Discuss the future of long-term care in Indiana

In a recent AARP survey, 86 percent of Hoosiers ranked staying in their own homes as they get older as their top issue when it comes to independent living.

That’s just one reason why the State of Indiana is considering making changes to how our communities approach and provide long-term care.

“The long-term care and support system can be difficult to navigate,” Sarah Waddle, AARP Indiana State Director, said. “It’s crucial that our caregivers – and the people they care for – understand what resources are available to them, as well as provide feedback on the system.”

With the support of the Indiana Department of Family and Social Services, two organizations are hosting events in October meant to inform family caregivers and caregiving recipients about programs that can make this tireless work easier, as well as collect feedback. ADvancing States and the Indiana Minority Health Coalition are inviting the public (especially caregiving recipients and caregivers) to participate in the series of virtual community conversations in October.

“Hoosiers deserve to have the best care available,” Waddle said. “As Indiana looks at options for improving choice, quality, and affordability, it is critical to get caregivers’ and care recipients’ firsthand perspective.”

The virtual community conversations will take place October 3 through October 7.

• October 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Brazil Public Library
• October 3, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Vigo County Public Library, Meeting Room A
• October 4, 10 a.m. to noon at the Mill Race Center (Columbus)
• October 4, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Monroe County Public Library, Meeting Room 1C
• October 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knox County Library, Board Room
• October 5, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Evansville Public Library, Central Event Room B (200 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd)
• October 6, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bedford Public Library
• October 6, 5 to 6 p.m. at the New Albany Central Library, Applegate Room
• October 7, 2 to 3 p.m. at the Jefferson County Public Library, Auditorium
• October 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.at the Morrison Reeves Library, Bard Room

You can provide feedback and reach out to ADvancing States for more information here.

If you or a family caregiver needs immediate caregiving assistance, consider contacting the INconnect Alliance. The INconnect Alliance is comprised of fifteen Aging and Disability Resource Centers throughout Indiana and is designed to make it easy for Hoosiers to find providers, information and community resources for themselves or the people they care for. Contact your local INconnect Alliance member at 800-713-9023 or www.INconnectAlliance.org to learn how they can help you and your loved one find in-home care options.  You can also call dial 2-1-1 for information on a wide range of health and human service agencies and resources in your local community.