As you know by now, my goal is to help elders stay at home for as long as possible. For most people, their own financial resources are not enough, and we supplement those with MassHealth (or sometimes the VA). Under the MassHealth umbrella, there are several programs that can help elders stay home longer. My last article focused on the MassHealth Frail Elder Waiver. Now I’d like to discuss two other programs available from MassHealth that can help elders stay home longer.
The Home Care Program
The Home Care Program provides in-home support services for adults aged 60-plus, people with disabilities, and people with dementia. Applicants for the Home Care Program must be living at home within Massachusetts and cannot reside in an institutional or assisted living setting. Available services include:
- Adaptive housing/equipment
- Alzheimer’s/dementia coaching
- Certified Older Adult Peer Specialists
- Chores
- Companionship
- Emergency shelter
- Family caregiver support program
- Grocery shopping/delivery
- Home delivered meals and pre-packaged medication
- Home-based wandering response systems
- Home health services
- Laundry
- Supportive day care and home care aide
- Transportation
- Vision rehabilitation
- And many more
The Personal Care Attendant Program
The Personal Care Attendant Program provides funds to eligible elderly and disabled Massachusetts residents. These funds can be used by program participants to hire Personal Care Attendants (PCAs). Your PCA can assist with Activities of Daily Living, including:
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Dressing/undressing
- Taking medications
- Eating
- Toileting
In addition, your PCA can help with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, such as:
- Laundry
- Shopping
- Housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Transportation to medical providers
- And more
You may hire one or more PCAs to meet your needs, and you have a great deal of flexibility in choosing a PCA—you can even hire a friend, neighbor, or relative (with a few exceptions).
I welcome the opportunity to explain these programs in greater detail and determine whether you are eligible.
Until next time, take care…
Alexis