There is a lot that I must focus on as a legislator.

While we at the Ohio House seem to be consumed with economic development, job creation and the budget, there are many other issues that we have to continually focus on to supplement these particular focus areas.

We must be having conversation and taking action on the things that might not necessarily come to our minds from day to day, yet make a big difference in the lives of others.

One of my main priorities throughout my career in the legislature has been to ensure that senior citizens receive the best and most appropriate care.

Advocates for seniors have long pushed for a unified long-term care plan. In short, this plan would mean that the system should work for the best interests of seniors, so that they can receive the level of care they deserve and in the most advantageous setting.

It is the most cost-effective to provide services for the elderly in their homes.

However, nursing home care is also an important option in the range of services. Under the proposed budget, senior citizens will receive the care they need, whether it is through PASSPORT or home care, assisted living or nursing home care.

Thankfully, after several years of inching toward removing barriers to appropriate senior care, this budget proposal encourages the best and most efficient care. This is a victory for senior citizen care and for the taxpayers alike.

Providers of senior care are, of course, advocating for more money.

Nursing homes associations are spending tens of thousands of dollars on television advertising predicting dire consequences if this budget is enacted.

Home care providers are also concerned about their reimbursement rates.

It is important to note that the budget process is only at just the beginning stages. Funding, although it is only one part of the debate, is always an issue.

I want to make it clear that those who need senior healthcare services will be served, and I am confident that the funding issues will be worked out in the course of the budget process.

In the meantime, seniors should not be made to feel threatened as the vigorous debate continues.

I know many people who work in nursing homes, assisted living units, or home care settings.

They are wonderful people who often go beyond the call of duty and sincerely care about the people they serve. These workers also should be treated fairly.

As we move along in the process, I will do my best to help create a budget that provides adequate resources for the most appropriate and respectful care for our elders.

John Carey serves in Ohio’s 87th District of the House of Representatives, which includes eastern Lawrence County. He may be reached at (614) 466-1366 or by writing to: Ohio House of Representatives, 77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. He can also be reached via e-mail his office at District87@ohr.state.oh.us.