Health Care

GAO reviewed information concerning the well-being and needs of persons over 75 years old in Cleveland Ohio. The review showed that 61 percent of persons over 75 years old needed assistance and that their greatest needs were for financial social/recreational and developmental services. About 11 percent of institutionalized persons 65 years old and older could be maintained in congregate housing where food social/recreational educational transportation medical homemaker counselling and security services are provided. Expansion of assistance nationwide for people over 75 years old would raise costs 24 percent in the first year. Costs could be reduced in the long run however because expanded help would lead to better conditions and lessen the need for future assistance.