The purpose of in home services is geared to prevent future neglect or possible future child abuse involvement. Following a maltreatment investigation, families are often placed in homes where they can remain with a minimal amount of assistance, if any. Child Well-being: Children Who Remain In HOME After a maltreatment Investigation Have Many Similar And Extensive Service Requirements (PDF – 212 KB)
Caregivers should be educated about their legal rights as well as their responsibilities when providing home care services for a family member or patient with developmental disabilities. These laws are in place to protect the legal rights of the person requiring home care and their family members. A patient who is receiving home care services including assistance with: personal care and maintenance such as: hair brushing, eating, bathing, using the toilet, moving to the bed, and other personal/household maintenance may be eligible for Medicaid. However, children and adults requiring services including assistance with: transportation, medical needs, companionship or assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) should contact their local Social Service Department for eligibility and additional information. Other special needs or resources may be available.
Many States are working together to develop and implement statewide coordination programs to provide accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive information to families experiencing a loved one’s early Alzheimer’s or dementia. For example, the National Association of State Mental Health Officials (NASM) is developing a database that will allow a home care provider to enter patient information into a national registry. The registry will allow the family to track and access vital information on the progress, safety and health of their loved one. The registry is expected to provide a high-tech home care provider with a secure portal through which to enter patient information. This information can then be shared between state and federal agencies that provide services to those needing assistance with: improving the quality of life; preventing further deterioration in the patient; maximizing the recovery of the patient; preventing relapse; coordinating services with other agencies and organizations; developing a personalized plan for the care of the patient; and other tasks deemed necessary by the patient’s condition and needs.
In order to join the registry, home care patients and their family members must meet certain criteria. A patient’s medical condition and his ability to participate in daily activities are critical elements for enrollment. Other critical elements that must be met include: age (based on age classification); location (based on residential status); type of care (medicine, home care, respite care or residential living assessment); and contact information for the patient’s family. Once a patient has met the eligibility requirements, he/she will be sent an application to sign and return. This application will specify what services the patient requires (e.g., assist with toileting, meals etc. ), how much the patient is eligible to receive (e.g., monthly), and how his/her assistance will be used (e.g., who is to be contacted when the patient needs assistance with bathing, toileting, getting dressed or using the bathroom).
As part of the service, home health aides will also be assigned to each patient and/or his/her family. The extent and frequency of services will vary according to each patient and his/her particular needs. Some patients may require assistance with basic daily living activities such as bathing; eating; drinking/dressing; using the bathroom; walking; using the telephone; using the computer; or participating in one or more of the other services. Other patients may need more specific services such as physical therapy or speech therapy. While a patient’s condition is assessed, the aide will discuss what services the patient requires, how often the aide will be needed, and what types of assistance the patient and/or his/her family can receive.
Most recipients of home care services are enrolled in a system called Medicaid. There are also financial aid programs available for low-income families, children and adults with disabilities who are at least 18 years old. Elderly adults may also qualify for Medicare, which provides a monthly income for medical expenses. Some states also have their own supplemental retirement income program (SPIRA) for senior citizens, which also may offer financial assistance for home care payments. A variety of nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies are available to help those who are interested in obtaining these programs. As with any type of financial assistance, it is important to understand all of the details of the program and eligibility requirements.
