Ohio’s system of long-term care for the elderly is flawed and deadly

Day 1

OVERVIEW: OHIO’S FRAIL ELDERLY AT MERCY OF SYSTEM

Lack of affordable choices, low staffing lead complaints

HIRING QUALIFIED STAFF A SERIOUS CHALLENGE FOR HOMES

Turnover rate over 100 percent, some estimates indicate

GETTING STARTED: DETERMINE WHAT YOUR ELDER CARE NEEDS ARE

Almost everyone is or will be dealing with elder care issues

SOME AREA FACILITIES IN TOUCH WITH RESIDENTS

Mercy Siena Woods, Brookhaven a couple of Miami Valley’s best

Day 2

PENALTIES FEW FOR POOR CARE

Nursing homes usually prepare for `the game’

ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS GOOD, IF YOU CAN AFFORD THEM

Quality of life and peace of mind worth the cost, some say

HOME CARE PROGRAM EFFECTIVE, BUT RESTRICTIVE

Those who qualify often must make deep financial sacrifices

FOLLOW THESE TIPS WHEN CHOOSING AN ELDER CARE FACILITY

Nursing homes best for those needing special help

Day 3

ONE FAMILY’S PAINFUL CHOICE

His wife has Alzheimer’s, and Earnest Prather is faced with putting her in a long-term care facility

LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE ALTERNATIVES ARE AVAILABLE

But often require more planning, more work and more money in Ohio

STUDY THE VARYING COSTS FOR LONG-TERM CARE ALTERNATIVES

Some programs require people to `spend down’

LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE COVERAGE ISN’T FOR EVERYONE

Finances, age, health should be assessed

Day 4

OREGON OFFERS ELDERS CHOICES

State helps pay for long-term care alternatives

OREGON’S CARE INCLUDES FREEDOM, BUT ALSO SOME RISKS

Options range from self-care to ventilator homes

WHEN IT COMES TO CARE, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Daughter cares for mom in comfort of her own bedroom

ADULT FOSTER CARE COMFORTING ALTERNATIVE TO NURSING HOME

Elderly adults live in a family setting, with own rooms

WASHINGTON’S QUALITY ASSURANCE NURSES HELP HOMES IMPROVE

Part watchdogs, part advisors, they aid in fixing violations