Your Complete Guide to Home Care Programs in Massachusetts
As the demand for in-home care rises, Massachusetts offers various home care programs designed to support seniors and individuals with disabilities in their own homes. These programs provide crucial services—from personal care to household help—to make independent living possible and to reduce the need for nursing home care. This guide covers Massachusetts’ primary home care programs, who qualifies, and how to apply for each program.
Massachusetts Home Care Program
Description:
The Massachusetts Home Care Program helps seniors maintain independence at home by providing access to essential services. It offers a range of in-home services tailored to meet each participant’s needs.
Eligibility:
To qualify, applicants must be Massachusetts residents aged 60 or older who need assistance with daily activities to continue living safely at home.
Services Covered:
The program covers services such as personal care assistance, homemaker services, adult day programs, meal delivery, and case management. These services ensure that seniors can receive the help they need without leaving their communities.
How to Apply:
Applications are handled by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) or a local Aging Service Access Point (ASAP), which connects eligible individuals to program resources and support.
Community Choices Program
Description:
The Community Choices Program provides intensive home care for seniors at risk of nursing home placement who prefer to remain in their homes. This program aims to provide the comprehensive care required to maintain a safe and independent lifestyle at home.
Eligibility:
Available to Medicaid-eligible Massachusetts residents aged 60 and above who meet the medical criteria for nursing home placement.
Services Covered:
Participants receive services including personal care, homemaker services, transportation, home-delivered meals, and case management to help them remain in their communities.
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through local ASAPs, which work directly with MassHealth to enroll eligible seniors in the program.
Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Program
Description:
The PCA program allows Medicaid recipients to hire and direct personal care attendants, who assist with essential activities of daily living. It empowers individuals by allowing them to manage their care independently.
Eligibility:
Medicaid recipients with physical disabilities who need daily assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.
Services Covered:
The PCA program covers personal care, household help, and assistance with mobility. This support allows individuals to live more independently.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should contact MassHealth or a local PCA agency to begin the application process.
Frail Elder Waiver (FEW)
Description:
The Frail Elder Waiver provides home-based services for Medicaid-eligible seniors who qualify for nursing home care but prefer to stay in their own homes.
Eligibility:
To qualify, individuals must meet the state’s frailty criteria and be eligible for Medicaid.
Services Covered:
The waiver includes services such as case management, personal care, homemaker services, and respite care to help seniors remain in their own homes.
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted through MassHealth or local ASAPs, where applicants will receive assistance with eligibility and enrollment.
Senior Care Options (SCO)
Description:
Senior Care Options is a managed care program that combines health and social services for seniors, offering a more coordinated approach to care.
Eligibility:
SCO is available to individuals aged 65 and older who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Services Covered:
The program provides comprehensive health care services, personal care, and transportation to ensure seniors receive all necessary care under one plan.
How to Apply:
To apply, individuals can enroll through an SCO organization or contact MassHealth for assistance.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Description:
The PACE program offers an extensive range of medical and social services for frail seniors, allowing them to live safely at home rather than entering a nursing home.
Eligibility:
Open to individuals aged 55 and older who meet nursing home care criteria and can live in the community with PACE support.
Services Covered:
PACE covers services such as primary care, home care, adult day programs, transportation, and other specialized services to support independent living.
How to Apply:
Individuals can apply directly through a PACE organization in Massachusetts, where they will receive guidance on enrollment and eligibility.
Enhanced Adult Foster Care (EAFC)
Description:
The EAFC program supports individuals who live with family members or foster families who can provide daily care. It enables individuals to remain in a family setting with the support they need.
Eligibility:
Medicaid recipients who require assistance with personal care and daily living tasks but can remain in a family environment.
Services Covered:
EAFC includes caregiver support, personal care assistance, and health monitoring services.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants can apply through MassHealth or local ASAPs to initiate the application process and discuss eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for Home Care Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
- Phone: 1-800-243-4636
- Website: Massachusetts EOEA
- Services Provided: The EOEA offers guidance on program eligibility and connects applicants to local ASAPs and available home care services.
MassHealth for Medicaid and Waiver Programs
- Phone: 1-800-841-2900
- Website: MassHealth
- Services Provided: MassHealth assists with Medicaid enrollment, including the PCA Program, Frail Elder Waiver, and Senior Care Options, and guides eligible individuals through the application process.
Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs)
- Contact: Visit the EOEA website for a directory of local ASAPs
- Services Provided: Local ASAPs support the application process for the Massachusetts Home Care Program, Community Choices, and other home care services.