Home Care Services Covered by Medicaid
Elderly people who want to continue to live at home know that; as we age, certain things get more difficult. And we’re not just talking about keeping up with current music (who are all these teenagers and why are they always so sad?). Keeping your home clean, shopping for groceries, and even personal care activities like bathing and dressing become increasingly challenging.
Maybe your family lives too far away to provide help. Or they’re too busy with their jobs and their own kids to be of any day-to-day assistance. Being on a fixed income makes it seem impossible to pay for home care. The good news is help is available, and it may come at no cost to you or your family.
At-Home Care Services and Medicaid
Seniors with income limits who need an at-home caregiver can get the help at home they need; through programs funded by the government, including Medicaid. In Illinois, for example, the Community Care Program offers personal care assistance and other services to qualified seniors at no cost to them. This program allows seniors to continue living at home with the help they need.
Home care agencies administer the Community Care Program, guiding seniors through the necessary paperwork and scheduling caregivers to provide in-home care services. This process ensures seniors receive the best care possible, allowing them to age in place with dignity.
How Seniors Can Qualify for At-Home Caregivers from Medicaid
It’s simple for seniors to qualify for at-home care services. Most importantly, your home care agency can help you navigate the process. To qualify for the Community Care Program, a senior must:
- Be age 60 or older
- Be a resident of Illinois and either a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have non-exempt assets of $17,500 or less (your home, care, and personal furnishings do not count toward this maximum)
- Have a need for services as assessed by the state
Above all, as the person receiving services, you’ll be able to choose your own caregiver. And if you would like a family member to be your paid caregiver, they may also qualify.
Services Covered by At-Home Caregivers Through Medicaid
So what services do at-home caregivers provide? The list of homecare services is designed to help seniors with activities of daily living (ADLs) that can become difficult or impossible as they age. In addition to the personal care assistance mentioned above, services offered also include:
Light housekeeping
Sweeping, dusting, cleaning the bathroom and cleaning up in the kitchen can be exhausting for seniors. Most importantly, it keeps your home clean, as it can improve both your physical and mental health. An in-home caregiver can help you keep your place clean.
These chores maintain a clean environment, prevent bacteria spread, and reduce fall risks from clutter or slippery surfaces. By keeping the home tidy, caregivers not only improve the safety and cleanliness of the environment but also create a more comfortable and welcoming space for the seniors to enjoy.
Laundry
While many wouldn’t think of doing laundry as a strenuous activity, seniors know that lifting and bending and carrying things can wear them out. At-home care aides ease this burden by taking over tasks such as washing, drying, ironing, and folding clothes, bed linens, and towels.
Medication Reminders and Management
Managing multiple medications can be overwhelming for seniors, especially those with chronic conditions. Home care aides can provide medication reminders, ensuring you take your prescriptions on time and manage your health effectively.
In addition to reminders, at-home caregivers can assist with organizing medications, such as sorting pills into daily or weekly pill organizers. They can also help track prescriptions, ensuring that refills are ordered and picked up on time. This comprehensive approach to medication management reduces the risk of missed doses or incorrect usage, which can have serious health consequences.
Meal preparation and planning
Many seniors are too tired to cook at the end of the day, and may instead either skip meals or rely on frozen dinners. Further, having fresh, healthy meals available is important, and a home care aide can make sure you have meals available. From grocery shopping to preparation to cleanup, at-home care caregivers make sure you have nutritious meals.
Errands
Seniors know how difficult it can be to leave the house, even just for small errands such as picking up a prescription. Meanwhile, an at-home caregiver can help by running those small errands for you.
This service ensures the senior’s needs are met while also helping them maintain independence by participating in activities outside the home.
Companionship and Social Interaction
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all that companionship is extremely important. Similarly, the effects of isolation are no joke, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that social isolation was associated with a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Caregivers provide much-needed companionship, offering a friendly face and a listening ear to seniors who may otherwise feel isolated.
Beyond just spending time together, at-home caregivers can engage seniors in activities that promote healthy aging and mental stimulation. This might include playing card games, going for walks, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations. By fostering social interaction, caregivers help improve the senior’s quality of life and emotional well-being.
To sum up, these in-home care services are designed to help seniors live more comfortably at home and thrive without moving to assisted living or nursing home facilities.
The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning
Planning for long-term care is essential as we age. While many seniors prefer to live at home, there comes a time when extra support becomes necessary. State Medicaid-funded in-home care services offer a lifeline for seniors, helping them maintain independence while receiving essential care.
The Community Care Program and similar initiatives help seniors age with dignity and comfort in their own homes. These programs are vital for ensuring that seniors receive high-quality care without the financial burden of paying out of pocket.
Home Care Powered by AUAF Provides Home Care Services Funded by Medicaid
The professional caregivers and staff at Home Care Powered by AUAF have one goal in mind: providing the highest quality home care services to you or your elderly loved ones. Our caregivers assist with daily activities, from personal care assistance to housekeeping, and more.
We understand the importance of maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment. Our caregivers ensure that you or your loved one can continue to live at home with dignity.
If you’re looking for reliable, compassionate care for yourself or a loved one, Home Care Powered by AUAF is here to help. We have served the Greater Chicago area and surrounding neighborhoods for over 30 years, and remain committed to continuing our tradition of excellence in home care.
Get the peace of mind of knowing that you’ve got the help you need to continue to live at home. To learn more, call us at 773-274-9262 or contact us.