Medicaid Spend down. Non-Medical Home Care

Posted on

Jul 27, 2015

Book/Edition

Connecticut - Southern Connecticut

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For those individuals who will need home care services and are in the process of a Medicaid spend down, consider an agency that you are able to transition to once you meet your income limit?
To maintain continuity, one may consider a non-medical home care agency that provides services for both private pay and Medicaid home care clients. When you contract with an agency consider the issues that may arise once the spend down is complete. If your agency has not been credentialed by the Department of Social Services, you will be required to move to a home care agency that participates in the Medicaid waiver funded home care program (Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE).
This transition can prove to be very disruptive to your loved one receiving care. For example, a key problem is lack of continuity. The care that has been provided is disrupted and the care will now be delivered from a range of unfamiliar caregivers. From the perspective of an elderly who may have short-term memory impairment and fears change, this can be very confusing. Your loved one typically develops an emotional bond with the caregiver that has been providing services. A bond is developed and a communication style is created fostering a sense of calmness. In addition, a daily routine is developed. The routine may include anywhere from eating breakfast and getting dressed in the morning, to assisting your loved one with their evening schedule.
As the elderly population continues to grow, and life expectancy increases, these decisions should factor into heavily to assure a seamless home care transition for your loved one.
Editors Note: This article was written by Mary Ellen Leviness (Care Manager) and Joe Campano, Care (Managing Partner) of Compassionate Care at Home. They can be reached at 203-433-4325.

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