the resources they need to lead healthy lives.
Cheryl Stockwell, Director for the Commission on Aging, won the 'Work Hero' award, for working tirelessly to ensure residents using the Meals on Wheels program would continue to receive nutritious meals, despite funding cuts.
Its wonderful to see both Cheryls recognized for their committment to serving the community. Cheryl Stockwell was a force this year in raising funds and awareness for senior services," Farson continued.
"Cheryl Royster couldn't be a better hospital partner. She is always offering ideas and is our go to person in finding solutions for clients in Fayette."
Congratulations!
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