State report urges healthier senior lifestyles

Monday, Oct. 28, 2002 | 11:27 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Nevada's system for caring for its frail and disabled senior citizens is strained, and new efforts must be made to encourage residents to follow healthier lifestyles, according to a state task force.

Rather than relying on nursing homes to care for the elderly, communities need to provide more services to help seniors to continue to live in their own homes, according to the panel's plan.

These recommendations were included in a 10-year plan developed by the Nevada Senior Services Task Force and delivered today to the Legislative Committee on Health.

The "Ten-Year Plan To Preserve the Health and Independence of Nevada Senior Citizens" cited previous studies that show Nevadans drink and smoke at a rate higher than the national average and noted that this leads to many illnesses and deaths. Residents exercise less and Nevada's suicide rate is above the national average, the report said.

Embarking in a new direction would cost $300.3 million by 2010 but that would be $74 million less than if it state followed the present route, according to the report.

The task force said a public relations campaign must be launched to stress to senior citizens the benefits of healthy practices.

"If (seniors') needs are not addressed over the next 10 years by thoughtful and creative approaches, the very families who are now assets will become overburdened and depleted trying to meet their loved ones' needs without adequate formal support," the report said.

Nevada had the fastest-growing senior citizen population nationwide from 1990 to 2000. But still only 11 percent of Nevadans are seniors, while the national average is almost 12.5 percent.

The report assumes that the supply of nursing home beds will remain at its present level while community-based services will increase. At present most of those receiving publicly financed care are in nursing homes. The goal by 2010 is to have 60 percent of seniors who are receiving publicly funded long-term care remain at home. The other 40 percent would be in institutions.

The aim is to reduce hospital admissions for seniors and the length of their stays. By 2010 no senior with Alzheimer's disease should be housed out of state, according to the task force. About 40 patients are now in out-of- state facilities.

The report recommends the Senior Rx prescription drug program be expanded from its present 7,500 members to more than 10,000 low-income members; that two dental examinations be available each year to needy seniors; and that by 2010 needy seniors pay no more than 30 percent of their income for housing and utilities.

The task force also recommends the state conduct an educational campaign to promote the purchase of insurance to cover long-term care for the elderly.

The task force said a program in California aimed at keeping frail or disabled seniors in their own homes rather than in nursing homes is showing promise. Seniors there are able to choose from a list provided by the state of home care workers and even choose family members as caregivers. Payment would come from public funds.