Apply For Home Care Assistance
Whether you have a family member who needs care, or you need a bit of help yourself, there are options for home care assistance. There are three types of home care services, each designed to serve a different set of needs.
Regular state Medicaid, also known as classic Medicaid, can pay for in-home care assistance. HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) Medicaid waivers allow for higher income limits than state Medicaid plans. The VA also offers a variety of programs for veterans that can pay for in-home care. Some of these programs include Veterans-Directed HCBS, Improved Pension, Housebound, and Aid and Attendance.
If you are a senior, you can apply for home care assistance through your local Area Agency on Aging. This is a free service that can help you find a local provider who can provide services.
How Do I Apply For Home Care Assistance?
In some cases, Medicare or Medicaid may cover in-home care. However, many private health insurance plans do not. Regardless, you can often qualify for federal tax credits for caring for your loved one. Moreover, there are some states that allow you to hire someone of your own choice, such as a friend or relative, to take care of your loved one.
You can also apply for personal care services through a regular state Medicaid plan, a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver, or a Section 1115 demonstration waiver. These programs require you to have a physician’s statement of need. Many of these programs also have waiting lists.
When choosing an aide, be sure to do a background check. A background check can be conducted for a reasonable price through an online agency. Additionally, ask to see references. Be sure to discuss compensation, reliability, and punctuality with your caregiver.
While the need for home care will vary from person to person, most people will eventually need help with their daily activities. Your loved one’s inability to complete these tasks is usually a good indicator of the need for assistance. Ideally, you should involve your loved one in the decision making process, but if this is not possible, you can consider framing a temporary solution.
Another option is to apply for home care assistance through a program specifically targeting seniors. These programs can often reduce or eliminate other expenses, freeing up financial resources for home care.
If you are interested in locating a reputable provider of in-home care, you can use the federal government’s Eldercare Locator. Alternatively, you can contact the local AAA serving your county.
Hiring an aide directly will usually be cheaper, but you will have responsibilities. Before you hire a caregiver, be sure to perform background checks and get several references. Also, ask questions about their reliability, punctuality, and ability to handle stress. Lastly, make sure you understand the fees and procedures for termination.
While some people need to hire an aide for only a few hours a day, others require more extensive, long-term care. For those who need this level of assistance, you can consider hiring a full-service agency that will take care of billing and finding replacement staff. Generally, you will pay more for a full-service agency, but you will likely be able to find a replacement sooner.