Who provides homecare

Who Provides Home Care

Not all home care services offer the same peace of mind, and there are some important, but often unrecognized, issues to consider when hiring a caregiver. Home care services are best when provided through an agency that employs, trains, bonds and insures, and background checks its caregivers. This allows to you have peace of mind knowing that you are bringing someone into your home that you can trust. In addition, the agency will take care of any legal issues that occur should the caregiver or client be injured on the job.

On the other hand, a home care registry is an organization that helps you locate a caregiver and places one in your home on an independent contractor basis. Registries do not employ caregivers, nor do they take responsibility for their training and supervision. A private caregiver or an independent contractor with a home care registry may be highly compassionate, lower in cost, and an overall good fit with the client, but remember you will be liable for the payroll taxes and possible work related injuries of the caregiver.

Hiring a caregiver that is not background checked on a yearly basis and continuously trained by an agency that employs him or her creates a situation where you don't know if the caregiver has the skills to perform the needed tasks, and potentially exposes you to the risks of using a caregiver with an unknown background. So, it is vital to check a private caregiver's criminal and sexual abuse records at least annually.

"The first and most important thing consumers need to know is if they are dealing with an agency that employs its own caregivers," says Leann Reynolds, President of Homewatch CareGivers, a home care company with over 170 locations worldwide. "And find out if the agency or provider performs unannounced quality assurance visits to the client's home. These are two of the most important activities that home care agencies should be performing."

According to Kim Stoneking, President of the National Private Duty Association, "Employment of the caregiver is extremely important. As the voice of the private pay home care industry, the National Private Duty Association has removed the guesswork for the consumer. Every member agency of the National Private Duty Association must have evidence of employing at least 90% of its workers. We also know that NPDA members take care of all insurance and taxes for their caregivers and that training and background checks are completed."

Long-term care insurance will reimburse you for whatever home care you choose, and of course you want your benefits to last as long as possible; just keep in mind the hidden costs of a private caregiver or an independent contractor and remember the benefits of using a trusted, professional caregiver from an agency to keep you safe and independent in your home, who can provide long-term home care, and a continued trustworthy relationship.

At Jamie home care services, our mission is to provide satisfaction, dignity, respect, and 24 hour services to seniors and other individuals needing a CNA, PCA or HHA  companion.
We are here to provide around-the-clock services to any individual needing
Toileting,
Grooming,
Denture Care,
Ambulation,
Meal preparations,
Showers,
Dressings, 
Medication reminders,
Etc.
We also provide top quality care from our trained and skilled caregivers who are available 24 hours a day 7 days per week. email, text, or phone call we will never keep you waiting to receive the top quality care that you're entitled to.
we have 15 minute response service where we will have a professional care coordinator on stand by waiting to answer any questions and solve any problem that you may have. We believe in our caregivers and will continuously ensure the most accurate care available we will help ease the worry and concerns that you may have about the care of your loved ones.
we want to provide you with peace of mind and you can rest assured that your loved one is in good hands with a JHCS, LLC "If you want quality care let us do our share" give us a call and let us know about your needs 802-526-4387

Jamie's Home Care Services, LLC
3049 Cleveland avenue suite #276
Ft.Myers Florida,33901
802-526-4387
239-333-9517
Http://Jamieshomecare.com

Senior Care Made Easy Blog

Home care Defined

Home Care Defined

The majority of people are most comfortable in their own environment where they feel safe and close to the things they love, and home care is the long-term care option that promotes the individual's independence and ability to continue with the normal, daily routine as long as possible. The goal of home care is to provide in-home care for those who need it, and to allow an individual to remain living at home as long as possible, regardless of age or disability.

Home care services cover a wide range of needs, from homemaking and companionship to meal preparation and medication reminders. They may also include personal care services, or those that help with the activities of daily living, including home care services like bathing, dressing, and grooming. To promote a safe and functional lifestyle, a caregiver can help you brush your teeth, secure the buttons on your shirt, or stand-by while you bathe to make sure you do not fall.

