Ohio's commitment to providing its residents with comprehensive information about long-term care options has taken a significant step forward. In a statement made by Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel J. McElroy, the state announced the launch of its improved Ohio Long-Term Care Quality Navigator. This digital resource now offers insight into nearly 800 assisted living facilities, in addition to the almost 930 nursing homes it featured previously, making it a one-stop shop for evaluating long-term care in the Buckeye State.
With the augmented Navigator, Ohioans are given a key to unlock a vast array of data to inform one of life's most crucial decisions—where to receive long-term care. "By adding assisted living facilities to our Navigator, we are now providing detailed information on over 1,700 long-term care facilities, all in one place," Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was quoted as saying in a press release from his office. This powerful tool aims to instill confidence in individuals as they select the best facility for their needs.
Not resting on former laurels, the Navigator's update brings with it a slew of improved features. These include extensive data for each listed facility and an intuitive "Care Quiz" built to guide users toward the type of long-term care facility most suitable. The technology behind the Navigator is robust, developed by the InnovateOhio Platform, and has garnered national praise, clinching the State IT Recognition Award for Data Management & Analytics from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers in October 2024.
Ohio's leadership, under the direction of Governor DeWine and the ODA, has demonstrated a keen interest in evolving its approach to long-term care. "When making one of the most important decisions about their future, Ohioans deserve to have correct, current information at their fingertips. ‘Version 2.0’ of the Navigator provides just that," Director McElroy told the Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's office. Further improvements and iterations of the Ohio Long-Term Care Quality Navigator are expected as ODA continues its mission to make Ohio an exemplary state for aging with dignity.
Transparency and healthcare go hand in hand in today's society, and Ohio stands at the forefront, navigating its citizens through the complex landscape of long-term care with efficiency and ease. For those looking to explore the Navigator, both mobile and desktop versions are available, ensuring accessibility for all Ohioans needing to make these life-altering decisions. More details about the Navigator can be found on the Ohio Department of Aging's website, Aging.Ohio.gov/Navigator.
