NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Lawmakers and the governor are proposing a change to the way Tennessee residents care for older residents.

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If the proposal passes, it would allow more people to receive care in the comfort of their own homes.

In his retirement, James Brittle has taken on a huge task by caring for his wife Betty after two strokes left her almost paralyzed.

"I didn't realize what I was getting into. It's the hardest job I've ever had in my life," he said.

Brittle said he now lives his life with one ear on a monitor and one eye on the feeding tube. But he said he doesn't mind because his wife gets to be at home.

"She recognizes everyone that comes in here. She's wanting to get up all the time," he said.

Currently, 98 percent of the funding for long-term care in Tennessee goes to nursing homes. But Gov. Phil Bredesen and some state lawmakers want to shift some of the money going to the nursing homes to provide more at-home situations like the Brittles.

"It will provide a choice for all Tennesseans for where they can receive the care that they want," said Margot Seay of the AARP of Tennessee.

The proposal would mean a big shift in the way the state deals with long-term care.

"This is going to be a very big issue, just not now. It's an issue, but it's going to be an issue for years to come," said Rep. Dennis Ferguson, D-Harriman.

James Brittle is hopeful the plan will lead to results, because Betty Brittle is improving at home, and he doesn't want the alternative.

"If I lose the benefits I've got for her now, I wouldn't have a choice but to put her in a nursing home, and I don't want to do that," he said.

Where is the state going to get the money for the move in such a tight budget year? Right now, Bredesen is proposing the first steps in changing the process and doing what they can afford.

Bredesen said that nursing homes shouldn't feel threatened but should follow the lead of hospitals that are now providing expanded health services.

A House committee heard some testimony on the plan Tuesday and could vote on it as early as next week.