How to Maintain Your Oral Health in Your Senior Years

Pennsylvania offers Medicaid waiver programs under the Community HealthChoices (CHC) umbrella and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver (often referred to as the PA Council on Aging Waiver). These programs help older adults and individuals with physical disabilities remain in their homes or community settings instead of entering nursing facilities. CHC and the PDA Waiver provide long-term services and supports (LTSS) based on assessed functional needs, emphasizing assistance with ADLs and IADLs. Covered services may include personal care assistance, adult day services, home-delivered meals, transportation, home modifications, assistive technology, and respite care for family caregivers. In addition, Pennsylvanias CHC Waiver offers Participant-Directed Services that allow participants to hire and manage their own caregivers, including family members. To qualify, applicants must be Medicaid-eligible, at least 60 years old (for PDA Waiver) or 21+ (for CHC), and require a nursing facility level of care as determined through a standardized functional assessment of ADLs/IADLs. In this article, we explain what Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are and how needing help with these tasks is central to qualifying for Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers like CHC and the PDA Waiver.What Are ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks that a person must perform daily to maintain independence. Difficulty with ADLs often signals a need for supportive services. Core ADLs include: Mobility (Ambulating/Transferring): Safely walking, getting up from a chair, or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair. Dressing: Selecting and putting on appropriate clothing (including handling fasteners) without assistance. Eating: Feeding oneselfusing utensils to get food from a plate to the mouth and consuming it. Personal Hygiene: Bathing or showering and performing grooming activities like shaving, brushing teeth, and combing hair on ones own. Toileting (Continence): Independently using the toiletgetting to the toilet, transferring on and off, and cleaning oneself afterward. When someone can no longer perform several ADLs without help, it indicates that ongoing care or support is likely needed.What Are IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)?Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that allow a person to live independently in the community. While not necessarily performed daily, they are essential for managing ones household and life. Key IADLs include: Shopping for Essentials: The ability to shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or purchase clothing and other necessities. Meal Preparation: Planning and cooking mealsgathering ingredients and safely using kitchen appliances. Housekeeping: Keeping the home clean and livable tasks like cleaning, laundry, and taking out the trash. Money Management: Handling finances, such as paying bills on time, managing bank accounts, and budgeting. Transportation: Getting around or arranging transportationdriving oneself or using public transit or rides to run errands and attend appointments. Medication Management: Managing and taking medications properly remembering to take the correct medicines at scheduled times and refilling prescriptions. Communication: Using the phone or computer to communicatelooking up phone numbers, making calls, sending emails, and staying in touch with others. Trouble with IADLs is often one of the first signs that someone needs more support, even if basic ADLs are unaffected.Why ADLs and IADLs Matter for Medicaid Waiver EligibilityIn Pennsylvania, needing help with ADLs and IADLs is a central eligibility criterion for the CHC and PDA Waiver programs. These waivers serve individuals who would otherwise qualify for nursing facility care but prefer to remain in their own homes or community settings. Eligibility is determined through both financial and functional assessments. The functional assessment evaluates whether an individual requires hands-on assistance with ADLs and/or significant help with IADLs, thereby meeting a nursing facility level of care. Pennsylvania uses standardized toolsoften the Pennsylvania LongTerm Care Assessment System (PaLTAS) or the Minimum Data SetHome Care (MDSHC)to score independence in ADLs and IADLs.During the functional evaluation, an assessor reviews abilities such as transferring from bed to chair, walking safely, eating, toileting, meal preparation, housekeeping, medication management, and managing money. Cognitive issuessuch as memory problems due to dementiaare also considered since they impact daily functioning. If an individual cannot perform multiple ADLs without