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Department on Aging seeks state match, $10.4M for home services and money for ombudsmen
Summary
The Department on Aging told the health care subcommittee it needs state authorization to draw down federal funds, $10.4 million for home- and community-based services, two full-time state positions, and $500,000 for ombudsman services to serve a growing older-adult population.
Connie, director of the South Carolina Department on Aging, told the House health care subcommittee on Feb. 20 that the agency is asking the General Assembly for funding to sustain and expand services for older adults statewide.
Connie said the department seeks state authorization and a state match that would permit drawing down federal awards through the Administration for Community Living. She identified the department’s top budget priorities as: $10,400,000 for home- and community-based services (an adjusted request that reflects a 4% CPI change from last year’s ask), two state FTEs (an IT position and a communications position) to manage increasing digital and outreach work, and $500,000 to strengthen ombudsman services in long-term care facilities.
The director highlighted program results and need: the department’s home stabilization program — supported by prior funding — now operates in all 46 counties, and a dementia care specialist program is rolling out across the state’s 10 regions. Connie said the 10 million provided last year significantly expanded services and that additional funds are required to avoid returning federal funds if state match is unavailable.
Connie also described a proposed proviso amendment that would allow the agency, during funding emergencies, to prioritize home- and community-based services to the most essential supports such as meals and transportation. She said the change is intended to preserve core services when resources are constrained.
In response to Representative Lonnie Hosey, Connie said the department planned an immediate briefing with the regional council-of-governments director to address a reported audit and a possible closure affecting Generations Unlimited in Bonwell and pledged to report back to the representative with continuity plans for affected seniors.
Connie supplied counts for long-term care facilities: 438 assisted-living facilities with 21,565 beds and 192 nursing homes with 20,554 beds — figures she said explain the workload for ombudsman staff. The presentation closed without a formal vote.
