When you or someone you love needs help at home, one of the first questions is: How will you pay for care?
The good news is that Pennsylvania offers several programs that may help eligible individuals access home care services. The right option depends on the person’s age, health, care needs, and eligibility.
Understanding these options can make it easier to know where to start and what steps to take.
1. Medicaid and Community HealthChoices
Medicaid may help eligible Pennsylvania residents receive long-term care services at home through Community HealthChoices (CHC).
CHC is designed for eligible adults who need support with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, personal care, and other everyday tasks. Instead of moving into a care facility, qualified individuals may be able to receive support while continuing to live at home.
Eligibility depends on factors such as age, income, medical needs, and program requirements. An assessment helps determine the type and amount of support a person may receive. Understanding how Medicaid can help pay for a caregiver at home in Pennsylvania can help families explore whether this option is right for their situation.
2. Home Care for Veterans Through the Optum VA Community Care Network
Eligible Veterans may be able to receive home care services through the VA Community Care Network.
Aging With Comfort participates in the Optum VA Community Care Network, which allows us to provide authorized home care services to eligible Veterans in their own homes. This support can help Veterans with personal care and everyday activities while allowing them to remain in a familiar and comfortable environment.
To receive home care for Veterans, they must meet the program’s eligibility requirements and have services authorized through the VA. Once approved, they may receive home care from an eligible community provider like Aging With Comfort.
3. Support for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Pennsylvania also offers support programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), eligible individuals may receive IDD Support Services that can help them build daily living skills, stay active, and become more independent.
Depending on the person’s needs and approved support plan, services may include help with personal care, daily routines, community participation, and other activities.
Getting started can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure about the application process or which documents you need. Aging With Comfort can help you arrange an appointment with your local County Office of Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities. We can also assist you in gathering the documents needed for the appointment to help establish eligibility for services.
4. Having a Family Member or Trusted Person Become a Paid Caregiver
Some programs allow eligible individuals to choose a family member or someone they trust to provide their care.
This can be a good option for people who feel more comfortable receiving help from someone they already know. Instead of working with an unfamiliar caregiver, they may be able to have a relative or trusted friend provide approved services.
However, this arrangement is not available to everyone. The person receiving care must qualify for a program that allows participant-directed services, and the chosen caregiver must meet the program’s requirements. In Pennsylvania, becoming a paid family caregiver may be possible through certain qualifying programs.
How Do You Get Started With Home Care in Pennsylvania?
Once you identify a program that may fit your needs, the next step is to understand its application and approval process.
You may need to complete an eligibility review, undergo an assessment, and receive approval for specific services. After that, you can work with an approved provider to arrange care.
At Aging With Comfort, we help eligible individuals and families access in-home care services in Pennsylvania through programs we participate in, including Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices, Optum VA Community Care Network, and IDD Support Services for eligible individuals.
Our team can help you understand the services we offer and guide you through the next steps.
Not sure which option may be right for you? Contact Aging With Comfort to discuss your situation and learn whether our home care services may be a good fit.