Often, skilled services that utilize the expertise of a nurse may also be grouped within the home care category. Services include checking vital signs, coordinating with doctors and other healthcare professionals working with the individual, and performing comprehensive evaluations of health and community needs to keep individuals safe at home.

As a rule, skilled nursing services are provided by home health agencies; often your home care agency will be associated with home health agencies in your area that can provide a higher level of care through nursing in the home when those services become necessary. However, home care can be a highly effective interim solution for individuals who are not sick enough to need nursing services but just need a little help to stay safe and independent in their homes.

Jamie's Home Care Services

3049 Cleveland Ave Suite 276

Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-333-9517

www.jamieshomecare.com

Companion Care Services

Companion Care Services

Non-Medical Home Care
Defining Non-Medical Home Care: Understanding Your Options
Personal Care Services
Homemaker Care Services
Companion Care Services
Live-In & Overnight Care Services
Hospice Care and Palliative Care
Common Caregiver Services
Benefits of In Home Care
Home Health Care Compare
Senior Housing Compare

A Trusted, Reliable Friend is Here

When we age, life slows down a bit. There is suddenly more time to socialize, yet it’s not always easy to plan social activities around everything else we have going on. Whether you live across the country or across the street from your aging family members, it helps to know they have someone nearby who can be there for senior companion care purposes. Because sometimes finding the right home care for your loved one is about just knowing they have a friendly, compassionate companion who visits regularly.

Companion care is one of our most frequently requested services. When a referred non-medical caregiver provides in home companionship care, a trusted companion can keep your loved one socially engaged at home, and also accompany them to visit friends, family, and other social events.

The following are just a few of the companion care services that Jamie's Home Care Services LLC referred caregivers offer:

Social events and
friend visits
Shopping and errands
Personal correspondence and
memoirs
Prompts and reminders
Scrapbooking
Gardening
Home projects
Safety and security
And much more........

Jamie's Home Care Services

3049 Cleveland Ave Suite 276

Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-333-9517

www.jamieshomecare.com

Homecare: the End of Referral Salespeople and 5 Other Key Role Changes

Homecare: the End of Referral Salespeople and 5 Other Key Role Changes

Homecare business

Felipe de la Fuente

Homecare is changing and, in most aspects, for the good (see our article "We need Homecare 3.0 after Homecare 2.0"). Although there will be obstacles, we like painting the future of care for Seniors in a bright colour. Ageing and dependency will never be easy but we believe in the power of innovation and knowledge to improve the way we care for our Seniors.

An area where change is already happening is in the roles and responsibilities of the staff of Homecare companies. As Seniors’ and Families’ demands in terms of interactions and care coordination evolve, as technology transforms Homecare processes, organizations are adapting to improve resource allocation and chase new opportunities.

Here are some changes in roles and responsibilities that we are already seeing or are likely to see happening in the Homecare industry .

1. Digital Marketeers vs. Referral Salespeople

This is happening in most of the networks I know. The weight that used to be on building strong local referral networks with doctors or hospitals has been shifting to Digital Lead Generation. Why do you need local referral sales persons when you can invest in developing your digital marketing capabilities and get a better lead flow? As this article, “The New Era of Homecare” points out digital marketing is quickly making referral sales obsolete, expensive, less strategic.

Additionally, the way organizations source their services (including government agencies, hospitals, and all businesses) is changing: most now use the internet to find suppliers and partners. How about investing in local B2B Digital Marketing?

2. Community Managers vs. Schedulers

Given the scarcity of good caregivers and the generational shifts within the caregiver community, the rules of engagement between Homecare companies and caregivers are changing. Schedulers’ responsibilities are shifting from the more technical to the more human aspects of their jobs. 

Automation and scheduling platforms simplify the purely mechanical elements of scheduling (including slot assignment, record keeping, matchmaking and caregiver selection) but keeping the caregiver community engaged, motivated, and ready to serve is harder than ever. Although in many ways, the caregiver community is increasingly individualistic, there is a strong need of belonging and of sharing within a community (this individualistic-community conflict is embodied in the huge success of Facebook). Creating and animating the community of caregivers of a Homecare agency will be capital in the future.

