I am delighted at the opportunity this gives us to work with our federal colleagues. Under a cooperative agreement, the federal agency helps the state in planning changes that would create a better long-term care system.
Some improvements require better coordination between state and federal programs.
Others require waivers of federal law, and a cooperative agreement can establish a better foundation for such waivers. Leean said his department will use the funds to demonstrate simpler and less fragmented ways to help people who need assistance in their activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing and toileting. In his State of the State address in January, Gov. Tommy G. Thompson proposed that up to 8 counties or tribes be invited to undertake such a demonstration. Leean also emphasized the desire for better ways in which consumers can participate in their own care planning. One more reason to be thankful for this federal cooperation is that it will help us include more consumers in the planning process and design more ways in which elderly people or people with disabilities can direct their own care.