There are many reasons why an Indiana resident or family might find themselves in need of extra support around the home: reduced mobility or energy due to aging, disability, or illness, or special needs that require someone around to help out.
People in this situation often prefer in-home care rather than moving to a residential facility. That way, they can continue to live a dignified and independent life in their own homes. Sometimes home care can include medical services, but more often than not, caregivers offer a range of non-medical services to support vulnerable people living at home, including:
- Help with daily activities such as eating, personal grooming, and hygiene
- Light housekeeping, including cleaning and laundry
- Transference (help sitting, standing, and lying down)
- Meal planning and preparation
- Companionship and mental stimulation
- Transport to and from appointments and activities
Family and friends are a natural support system for seniors or people in need, but they do not always have sufficient time, expertise, or finances to provide appropriate care. That’s where in-home support services come in. These programs provide resources to support the in-home care of eligible individuals. In this article, we’ll look at the options for in-home support services available in Indiana.
Government In-Home Support Services In Indiana
If you benefit from Medicaid, you may be able to secure in-home support services through government assistance programs known as Medicaid waivers.
The Aged and Disabled Waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver both allow Indiana Medicaid programs to pay for caregiving services in the home instead of a Medicaid-funded institution. These are intended to provide resources to supplement informal support for people who would otherwise need to be relocated to a nursing facility. Medicaid waivers can also be used to help people currently residing in nursing homes to return to community settings, whether that is their own home, a family home, or an assisted living facility.
To qualify for Medicaid waivers, individuals:
- Must be eligible for Medicaid
- Meet the criteria required for admission to a long-term care facility
- Not cost more to care for at home than the average cost of caring for someone in a long-term facility
In the case of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver, Indiana defines a TBI as a “closed or open head injury by an external event that results in damage to brain tissue” and excludes congenital or degenerative brain conditions.
Each of Indiana’s Medicaid waivers has a fixed number of individuals that can be served in an approved waiver year, so even eligible applicants may not receive services if this number is reached.
Problems With Government In-Home Support Services
While government in-home services can be extremely helpful for families in need, state resources are stretched thin and most of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) offices in Indiana have long waiting lists for processing applications. When their application is processed, applicants are subject to a lengthy bureaucratic assessment. After all of this, they still may not qualify for government support, or for the level of support desired.
The good news is that there are private home care agencies in Indiana that can provide comprehensive, high-quality in-home care services carried out by qualified, professional caregivers. Some of these agencies can even train and employ relatives as caregivers, giving vital support to families in the community. Furthermore, home care agencies often cooperate with government in-home support services and can use their experience and connections to help families navigate the bureaucratic process and gain any benefits they may be entitled to.
Quality In-Home Care In Indiana
Private home care gives the client or their family complete control over the care services provided and can be a faster alternative to government support programs. While you should still apply for any government programs you might qualify for, if you think that you or a loved one may benefit from in-home care, it is also worth looking at home care agencies in your area to see what they offer.
Indiana residents should start by contacting Nova Home Care. We provide professional, personalized in-home care services for all counties in the state of Indiana.
Our services are covered by Medicaid, and we can help you organize the best possible quality of care for yourself or a loved one along with all the government support you may be entitled to.
Contact us online or call 317-537-2490 to find out more about how we can help you or a family member live a safe, satisfying, and comfortable life at home.