3. Community Managers and Digital Marketeers vs. Recruiters

Because the rules of engagement with caregivers are evolving and because competition from other agencies and marketplaces for the best caregivers is increasing, recruiting is changing dramatically. It’s clearly become a sellers game these days and loyalty needs to be earned by the agencies.

Recruitment of caregivers necessitates now a different skill set and tools. From digital and guerrilla campaigns to network cultivation, and community building, the work agencies need to (a) identify, (b) attract, and (c) hire talented caregivers looks more and more like Marketing and Community Management. 

4. Development Managers vs. HR Managers 

This is probably the most profound of the changes and the one with the biggest impact on the profession and the Seniors. As the industry gets polarized between Marketplaces and High Touch, High Quality agencies (see our article "How Senior Care Marketplaces Are Going To Disrupt Homecare"), Homecare agencies will have no choice but to offer a service of the highest quality and this require improving the capabilities of their caregivers.

Homecare organizations will have no choice but to engage actively in the professionalization of the caregiver role. This will require for many agencies a quantum leap in terms of training and development competences and a change in attitude towards caregiver retention and career planning.  The current HR Management function as it is today structured in most Homecare independent agencies and networks will need to be rethought entirely.

5. Care coordinator 3.0 vs Care coordinator 2.0

As Homecare becomes increasingly personalised, patient-centered, and outcome-focused (see our article "The New Era of Homecare"), the role of the care coordinator will become increasingly important, sophisticated, and difficult.

Although evaluation, scheduling, and caregiver matching will be simplified by automation and technology, the coordination process will become more complex and demanding. Care planning will be more agile and dynamic, interactions with the family and the Senior more frequent. Assessments will be more regular. As Homecare is progressively integrated into the healthcare continuum, coordinators will be asked to interact with very tough partners more frequently.

Also, care (non-medical and medical) will become increasingly data-driven and care coordination is where the rubber meets the road: where data suggestions, predictions, and analysis are transformed into real care plans and actions.

The new era of Homecare will bring the dawn of a new species of care coordinator

Jamie's Home Care Services

3049 Cleveland Ave Suite 276

Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-333-9517

www.jamieshomecare.com

Your Home Care Agency Needs Clients... but How?

The success of your home care agency depends on building your client base by seeking out new referral sources in your community. Healthy home care agencies understand the huge advantage of learning creative ideas to find families that are in need of your services. As owner, manager, or marketing representative of your home care agency, implement some of the following practical strategies to procure valuable client referrals.

12 Sure-Fire Ways to Get New Home Care Clients

1. Start volunteering at local health fairs, school fitness programs, blood drives, clothing donation centers, soup kitchens and other community sponsored charities. Communicate through ongoing volunteer efforts that compassion and trust are the foundation of your agency.

2. Speak at local senior centers, senior apartments, and retirement communities. Select interesting topics on healthy aging such as nutrition, exercise, sexuality, and memory enhancement.

3. Be a guest speaker at assisted living facilities, nursing or rehab facilities to meet residents that may be in need of additional personal and supportive care services not already provided.

4. Join local, state and national home care organizations and pursue accreditations that demonstrate your agency's commitment to quality care. Promote your achievements in the local media to build your reputation in the community.

5. Start a caregiver recognition program to identify employees who are exceptional and acknowledge their accomplishments with monthly caregiver awards posted in local newspapers.

6. Be diligent in promoting your home care services through networking with local doctors, healthcare insurance agents, pharmacists, and elder law attorneys in your community.

7. Engage members at local churches and caregiver support groups through participation in meetings as they may know others in need of your services.

8. Establish mutual beneficial relationships with your competitors by both agreeing to refer clients to one another when an agency is unable to provide requested services.

9. Partner with complementary businesses such as rehab centers, hospice agencies or a skilled home health agencies. Although a hospice or home health care agency may be providing a daily nurse or therapist visit there is often a gap in personal care and other support services.

