Ohio Department of Aging, Scripps Gerontology Center to launch statewide survey of long-term care facilities

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) Director Ursel J. McElroy announced today that Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University will soon launch Ohio's Biennial Survey of Long-Term Care Facilities.

The survey is commissioned by ODA as part of Ohio's commitment to using data to drive informed improvements in long-term care. It is the only survey that collects information from every long-term care facility in the state. It captures metrics in several categories, such as capacity, occupancy, payment types accepted, staff, types of services offered, and more.

Participation in this survey is mandated for all long-term care facilities by Section 173.44 of the Ohio Revised Code.

"It is our hope that every long-term care facility in the state will be proud to complete the survey," Director McElroy said. "The information provided is used by the Ohio General Assembly, state agencies, and long-term care facilities alike to recognize trends and identify potential opportunities to enhance operations and boost the quality of care and quality of life being provided to residents."

Facility administrators will be contacted directly in the coming days with instructions on accessing and completing the survey. Staff from Scripps Gerontology Center are available to provide technical assistance to facility administrators as necessary.

Administrators can contact the Scripps helpline by emailing [email protected] or by calling 1-844-850-0043.

SCRIPPS RELEASES PAIR OF STUDIES DEMONSTRATING OHIO'S PROGRESS IN MODERNIZING LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS

Based on the results of previous long-term care surveys spanning over 30 years, Scripps Gerontology Center published a pair of new studies this week. Supported by ODA, the studies found that Ohio has made significant strides in modernizing its long-term care system to align with the growing trend of older adults who prefer to receive services in their homes and communities.

"We are providing more options than ever when it comes to how older adults receive care in Ohio," Director McElroy said. "Many of the programs we have launched in recent years aim to improve access to home- and community-based services for older Ohioans across the state. Other initiatives target improving the quality of care and quality of life in nursing homes. While there is still work to be done, these studies demonstrate that we are making progress in these areas, and toward our ultimate vision of making Ohio the best place to age in the nation."

The studies are now available on the Scripps Gerontology Center's website:

• A Profile of Home and Community Based Services in Ohio

• A Profile of Nursing Homes in Ohio

"I am grateful to the Scripps Gerontology Center for their years of work that have gone into this project and their ongoing partnership with our department - helping us collect and analyze data about Ohio's older population," added McElroy. "Their work has helped inform and accelerate innovative concepts that empower people to age on their own terms and in their preferred environments."

The studies are part of Scripps Gerontology Center's Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project, which was created in 1993 by ODA and the Ohio General Assembly to track data about the growing number of older Ohioans likely to need long-term care services and supports with the goal of informing the development of future state policies and plans to serve these residents.

At the time the project began, nine out of 10 Ohioans ages 60 and older with severe disabilities and who were supported by Medicaid lived in nursing homes. Today, more than six out of 10 people in that category receive their care in home- and community-based settings.

"The changes that Ohio has made in supporting greater independence for community living for older people has impacted generations of Ohioans," said Dr. Bob Applebaum, who has led the Scripps Gerontology Center's Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project since its creation. "As a state with the sixth-largest older population in the nation, accomplishing this achievement is nothing short of remarkable."

In the 1990s, Ohio ranked 47th in the country in providing long-term care services in the community, but a recent national scorecard by AARP now ranks Ohio 14th-best in that category. Over that time period, Ohio saw the number of people above age 85 grow by 100,000, but the state now maintains fewer nursing home beds and a lower occupancy rate than 30 years ago.

"Under the leadership of Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Aging has worked to introduce new initiatives and support existing programs that meet older Ohioans where they are most comfortable," said Director McElroy. "We have expanded the state's menu of options for people who want to be sure they are able to receive the level of care that is right for them, while also being able to remain connected to their families, friends, and communities."

In the past year alone, ODA launched its Healthy Aging Grants Program, which is providing $40 million in support of local aging services like food and housing assistance, as well as internet access and digital literacy services in home settings. ODA is also leading one of the nation's largest expansions of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and is investing $6 million to revitalize adult day services across the state - both of which provide opportunities for social connection while giving older adults options in where they live while receiving care.

At the same time, however, the studies also noted that with almost 500,000 Ohioans ages 80 and older, and with more than 180,000 older individuals experiencing severe disabilities, the need for long-term care services in institutional settings like nursing homes will continue into the future.

To combat industry workforce shortages and quality concerns magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor DeWine last year convened the Nursing Home Quality & Accountability Task Force, with the goal of improving nursing home care throughout the state. The task force's Recommendations Report laid the foundation for the Governor and Ohio General Assembly to pass a package of nursing home investments and policy reforms as part of the state operating budget.

In recent months, work has begun to implement several of the task force's recommendations. In mid-February, Governor DeWine and Director McElroy announced the launch of the Ohio Nursing Home Quality Navigator - a new online tool providing users detailed information about nursing homes across the state in one convenient digital location. Ohio is also investing in regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs to strengthen their support of nursing home residents.

About ODA - The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit Aging.Ohio.gov for more information.

About Scripps Gerontology Center - Founded at Miami University in 1922, Scripps Gerontology Center is one of the nation's top centers for research in aging. With 17 staff and over 20 affiliated faculty and research fellows, we conduct research that makes a positive difference for our aging population. At Scripps Gerontology Center, we are steadfast in our commitment to impact, innovation, and excellence. As an Ohio Center of Excellence, Scripps Gerontology Center supports older adults, families, and aging societies through research, education, and service. Visit ScrippsAging.org for more information.

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