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Home-based care would save state money
TweetSPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR
COLUMBUS — More Ohioans who would be heading into nursing homes could opt for home or assisted-living care, under bipartisan legislation introduced at the Statehouse.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. John Carey and Democratic Sen. Dale Miller, would expand eligibility for the state’s Home First program, effectively shifting public support that would have gone to nursing-home care into alternative programs.
The setup would allow people to return to their home, saving an estimated $60 million in annual state spending in the process.
Lawmakers created Home First about four years ago, allowing Ohioans in nursing homes to enroll in the state’s Passport program, a Medicaid waiver that pays for home-based care instead, Carey said.
The legislation introduced by Carey and Miller would expand the Home First law to allow Medicaid-eligible Ohioans who are at-risk of going into nursing homes to access Passport funding to pay for home-based or assisted-living care.
Supporters say the alternative is preferred by residents and costs the state less money — $560-$842 per month, compared to $1,700 a month for nursing-home care.
Comments
Oh gawd, please FIX the home care programs Ohio already has before burdening the system more. EDUCATE the home health aides! No, don't rely on "consumers" (patients) to do the educational work THE STATE SHOULD DO. No, don't hire UNeducated workers! No, don't force HS grads with NO background in service or personal care into Welfare to Work, then shove them into "personal care" positions-- they can't do the work, they don't want to do the work, they are indifferent, have no work ethics, and only want the money. DON'T only require the worker to know first Aide-- they should have required certificates for Universal Precautions, Home Safety, Fire Safety, and Body Mechanics. No, don't have "consumers" responsible to "supervise" the workers--the STATE should supervise every 60 days for non-agency workers. DO make provisions for consequences for no call-no show, for being mouthy or disrespectful, and other types of "minor" infractions. Don't just wait to do something when the worker starts lying, stealing, or outright abusing the "consumer" (patient). DO have PROFESSIONAL RNs come to the home at least every 2 months when the worker is an Independent employee-- "consumers" need the back-up of someone who has the power to make the worker comply with basic standards. Have MANDATED meetings every 3 to 6 months to improve charting, communication, and to educate about other "home care" related issues.
Ohio takes none of these issues seriously. they don't even have an employee manual. They expect HS grads with NO medical / nursing background to read Ohio Administrative Code!! Independent Workers just DON'T read it ! Surprise! If Ohio hires a HS grad who had a C average, then you MUST write in plain English-- not OAC pages (and pages and pages).
Home Care in Ohio is PATHETIC. Fix the system before adding more burden to the existing structure.