Governor's Budget Plan Holds Promise for Older Illinoisans

Governor's Budget Plan Holds Promise for Older Illinoisans
Posted : Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:02:18 GMT
Author : AARP Illinois

CHICAGO--The following is a statement by Bob Gallo, State Director, AARP Illinois:

With the introduction of his proposed budget last week, Governor Blagojevich took important steps aimed at helping thousands of older Illinoisans by increasing funding for several important programs that allow seniors to live independently in their own homes, and avoid costly facility placement among other critical long term care services.
This budget proposal represents an investment in the community alternatives that are necessary to help older adults live independently. Increased access to long term care services means that a growing number of Illinois seniors will be able to live independently and have access to programs and opportunities designed to improve their quality of life.
AARP commends the Governor for addressing several key issues in his proposal:
-- Community Care Program: $117 million increase will help older adults, who might otherwise need nursing home care, to remain in their own homes by providing home and community-based services; also raises the rates paid to workers providing essential Home Care and Adult Day Services.
-- Elder Abuse and Neglect Program: $1 million increase will enhance the State's ability to respond to reports of alleged abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of older residents, and provide investigation, intervention and other services to abuse victims.
-- Long Term Care Ombudsman Program: $450,000 in new money will expand the scope of programs protecting and promoting the rights of individuals living in long-term care facilities.
-- Electronic Health Records: $10 million to help make health care records available electronically, moving health services to be more cost-effective by eliminating excess paperwork, reducing duplicative testing and ultimately helping doctors to have better access to critical patient information, leading to fewer prescription and medication errors.
AARP looks forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature to find bipartisan solutions to addressing Illinois long-term care system and making health care affordable and accessible.
AARP Illinois

SOURCE: earthtimes