Seniors and individuals with disabilities can have concerns about possible declines in health. While it is never too early to start discussing care options many may not know where to start. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at EODD Area Agency on Aging, serves as advocates for residents in long-term care facilities but can also act as a resource to discuss your questions about longterm care. Waiting until it is necessary may limit your time to evaluate and prepare to understand the financial and medical eligibility requirements, which may lead to a more stressful situation without having the proper knowledge of the application process.

Our program can discuss Home and Community- Based Services (HCBS) and Medicaid waivers, which can be alternatives to nursing home placement while discussing differences in levels of care and tools to aid in comparing facilities. Most information is easily accessible online with nursing homes required to provide updated survey binders available to the public.

We encourage visiting facilities in person, if possible, to get an opportunity to observe, talk with facility staff, and interact with residents. This can be an opportunity to view the services and activities provided. Consider visiting more than once, during different times of day and view how staffing may be reduced.

If you have any questions regarding longterm care or if you would like more information, you can contact your local ombudsman at 918-682-7891, Eastern Oklahoma Development District Area Agency on Aging, serving Adair, Cherokee, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.