According to the AARP Scorecard, Louisiana ranks 45th in the nation for long-term care services and support for older Americans. Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl says only 22 percent of Louisiana’s Medicaid spending goes toward home care service.
“You look at quality, we’re not doing a good enough job there. And we’re not providing enough choices in opportunities to live in settings of individual’s choosing.”
In nursing homes and institutional care, only two percent of the state’s aging population live in a high-rated facility. The report also shows gaps in workforce and equity which result in persistent problems in care.
Muhl says nursing home quality falls below the national average. And one of the biggest myths is that people in nursing homes receive 24-hour care…
“The minimum standard is only two and a half hours per day. What this is telling us is that your loved one in the nursing home is not being properly cared for. And we’ve got to do a better job of providing that care in a nursing home.”
In family caregiving, the state also shows a 10 percent decline in adult day services and access to home health aides. Muhl hopes the new governor along with lawmakers will rebalance long-term care for older adults.
“We’re hoping that the next governor will prioritize this. We’re hoping that the legislature will look at moving us up more towards the national average and to prioritize options.”
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