IN HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PROGRAM
Our In-Home Service programs are designed to allow older adults to remain living in their own homes as comfortably and independently as possible, and to hopefully avoid and/or postpone institutionalization. GCSS believes that every homebound client we serve deserves the opportunity to remain in the home of their choosing as long as possible. Although our services are limited, we know that in many cases these services we are able to provide means the difference to the client between independence and institutionalization. We especially strive to target the low income, since they don’t have the resources to seek private care.
There are four separate programs that this agency works with to provide in-home support. All four programs have separate funding sources, separate requirements, and differing levels of support. All four of these programs share some common services also. Each of these helps with basic household support, cleaning, laundry, shopping, and some transportation.
Title III Homecare Services: Eligibility for all Title III funded homecare services are based upon the criteria as stated in the Federal Older America’s Act (OAA), Aging and Long Term Service Department (ALTSD) policies, and the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging policies. The policies require that the client or his/her spouse must be 60 years of age or over. They must have limitations that prohibit them from performing some of the basic activities needed to have a clean and safe home environment. The client does not have to be homebound. There is no financial limitations on these services, but priority is given to minority and/or low income clients. Clients with more resources will be placed as slots are available after those who are low income and without other resources. Weight in placement will also be given to the degree of need.
Title III Respite Care Services: Title III Respite care is funded under the Federal Older America’s Act. The Respite program provides relief to primary caregivers of individuals requiring continuous care, thus enabling the caregiver a break from the stress and the special care needs required of caring for a family member with these need. This service provides companionship, maintaining a clean and safe environment, minor meal preparation, memory exercises and minor non medical personal care. The client needing care and the caregiver do no have to be over 60, and do not have to meet income guidelines, but priority is given to those with the greatest need and lowest incomes.
Title XX Homecare Services: Funding for this program is provided through the Adult Protective Services division of the Aging and Long Term Services Department. Clients eligible for services through this program have to be over age 21, and Adult Protective Services client or at-risk of abuse or neglect. All clients must have written referral or approval of services by the Adult Protective Services office. Clients must meet federal low income guidelines and must have written documentation from a medical physical in their file that they cannot perform general housekeeping, shopping, etc. on their own. Clients must be re-assessed every three months for continuation of services.
Medicaid Person Care Option (PCO): Homemaking, shopping, cooking, and other personal care services are usually provided five days a week. The number of weekly hours and the types of services to be performed will be outlined in a care plan provided to Grant County Senior Services, Inc. by the representative agency performing assessments for the Medicaid program, currently it is Lovelace Health Care.