Segment 1: Ohio state parks boast more than 1,000 miles of scenic woodland trails and more than 174,000 acres of land and water resources. Jean Backs, Ohio State Parks spokesperson, and Lynn Boydelatour, chief naturalist for Ohio State Parks, highlight the beauty and wonder of Ohio's backyard.
Segment 2: We have all heard of the federal government's Economic Stimulus Plan, and many taxpayers already are enjoying their stimulus check from the U.S. Government. Eligible taxpayers who have filed a 2007 tax return will automatically receive their stimulus payment. However, many seniors, especially those in nursing homes, qualify for the payment but will not receive it unless they file a tax return. John Saulitis, the Regional Long-term Care Ombudsman for our Area Agency on Aging in Youngstown, explains how easy it is and how you may qualify yourself or help a loved one file for their stimulus payment.
Segment 3: We have long known that given their choice, older Ohioans overwhelmingly want to "age in place" in their own homes. We also know consumers can choose wisely and economically when they are offered a full array of services, including both home and facility-based services. However, "aging in place" in one's home is not always feasible, and today Ohio depends on nursing homes for nearly 70 percent of our long-term care. To achieve more consumer choice and better balance within our long-term care system, the Ohio Department of Aging convened a workgroup of consumers, providers, advocates, policymakers and others to create a unified long-term care budgeting process that could provide consumers with access to a full array of services. Director Barbara Riley explains the recommendations of the workgroup that were submitted to the Governor & General Assembly.