| Reach Out for Feb. 11, 2007
Volunteers in Burleson, Leon, Grimes, and Madison counties are needed as Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership Van Drivers. Transportation can be a challenge for some residents, particularly for those who need medical services. For some elderly residents who no longer drive, having a way to access resources may make the difference between living independently or moving into a nursing facility. Volunteers must be 18 or older and have a good driving record. Details: 595-2800 ext. 2028. By volunteering to drive for the Brazos County Driver Escort Program, which gives rides to senior citizens, you may make new friends and possibly enable them to continue living at home. Drivers must be 55 or older and willing to provide their own vehicles to transport passengers.
Evans senior news
Happy Valentine's Day. We hope you and your "sweetie" will come and join us sometime soon for lunch, either on a Tuesday or Friday at 11 a.m. Don't forget to make your reservation by 9 a.m. Monday or Thursday the day before you plan to join us. You can do that by calling (970) 339-5344, Ext. 200, and following the prompts. We will take care of the rest, and we look forward to having the opportunity to serve you. We would remind you that you do not have to live in Evans to be a part of this group. We have no dues or membership fees. We are a pay-as-you-go program with modest fees on some activities, but we also have lots of free things for you to participate in. Questions? Call us at (970) 475-1131; we can help. Or, come by and pick up a packet, which will give you more info on who we are and what we do.
Push to more home health care
COLUMBUS -- Shifting Medicaid funding to home health-care providers from nursing homes and comparable facilities could save the state hundreds of millions of dollars annually, according to a study unveiled by an advocacy group Monday. The Ohio Council for Home Care released the findings of "An Economic Study of Long-Term Care Costs in Ohio" during a press conference at the Statehouse. It commissioned the Columbus firm of Levin, Driscoll & Fleeter (at a cost of $25,000) to assemble and analyze Medicaid and health-related data; the information will be provided to the governor's office and lawmakers in advance of budget deliberations. "The study has confirmed what we have long understood -- that Ohioans on Medicaid who wish to remain in their homes should be provided with that opportunity," said Kathleen Anderson, the council's executive director.
Consider the options for long-term care insurance
With medical advances and improved nutrition, the average American now has a life expectancy of about 77.9 years. Many surpass that average. That's good news. But with a longer life span, there's a greater chance of facing serious health problems later in life. Right now, the average daily rate for nursing home care is about $181 a day or $66,000 a year according to recent industry survey. Home care can be more or less costly, depending on needs. With inflation ahead, these costs could have a significant impact to anyone on a fixed income. While there's no way to know just who will face long-term health challenges, it is easy to see the associated costs could wipe out your savings or place a burden on other family members for your care. Most health insurance policies don't cover long-term care expenses.
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