It is time for accurate information. The budget debate is not well served by utilizing half-truths and the emotions of the frailest.

One of the recent attempts to express a viewpoint is contained in the television ad paid for by a number of nursing home owners in Ohio.

The ad features the governor and concludes with the heart monitoring signal flat lining followed by a hand unplugging the heart monitoring machine and asking people to call the governor and their state senator.

This depiction crosses the line.

First and foremost, AARP advocates for the availability of a full complement of services for our older consumers in Ohio in need of long term care.

We are focused on ensuring high quality care for our older consumers in need of care, at a price they can afford and having those services provided where the consumer wishes to receive them.

While all older consumers cannot receive the care they need at home and some do need nursing home care, over 85 percent want to receive their care in their home.

Additionally Ohio is fortunate in that well over 70 percent of Ohioans needing long term care receive their care from family and friends and do not receive private pay or Medicaid assistance.

The budget being debated in the state legislature is certainly a challenge and a difficult test for our elected officials in Ohio.

The details and inner workings of Medicaid-funded long term care are confusing and complex. AARP has been educating and advocating for long term care services for our members for a number of years.

As a part of the lobbying process, it is important to inform the public on the complex issues contained in the state budget fairly and accurately so that the public better understands the issues which may have great impact on their lives.

Jane Taylor is the state director of AARP Ohio. She can be reached at (614) 222-1510 or jltaylor@aarp.org.