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Calls and Emails Result in Home and Community Bill Passing the Indiana House

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One of the best ways to improve the lives of nursing home residents and other Hoosiers is to stop shoving people into institutions in the first place! Thousands of our current nursing home residents could live independently at home or in their community IF there was more help for them; and taxpayers would save money, too, if there were more options.

House Bill 1325 takes important steps in expanding home and community based care for seniors and persons with disabilities.

On February 3rd, the full Indiana House of Representatives passed HB 1325 by a vote of 69-22.

"It was the courage of the bill's authors, Suzanne Crouch, Charlie Brown, Scott Reske and Peggy Welch, combined with the amazing number of calls and emails legislators received that won this battle," said Michelle Niemier, USA Executive Director. Niemier went on to say United Senior Action will now turn its attention to the Senate where the bill will continue its journey.

Brain Injury Services and Smaller, Home-like Nursing Homes Focus of Two New Senate Resolutions

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Senators Patricia Miller and Vaneta Becker have authored two concurrent resolutions that call on the State to examine the need for brain injury services in Indiana and to explore innovative approaches to nursing home services and housing. Both will be heard in the Senate Health Committee on Wednesday, February 10th.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 31 requests that the Health Finance Commission "review innovations in nursing home services and housing."

"The model we are hoping to see is one that focuses on the needs of consumers. Consumers want to live in residences that are as close to home-like as they can be. Homes where they have their own bathroom, bedroom, consistent staff assistance, not in sterile institutions," explained USA Long Term Care Policy Director Robyn Grant. "USA is committed to helping Indiana join the nationwide movement toward small-homes."

Senate Concurrent Resolution 32 calls on the Health Finance Commission to "review the prevalence of brain injury, the scope of brain injury services, and financing for those services in Indiana."

USA Foundation Chair Nancy Griffin has been an advocate for persons with disabilities for three decades. One of the largest gaps in services in Indiana is meeting the unique, lifelong needs of those with acquired or traumatic brain injuries. "Each year, consumers are forced to leave the state and their families to seek services in Illinois, Kentucky or Michigan. And, the State of Indiana pays these other states to care for our own people," said Griffin. "We want people with brain injuries to stay in Indiana, near their families and friends, and receive the best quality services." Griffin noted that Indiana taxpayers would be winners, to, as more jobs are created and services will cost less.

Bad Nursing Home Bill Dies

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United Senior Action’s efforts to defeat a proposal by the Indiana Health Care Association, Indiana’s largest nursing home trade association representing for-profit, chain nursing homes, have succeeded.

Senate Bill 373 was withdrawn from consideration in the Indiana Senate after significant concerns were raised with key legislators regarding the legislation’s intent and cost.

The bill would have changed the process (known as Informal Dispute Resolution) facilities use to appeal Indiana State Department of Health citations weakening the enforcement system.

“We are pleased that our legislative leaders took fast action,” said USA Executive Director Michelle Niemier. She added that the organization will be watching for any further attempts during the legislative session to weaken our nursing home enforcement system.

“Our thanks to Senators Becker, Leising and Miller for their action on this issue.”

USA Foundation Releases Free Caregiver CD.

The United Senior Action Foundation has released a free guide to help family caregivers navigate the challenging waters of long term care. Entitled, "Caregiver Digest: A Guide to Indiana Long Term Care Resources," it was developed with funding support from CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions. It is available on this website (see link on the left) and on a compact disc (CD) available by contacting United Senior Action.