Aging and disabled resource centers discussed

A bill seeking to improve access to existing services and support for Nebraskans who are aging or disabled was considered Feb. 5 by the Health and Human Services Committee.

LB320, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kate Bolz, would establish resource centers to provide information on long-term care services for aging and disabled Nebraskans and their family members and caregivers.

The Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) would be certified by the state Department of Health and Human Services and services provided would include:
• information and referral;
• options counseling;
• strategic partnerships with providers;
• streamlined eligibility determination for public programs; and
• transition support for individuals moving from one setting to another.

Bolz said improved coordination and early planning are key to better serving the state’s aging and disabled populations. Nebraska needs to do a better job of directing people to community-based services that will allow them to live independently longer, she said.

“According to the AARP, Nebraska ranks 49th for providing aging and disability resource center types of services,” Bolz said.

June Pederson of Aging Partners—one of eight Nebraska area agencies on aging—testified in support of the bill. She said the state needs better coordination so that Nebraskans can easily access the information they need to age at home if possible, and to explore assisted living and nursing home level care options if necessary.

“The Nebraska area agencies on aging are ready and willing to become ADRC sites,” Pederson said.

Kathy Hoell, executive director of the Nebraska Statewide Independent Living Council, also testified in support of the bill. Institutional care for a person with a disability costs approximately $221,000 a year, she said, compared to $45,000 per year for an individual to remain at home with the proper support.

“Because the state is paying a very large share of what it costs to have people institutionalized, they save money by having people in their own homes and communities,” Hoell said. “People are happier in their own homes and communities; they have a better quality of life.”

No opposition testimony was given and the committee took no immediate action on LB320.