Keeping people OUT of nursing homes through the use of home health aides, or volunteers, is a much preferred option to the very people this effects the most- the elderly. It baffles me to wonder why this option isn’t discussed more. The money this country could save, and apply towards other programs is immense.

Ohio could save millions in Medicaid spending by making greater use of home- and community-based care for those needing long-term care, but it won’t be an easy transition.

As Ohio’s elderly population increases, the number of potential caregivers — those ages 25 to 64 — is shrinking, making it difficult for friends and family to provide care, according to a new study.

An updated economic study of long-term care costs in Ohio found the state ranks 44th in the nation in the percentage of Medicaid spending on home- and community-based care.

In 2008, a third of Ohio’s long-term care budget went toward such care, while two-thirds went toward costlier nursing-home care.

If Ohio were able to meet the 2004 national average of 39 percent for home care — the latest national figures available — the state could save at least $140 million a year, said Howard Fleeter, an economic analyst who conducted the study for the Ohio Council for Home Care.

State officials have been aware of the potential savings and in recent years have been pushing to expand home-care services for Medicaid patients like the state’s popular PASSPORT program and a new assisted-living program.

I think President Obama and his team should further evaluate this. I realize there will always be some people who truly need nursing home care. Let that be. But for the majority of residents I see, they could live at home or in a smaller group home setting for a lot less money. The care would be much better. The “residents” would become “people” again and THAT is a very important factor. We seen to forget that.

Aides working in nursing homes could become home health aides- and that would improve a lot of the numbers mentioned in the article. Address the (CNA) pay and benefit structures with the money saved from less use of expensive nursing homes- I think we have a solution right before our eyes. As it stands now, we get what we pay for. That can change if people really think outside the box.