More Efficiency for Long-Term Care

Funding for elderly care has long been a complicated, paper-heavy process. Governor Romney, in his recently issued budget, has indicated his desire to simplify the current system of long-term care for elders. This move to a more efficient system is a welcome effort, however, the Governor's proposed plan can be enhanced to better serve elders more cost effectively.

One of the governor's plans is to reorganize state agencies to reduce inefficiencies. By doing this, the governor hopes to increase service coordination, increase efficiencies, eliminate the "silo" effect of separate agencies, and build more community capacity. These objectives are commendable, but there is an easier way to achieve the same results.

Rather than reorganize agencies, elder advocacy groups support a plan that reorganizes dollars. Currently, dollars for long term care remain restricted to these "silos"—money is restricted to institutional care or disability services or home care. Governor Romney needs to take his good idea of better service a little further by seeing that all dollars go into one place. With one source for funding, elders can receive the type of treatment they need in the setting of their choice—quickly and efficiently. This concept, referred to as "Dollars follow the Person," is the fairest use of taxpayer's hard-earned money and will actually save tax dollars while increasing customer satisfaction.

The "Dollars Follow the Person" concept is essential to the viability of future long-term care in the Commonwealth. By maintaining a strong Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Governor Romney will ensure elders receive the most appropriate care possible.

Please contact the Governor's office and your local legislators to encourage them to adopt the "Dollars Follow the Person" practice. Elders and caregivers deserve the care this plan promises.