Tennessee lawmakers can protect senior access to home health care

I love being home. I love that all my favorite photos hang on the walls. I love sitting on my porch to unwind after a long day. I love that I know where everything is and have every comfort within reach.

But you know who loves home even more than I do? My grandparents. My grandparents bought their first home in 1963 and have never lived anywhere else. They raised their children, hosted holidays, tended a garden, dreamed of retirement and chased their grandchildren and great-grandchildren around their home. And now my grandmother is caring for my grandfather, who is in the early stages of dementia, there and will likely soon need more care than she alone can provide.

My grandparents aren’t unique in their desire to remain in their home. In fact, they’re the norm. Studies show people want to stay in their homes as they age. Luckily for all of us, home health care is a cost-effective alternative to hospitalization or institutionalization in nursing home settings. According to Medicare, “Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient, and just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility,” meaning it saves the federal government — and Tennessee taxpayers — millions each year.

Click here to see the full article on The Tennessean’s website.