By 
Everything You Need to Know About the Care Available for Your Loved One
Home and community based services provide opportunities for people enrolled in Medicaid to receive agency-directed care where they live. This vital federal program serves the elderly, people with disabilities, and clients with mental illness who need extra care in a familiar and comfortable setting.
Don’t get it confused with home health care services, although they can look similar at face value, particularly in that they both foster living independently despite health issues. It’s a unique service line that costs nothing out-of-pocket through your state’s Medicaid program.
Keep reading to learn more about these in-home services and the level of care provided.
Avoid Facilities Transfers
Medicaid in-home health care services can enable a person to remain at home, rather than being transferred to a skilled nursing facility or other long-term care provider. In general, in-home care is far less expensive to Medicaid than paying for a nursing home, which can also make it more attractive.
Aging in place or living in a familiar setting often helps your loved one maintain good mental health for longer and live how they prefer. Living at home, with their loved ones, or in another familiar setting is often less stressful and more convenient as well.
Foster Independence
One of the biggest reasons that people seek in-home Medicaid services for their loved ones is to ensure that they can live as independently as possible, with the best quality of life.
In-home care services enable your loved one to enjoy a life worth living, with opportunities to create memories and stay healthy.
Respite Care for Family
For family caregivers, in-home Medicaid services provide peace of mind and the chance to take a break, knowing their loved one is in compassionate hands. This is called respite care.
When family caregivers enjoy respite, they can take care of their own children or home, go to work, or handle other responsibilities that have taken a backseat to their caregiving.
Respite care is necessary for avoiding caregiver burnout, too, so that family caregivers can continue taking care of their loved one for as long as possible. And with about 22% of adults in the U.S. reporting providing care to a friend or family member in the last 30 days, respite care is more important than many people realize.
Keep Them Healthy
Forgotten medications, infrequent bathing, and poor nutrition are a surefire recipe for a future hospital visit, especially for vulnerable populations who could benefit from in-home Medicaid services.
In-home Medicaid services can not only assess medication and set up a regimen, but they also can include basic care functions to support your loved one’s personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and eating habits.
Types of Services Provided
Medicaid in-home care services can include a variety of tasks and levels of care. These can include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Personal care, including bathing, grooming, dressing, and personal hygiene.
- Transfers and ambulation around the home or on errands.
- Advanced personal care.
- Light or basic housekeeping, laundry, and pet care.
- Planning, preparing, and serving meals.
- Grocery shopping and doctor appointment escorts.
- Respite and advanced respite care for family caregivers.
- Medication set-ups and assessment (sometimes called “maintenance nursing”).
- And more
Who Is Eligible for In-Home Medicaid Services?
There are basic eligibility requirements for this federal health program. Your loved one may be eligible for Medicaid in-home care if they are:
- At least 18 years of age or older.
- Already have Medicaid or are Medicaid eligible.
- Have a qualifying condition that requires care in their home or wherever they live.
The agency that provides these services will vary by state. However, coverage for care is always from Medicaid in the state where your loved one lives.
Medicaid waivers are available for certain situations, so it’s important to apply first to see if your loved one can be accepted due to their extenuating circumstances. You will also need a doctor’s referral to begin in-home Medicaid services.
Next Steps
If you believe your loved one may benefit from in-home Medicaid services and could either qualify for Medicaid or could qualify for a waiver, ask their physician or other member of their care team for their recommendations.
You’ll need to apply for Medicaid through your loved one’s state agency, which may include filling out substantial paperwork and collaborating with local care providers to set up and schedule in-home care services.
Comments