Miami University

CONSUMER GUIDE TO CARE FOR ELDERLY IS AVAILABLE

04/08/1997

OXFORD, Ohio -- It's estimated that more than 12 million people of

all ages need some long-term care assistance.

Research has shown more than 80 percent of the care given to older people

living in a community is provided by families and friends.

Unfortunately, say researchers, most caregivers and care recipients wait

too long to make decisions about services or health care for older

people.

"Taking Charge: A Guide to Personal Care Decision-Making In Later Life,"

can help. The book was created as a guide for consumers by the Scripps

Gerontology Center at Miami University.

"We hope people will use this book pro-actively. Decisions are too often

made in crisis conditions," says Marisa Scala, coordinator of the

project.

The book outlines and defines the many aspects of long-term care from the

perspectives of the caregiver and care receiver. It explains terms (like

"comprehensive assessment services"), lists resources (including contact

information for area agencies on aging and support groups), explains options

and provides helpful hints for those in the process of finding long-term

care.

Lists of questions about personal choice, pros and cons of certain options

and a primer on Medicare and Medicaid are included.

The guidebook is funded as part of a grant from the Ohio General Assembly

through the Ohio Board of Regents to the Ohio Long-Term Care Research Project,

and supported by Scripps Gerontology Center of Miami University.

Copies are available free from the Ohio Department of Aging, 50 W. Broad

St., 8th floor, Columbus, Ohio, 43215-5929, Attn: Communications, or by calling

614-466-9812.