assistance or has significant deficits in IADLs, they are likely to meet the level-of-care requirement and become eligible for waiver services.Community HealthChoices (CHC) WaiverCommunity HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvanias comprehensive HCBS waiver program for individuals aged 21 and older who require a nursing facility level of care. Administered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), CHC is a managed care program that combines physical health, long-term services and supports, and pharmacy benefits under a single plan (with behavioral health carved out). To qualify for CHC: Be age 21 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility guidelines. Require a nursing facility level of care (confirmed through functional assessment). Live in a setting that meets HCBS requirements (e.g., home, apartment, assisted living). Be a Pennsylvania resident. Once enrolled, participants receive a comprehensive package of services tailored to their needs. Covered services may include personal assistance, home-delivered meals, adult day services, behavioral support, professional nursing, home modifications, assistive technology, transportation, and respite care. CHC also offers Participant-Directed Services, allowing participants to recruit, hire, train, and supervise their own caregiversoften family membersto assist with ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting) and IADLs (meal preparation, medication reminders).PDA Waiver (Council on Aging Waiver)The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver, also called the Council on Aging Waiver, serves seniors aged 60 and over who require nursing facility level of care but choose to remain at home or in other community-based settings like domiciliary care homes. To qualify: Be age 60 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility requirements. Be assessed as requiring nursing facility level of care (through the functional assessment). Live in a qualifying community setting. Covered services under the PDA Waiver may include personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, personal emergency response systems, respite care, adult day services, minor home modifications, and transportation. Like CHC, the PDA Waiver emphasizes managing ADL and IADL needs to keep participants safely in their homes.Participant-Directed ServicesBoth CHC and the PDA Waiver offer Participant-Directed Services, which empower participants to choose and manage their own caregivers, including family members, friends, or neighbors. Under this model, participants develop a service plan with guidance from a care coordinator, set schedules, and handle payroll tasks. This flexibility helps ensure that personal care and IADL support align with participants preferences and routines.Signs That Your Loved One May QualifyBelow are practical indicators that someone may be eligible for Pennsylvanias CHC or PDA Waiver due to difficulty with ADLs and IADLs: Trouble with Personal Care: Skipping showers, unkempt hair, or wearing dirty clothes may indicate difficulties with bathing and dressing (ADLs). Malnutrition or Weight Loss: An empty fridge or significant weight loss suggests issues with meal prep or feeding oneself (ADLs/IADLs). Mobility Decline and Falls: Struggling to walk without assistance, needing help to stand, or experiencing frequent falls signals reduced mobility (ADL: transferring/ambulating). Medication Errors and Memory Problems: Missing doses, mixing up pills, or forgetting appointments point to challenges with medication management and scheduling (IADLs). Household Neglect: Piles of mail, unpaid bills, or a cluttered home reflect trouble with housekeeping and money management (IADLs). A combination of needing help with several ADLslike bathing and toiletingand difficulties with IADLssuch as meal prep and housekeepingstrongly indicates a nursing facility level of care. Document these challenges for the functional assessment to demonstrate eligibility.Were Here to Help: Next Steps and Contact InformationNavigating Pennsylvanias Medicaid waiver programs can be complex, but you dont have to go it alone. At Passion to Care, we specialize in guiding Pennsylvania families through the CHC and PDA Waiver application processesfrom the initial functional assessment of ADLs and IADLs to completing paperwork and coordinating services once approved. If you notice your loved one struggling with daily tasks or if a professional has recommended nursing facility care, it may be time to explore CHC or the PDA Waiver. Our compassionate, family-first team ensures your loved ones needs are met with dignity and respect. Call us or contact us today to learn how to get started with Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.

