Your Complete Guide to Home Care Programs in Pennsylvania
Home care programs play a vital role in providing essential services like personal care, home health services, and companionship, enabling individuals to live independently in their homes. In Pennsylvania, several programs are designed to cater to the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. This guide offers a detailed overview of these programs, eligibility requirements, covered services, and application procedures.
Pennsylvania Aging Waiver
Description: The Pennsylvania Aging Waiver is designed to provide in-home care services to individuals aged 60 and older, helping them remain in their homes rather than moving to a nursing facility.
Eligibility: To qualify for the Pennsylvania Aging Waiver, individuals must be Pennsylvania residents aged 60 or older who require a nursing facility level of care.
Services Covered: This waiver covers a range of services, including personal care, home health care, home modifications, transportation, respite care, and adult day services.
How to Apply: Submit your application through your local Area Agency on Aging. For assistance, contact the Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging at 1-800-753-8827 or visit their website.
Attendant Care Waiver
Description: The Attendant Care Waiver offers services to adults with physical disabilities, enabling them to live independently in their homes and communities.
Eligibility: This waiver is available to adults aged 18-59 with physical disabilities who require assistance with daily activities.
Services Covered: Services include personal care, home health services, home modifications, and assistive technology.
How to Apply: Submit your application through the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker. For more information, contact 1-877-550-4227 or visit the PA Independent Enrollment Broker.
Independence Waiver
Description: The Independence Waiver provides services to adults with physical disabilities to help them live independently and avoid institutionalization.
Eligibility: Adults aged 18-59 with physical disabilities who need a nursing facility level of care are eligible for this waiver.
Services Covered: This waiver covers personal care, home health services, home modifications, transportation, and specialized therapies.
How to Apply: Submit your application through the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker. For more information, contact 1-877-550-4227 or visit the PA Independent Enrollment Broker.
Community HealthChoices (CHC)
Description: Community HealthChoices (CHC) is a managed care program designed for older adults and individuals with physical disabilities, offering a comprehensive range of health and long-term care services.
Eligibility: Medicaid-eligible individuals aged 21 or older who need long-term services and supports qualify for CHC.
Services Covered: CHC covers personal care, home health services, nursing facility care, and other long-term services.
How to Apply: Submit your application through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. For more information, contact 1-833-735-4416 or visit the Community HealthChoices website.
OPTIONS Program
Description: The OPTIONS Program provides a variety of in-home and community-based services to older adults to help them maintain their independence.
Eligibility: Pennsylvania residents aged 60 or older who require assistance with daily activities are eligible for this program.
Services Covered: Services include personal care, home-delivered meals, transportation, adult day services, and home modifications.
How to Apply: Submit your application through local Area Agency on Aging. For assistance, contact the Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging at 1-800-753-8827 or visit their website.
Act 150 Program
Description: The Act 150 Program offers attendant care services to individuals with physical disabilities who are not eligible for Medicaid.
Eligibility: This program is available to adults aged 18-59 with physical disabilities who require assistance with daily activities.
Services Covered: The Act 150 Program covers personal care, home health services, and home modifications.
How to Apply: Submit your application through the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker. For more information, contact 1-877-550-4227 or visit the PA Independent Enrollment Broker.
LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) Program
Description: The LIFE program is Pennsylvania’s version of the national PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program. It provides comprehensive medical and social services to frail, elderly individuals who wish to live at home rather than in a nursing home.
Eligibility: Individuals aged 55 or older who are eligible for nursing home care and can safely live in the community with the support of the LIFE program.
Services Covered: The LIFE program covers all Medicaid and Medicare services, including primary care, hospital care, home care, adult day services, transportation, and prescription medications.
How to Apply: Submit your application through a local LIFE program provider. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services LIFE Program page or call the DHS Helpline at 1-800-692-7462.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Description: HCBS programs provide services to individuals with disabilities and older adults to help them live independently in their own homes.
Eligibility: Eligibility varies by specific HCBS program, but generally includes individuals with disabilities and older adults who need assistance with daily activities.
Services Covered: Services may include personal care, home health care, respite care, transportation, and home modifications.
How to Apply: Submit your application through the local Area Agency on Aging or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. For more information, contact the DHS Helpline at 1-800-692-7462 or visit the DHS HCBS page.
Family Caregiver Support Program
Description: This program provides support and resources to family members who are primary caregivers for older adults or adults with disabilities.
Eligibility: Family caregivers of adults aged 60 or older or adults with disabilities who require assistance with daily activities.
Services Covered: Services include respite care, financial assistance for caregiving expenses, caregiver education, and support groups.
How to Apply: Submit your application through the local Area Agency on Aging. For assistance, contact the Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging at 1-800-753-8827 or visit their website.
How to Apply for Home Care Programs in Pennsylvania
Contact the Local Area Agency on Aging for programs like the Pennsylvania Aging Waiver and OPTIONS Program:
- Phone: 1-800-753-8827
- Website: Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging
For programs like the Attendant Care Waiver, Independence Waiver, and Act 150 Program, contact the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker:
- Phone: 1-877-550-4227
- Website: PA Independent Enrollment Broker
For Community HealthChoices (CHC), contact the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services:
- Phone: 1-833-735-4416
- Website: Community HealthChoices