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Review this guide that outlines steps in the options counseling process. Find a detailed version of Utah’s Options Counseling Decision Tree, from initial point of contact to follow-up, as well as a one page flowchart representing a condensed view of these processes.

View the Federal Tax Changes for Fiscal/Employer Agents in 2011, compiled by the National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services, noting that the Advanced Earned Income Credit must no longer be paid by employers, and Federal tax deposits must be made by electronic funds transfer. Read about these changes and more.

Are you looking to develop an Options Counseling training program? Explore Nevada's training materials including a presentation with information on what options and benefits counseling are, efficient ways to establish dialogue with a consumer, tips on conducting the Nevada Options Assessment, a listing of public resources and funding options. Also included are a role playing activity and a pre-test to obtain a baseline measure of knowledge.

National policymakers and state Medicaid leaders are paying greater attention to better management of long-term supports and services (LTSS). A combination of factors presents state purchasers with significant opportunities to improve care and control costs by better coordinating and managing the full continuum of long-term care services. In this new publication series, states explore and understand emerging options. Review data and options for transforming long-term-care programs.

A vast majority of Americans age 50 and over would prefer to live independently in their own homes and communities as long as they can, rather than relinquish control over their lives in a nursing facility. In this brief video, AARP provides an overview of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program, i.e., how it works, what it covers and how it can be beneficial.

Most literature focuses on long-term services and support utilization rather than awareness. This Canadian study used a series of 12 vignettes to describe common situations faced by older adults for which community support services (CSSs) might be appropriate. The findings showed that awareness of CSSs is much lower than previously thought, and that the most important sources of information were information and referral sources, the telephone book, doctors’ offices, and word of mouth.

Deficiencies in current LTC financing models are substantial. This article examines what characteristics predispose LTC specialists to weigh one approach, public or private, more than the other. Data are derived from a Web-based survey of 1,147 individuals with known or demonstrable experience with LTC, including consumer advocates, provider representatives, policy experts, and public officials.

Looking for information and resources to help families plan for future long-term care? Explore this web site, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, geared toward helping individuals review their options before making decisions. It is primarily intended as a planning resource for individuals who don't yet require long-term care, but includes information on services and financing options that can be helpful to all.

A newly enhanced, person-centered call center that will serve as a link to information and services for older adults and caregivers across the United States has been introduced. Callers will speak with an Information Specialist who will help connect them to a local agency in their area for information and assistance. The service also features a newly re-designed website for boomers and older adults.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a consumer advocacy program established by the Older Americans Act that aims to improve the quality of care for residents in LTC settings by investigating and resolving complaints made by, or on behalf of, such residents. This report provides an overview of the program, including its legislative history, administrative function, and FY2008 funding amounts by source.