Miranda Smith Homecare: August 2011

Introduction

I am passionate about eldercare and the need to better support older New Zealanders to stay in their own homes with quality at home care. I firmly believe that people who remain in their own homes have increased levels of independence, positivity, happiness and longevity.

This blog is for me to:

- Share some of our client's success stories with quality homecare

- Pass on some tips on ways to enable you (or your parents) to stay at home longer

- Express my views on ideas and policies involving the eldercare / aged care industry

Monday, August 1, 2011

GOVERNOR SHOWS INITIATIVE OVER AGED CARE COST ISSUE

An American governor has been praised for an initiative to reduce rising Medicaid costs by ensuring more elderly people have the support to be able to stay at home for longer.

The “Passport” programme in Ohio provides state assistance for targeted elderly in terms of health and personal care needs, enabling them to stay in their own homes and delay going into more costly nursing homes.

A bid by Governor John Kasich to expand the programme recently got budget approval and is expected to help slow Medicaid's projected 8 percent spending growth in Ohio to 4 percent, well below the national average.

Per person, the programme is said to be costing the state about a third of what it would if they were in nursing homes.

Aged care industry leaders in the United States say it is a win-win initiative and are urging policy makers to extend it nationwide.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-home-healthcare-group-applauds-ohio-governor-john-kasich-for-encouraging-cost-effective-home-healthcare-services-to-improve-care-reduce-healthcare-costs-126008418.html