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Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Financial Assistance in Louisiana?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Low-income seniors who have been assessed as requiring a nursing home level of care may qualify for financial support with the cost of home health care in Louisiana. Medicare does not cover the cost of in-home care, but low-income seniors who require such services can access financial support through Medicaid waivers. Veterans may also be able to get support with their in-home care costs through a variety of programs run by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Home health care services provide basic nursing care to seniors in their own homes. These service providers may also offer help with personal care tasks such as dressing or bathing as well as general tasks such as grocery shopping or cleaning. Seniors may also have the option of paying family members for help with personal care and having a separate visiting caregiver for nursing services.
Medicaid Waivers May Cover Home Health Care
Low-income seniors may qualify for home health care financial support through the Community Choices Waiver. This waiver helps seniors avoid premature placement in a nursing facility by helping them access care in the community. It can be used to cover the cost of transportation to adult day care centers, visiting physical, speech or occupational therapists, or hiring a home health care visitor. Medicaid waivers may also cover durable medical equipment or home modifications for those who are assessed as requiring them.
Seniors in Some Areas May Qualify for PACE
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is available in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Greater New Orleans. Seniors who live in a PACE service area may qualify for support either in their own homes or at a PACE service center. Transportation to a service center is included. In addition to health care services, PACE may also cover assistive devices that can help seniors remain independent and continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible.