NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Those in search of care for a family member will no longer have a nursing home as their only option.

Video: Law Provides New Options For Patients

The governor signed the long-term care bill into law Wednesday that will give patients and their family more choices.

Currently the state spends $1.2 billion on care for the sick and elderly. Ninety-eight percent of that money goes to nursing homes.

However, this bill paves the way for more people to get paid care at home if that is their decision.

"This is something that's going to improve the day-to-day senior and disabled citizens in the years ahead. It's going to give families additional choices in how they provide for people who are getting older," said Bredesen.

The governor held a conference at the Hadley Park Senior Center in Nashville to announce and sign the new law.