Frequently Asked Questions How can I find out about caregiving resources in my community? There are resources with staff who can help you figure out whether and what kinds of assistance you and your care receiver may need. The local Area Agency on Aging is one of the first resources you should contact when help is needed caring for an older person. Almost every state has one or more AAAs, which serve local communities, older residents, and their families. In a few states, the State Unit or Office on Aging serves as the AAA. You can find your Area Agency on Aging in the Directory of Ancillary Services on page 30. If your care receiver lives in another community and you aren’t sure what county that is, you can also call the National Eldercare Locator, a toll-free service funded by the Administration for Community Living, at 800.677.1116. The Eldercare Locator can help you find their local or state AAA. Eldercare Locator operators are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time. When contacting the Locator, callers should have the address, zip code, and county of residence for the person needing assistance. The Eldercare Locator is also available online at https://eldercare.acl.gov. If your family member has a limited income, he or she may be eligible for AAA services, including homemaker home health aide services, transportation, homedelivered meals, and chore and home repair, as well as legal assistance. These government-funded services are often targeted to those most in need. While there are no income criteria for many services, sometimes you may have more service options if you can pay for private help. AAAs can direct you to other sources of help for older persons with limited incomes, such as subsidized housing, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid. Supportive services for the person needing care can include both in-home and community-based services, such as: 16
• Transportation • Meals • Personal and in-home care services • Home healthcare • Cleaning and yardwork services • Home modification • Senior centers • Respite services including adult daycare If you are an employee covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, you are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any one year to care for certain relatives. Will Medicaid help pay for home healthcare? Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with low incomes and limited resources. To qualify for Medicaid, you must have a low income and few savings or other assets. Medicaid coverage differs from state to state. In all states, Medicaid pays for basic home healthcare and medical equipment. Medicaid may pay for homemaker, personal care, and other services that are not paid for by Medicare. For more information about what Medicaid covers for home healthcare in your state, call your state medical assistance office. If you need the telephone number for your state, call 800.633.4227 What is the difference between a nursing home and a personal care home? Nursing homes are licensed medical facilities that are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They must meet both state and federal regulations. There is third-party reimbursement (Medicare and Medicaid) for those who qualify based on income. Personal care homes are residential facilities that offer personal care services, assistance, and supervision to four or more
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persons. They are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. A personal care home must have a license to operate in Pennsylvania. There are state licensing regulations that apply to personal care homes. These regulations are aimed at protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the residents. There are no federal regulations for personal care homes. There is no thirdparty reimbursement for personal care homes, but many accept residents of low income who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Assisted living residences generally offer the same amenities as personal care homes. However, because of the higher level of care provided in an assisted living residence than in a personal care home, if a resident’s health declines and nursing care is required, the resident does not have to move and is able to “age in place.” Assisted living residences are required to offer living units with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. — Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Is there someplace I can get help with drug bills for someone in my care? Many senior citizens with low incomes are eligible for assistance with payment for their prescribed medications through PACE/PACENET programs. Who is eligible for PACE? • You must be 65 years of age or older. • You must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application. • You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Services’ Medicaid prescription benefit. For a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less. For a married couple, combined income must be $17,700 or less. www.BusinessWomanPA.com