Medicaid Managed Care - U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

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nurses and social workers be available to address the needs of
these elders and their caregiving families.
Fifth, special attention must be paid to the role of respite care
services for informal providers. It is nationally recognized that a
full 80 percent of all care for frail elders is provided by their informal
care systems-spouses, children, grandchildren, as well as significant
friends and neighbors. Without adequate respite care, informal
caregivers are unable to continue their vital role in the longterm
care system.
Sixth, finally, managed care models must address the current institutional
bias in the long-term care system, recognizing the desire
of the elderly to remain in the community, to remain in their own
homes whenever possible. <strong>Managed</strong> care models must include a full
range of community care services in their benefit plans.
Thank you, and I look forward to entertaining any questions.
[The prepared statement of Nancy Leonard follows:]