Find Comfort and Peace at ONA Solutions A Space for Adults 18+At ONA Solutions, we understand that finding the right living space is crucial, especially for those looking for a peaceful and supportive environment. We offer more than just housing we provide a community designed for comfort, respect, and tranquility. Separate Facilities for Women & MenWe believe in creating a space where everyone feels comfortable and respected. Thats why we offer separate living facilities for women and men, each designed with the unique needs of our residents in mind. Whether youre looking for privacy or a sense of community, we ensure a space that caters to you. $75 Move-In Fee Limited Time OnlyFor a limited time, were offering a special $75 move-in fee. Take advantage of this affordable offer and secure a fully furnished room, ready for you to make it your own. We understand the importance of comfort and affordability, which is why we strive to provide the best value. Fully Furnished, Ready-For-You RoomsOur rooms come fully furnished and thoughtfully designed to provide you with a comfortable and stress-free living environment. With everything you need already in place, all you have to do is settle in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Respectful, Peaceful, Adult-Only EnvironmentAt ONA Solutions, we maintain a peaceful, adult-only environment that prioritizes respect and understanding. Our community is designed to be a supportive and quiet space where you can relax, socialize, and enjoy your time. Welcoming Seniors, Veterans, and MoreWere proud to offer housing to adults 18 and over, including: Veterans Seniors & Retirees Teachers & Students SSI/SSDI Recipients We know that every individual has unique needs, and our environment is tailored to offer comfort and respect to all. Contact Us Today:If you or a loved one are looking for a supportive and peaceful living space, were here to help. (239) 688-4815 | (239) 785-3315 www.onasolutionsllc.com Connect with Us: Facebook: facebook.com/onasolutionsllc Instagram: @onasolutionsllc2024 LinkedIn: ONA Solutions LLC #SafeLivingForWomen #MenWelcomeToo #AffordableComfort #ONACommunity #SeniorLiving

Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions families and older adults can make. Whether you're exploring options for yourself or helping a loved one, visiting a community in person provides insight far beyond what a website or brochure can offer.A thoughtful, well-prepared tour helps you evaluate if a community truly feels like homeand whether it meets your physical, emotional, and social needs. At Seniors Blue Book, were here to make that process easier, more transparent, and more empowering.Heres what to know before you tourand the key questions to ask while you're there. Before the Tour: Do Your HomeworkStart by identifying the level of care that may be needed:Independent Living for active seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle and social engagementAssisted Living for those who need help with daily tasks like bathing or medication managementMemory Care for individuals with Alzheimers or other forms of dementiaSkilled Nursing for seniors requiring 24/7 medical support or short-term rehabilitationUse Seniors Blue Book to search communities in your area, compare services, and read reviews before scheduling your visits. During the Tour: What to Look ForObserve:Cleanliness and overall condition of the communityHow staff interact with residents (Are they friendly and respectful?)Residents' mood and engagement in activitiesSafety features: handrails, lighting, emergency call systemsAccessibility: elevators, ramps, transportation services  Top Questions to Ask During Your VisitCare & ServicesWhat types of care are available on-site if needs change?How are care plans created and updated?Is staff available 24/7? What is the nurse-to-resident ratio?Do you offer memory care or skilled nursing if it becomes necessary?Costs & ContractsWhats included in the monthly fee?Are there additional charges for medication management or assistance with daily living?What is the policy on deposits, refunds, or move-outs?Lifestyle & CommunityWhat kinds of activities are offered daily or weekly?Are meals included? Can dietary needs be accommodated?Can residents bring their own furniture or pets?Are there religious services, wellness programs, or group outings?Communication & Family InvolvementHow is information communicated to family members?Can families be involved in care planning?Are there visiting hours or family events? Downloadable Checklist: Take Notes & CompareBring a notebook or use our free Senior Living Tour Comparison Checklist to rate each community on care, amenities, location, staff friendliness, and overall feel. This helps make an objective decision later. Bonus Tip: Ask to Talk to a Current Resident or Family MemberHearing first-hand experiences from someone living in the community can provide valuable perspectiveand peace of mind.  How Seniors Blue Book Can HelpAt Seniors Blue Book, we connect families with trusted, local senior living options, home health providers, elder care services, and moreall in one place. With our free directory and personalized guidance, you can save time, reduce stress, and feel confident every step of the way.Search listings online: seniorsbluebook.comGet a free book: Available at libraries, hospitals, senior centers, and more Tour with ConfidenceTouring a senior living community shouldnt be overwhelmingit should be empowering. With the right questions, a clear plan, and help from trusted resources like Seniors Blue Book, you can make a decision that supports health, happiness, and peace of mind for years to come.Know someone beginning the search for senior care? Share this guide to help them start with clarity and confidence.