One of the most satisfying aspects of being an elder law attorney is helping elders reside in their own homes for as long as possible. In the coming months, I’ll be using my newsletter and blog to explain a range of options available to pay for home care. Let’s begin with one that, sadly, is little known and underutilized: MassHealth.
While many people know that MassHealth will cover the cost of nursing home care for eligible residents of Massachusetts, it also offers assistance for home care and assisted living through a variety of programs. For example, the Personal Care Attendant Program will pay for a specified number of hours of personal care services each month. The number of hours available depends on your particular needs. In addition, the Home Care Program provides in-home support services for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Another way to obtain financial assistance for home care is through MassHealth’s Frail Elder Waiver Program. To be eligible for these services you must meet certain income and asset requirements, which proper planning can help you accomplish. You must also show that without waiver services you would be forced to move to a nursing home. The Frail Elder Waiver can provide personal care services; laundry and housekeeping services; grocery shopping and delivered meals; home health and skilled nursing care; adult day programs; transportation; accessibility adaptations to your residence; and respite care.
PACE is another fabulous MassHealth program that provides all of the above, plus, PACE coordinates all of your medical care. They also pay for assisted living.
As you can see, there are plenty of options available to help you continue to live at home and receive the care you need. (I haven’t even mentioned all of them!) I welcome the opportunity to help you any and every way I can. Please contact us today to find out how you can stay home longer.