10. Meet with discharge planners at local hospitals and nursing homes to educate them about your agency's non-medical services. Request that social workers keep your agency on file as a referral source when skilled care agencies are not appropriate.

11. Word of mouth as always is the best referral source in your community. Encourage your current and former clients and caregivers to tell others about the quality services your agency offers.

12. Lastly realize that many families are separated by distance and often turn to the Internet to research home care services. Families seeking caregivers rely on online referrals to help find home care agencies in their loved one's area. List your home care agency in  directories at carepathways.com to allow  the opportunity to provide qualified and exclusive client referrals.

Jamie's Home Care Services

3049 Cleveland Ave Suite 276

Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-333-9517

www.jamieshomecare.com

Help Paying for Senior Home Care

If you’re like the majority of seniors, you want to stay in your home as long as possible. Home care allows you to do this. It’s less expensive than institutional care such as assisted living and nursing homes. This type of care includes home health care and non-medical care such as assistance with activities of daily living and domestic chores.

Below, you’ll find information on how to pay for home care through Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal, state and local programs.

Home Care Rising

The market for home care is exploding thanks to the wave of baby boomers reaching their golden years and the need for lower-priced alternatives to institutional care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of home health and care aides will expand to more than 1.3 million by 2020, a 70% increase from 2010.

Home health care employees are typically RNs, LPNs, physical therapists, home care aides, occupational therapists and social workers. Home care aides help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming. And they assist with instrumental ADLs such as housekeeping, meal prep, laundry and transportation.

Home Care Costs

It’s no wonder seniors choose home health care over stays in a hospital if they are able to. The average daily cost of a hospital stay is $6,200, while the average cost of home health care is just $135 per visit.

The national average for a one-bedroom in an assisted living facility is $3,450 a month, according to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey. A semi-private room in a nursing home costs $207 a day on average.

A home health aide costs $19 an hour on average.

How We Pay for Home Health Care

The following is how recipients of home health care pay for services, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:

Medicare 41%Medicaid 24%State/local governments 15%Out-of-pocket 10%Private insurance 8%Other 2%

Qualifying for Medicare Home Health Care

If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you may be eligible for home health benefits. All of the following conditions must be met: 

You must be under the care of a doctor and getting services under a plan of care established and reviewed regularly by your doctor.Your doctor must certify that you need one or more of the following: skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and/or occupational therapy.The home health agency must be Medicare-certified.A doctor must certify that you are homebound, i.e. your condition keeps you from leaving home without help (wheelchair, walker, help from another person), leaving home takes a “considerable and taxing effort.”

In addition, you can only receive benefits for a part-time skilled nurse, which is defined as providing care on fewer than 7 days/week or less than 8 hours each day over a period of 21 days or less. Those needing full-time care (beyond the above)

What Medicare Covers

Skilled nursing care provided by a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Skilled nursing includes services such as shots, tube feedings, giving IV drugs, changing dressings, prescription drug and diabetes care teaching, etc.Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language services.Medical social services including counseling and help finding community services.Medical supplies used in your care. Can also include durable medical equipment

What Medicare Does Not Cover

 Personal care (home health aides) such as bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living.Homemaker services such as cleaning, laundry, shopping and preparing meals.24-hour-a-day care.Home-delivered meals

Medicaid and Home Care

Because Medicaid administration falls under individual states, the coverage and eligibility will vary. According to federal Medicaid guidelines, home health coverage must include part-time nursing, medical supplies and HCA services. Other services may include physical, occupational and speech therapies.

Home Care for Veterans

If you are a Veteran and eligible for a VA pension, you may be entitled to the Housebound benefit. This is a payment to those who are receiving care in-home or in the home of a family member.

Veterans may be eligible for the Housebound benefits if:

1) The Veteran has a “single permanent disability evaluated as 100-percent disabling AND due to such disability, he/she is permanently and substantially confined to his/her immediate premises, OR,

2) “The Veteran has a single permanent disability evaluated as 100-percent disabling AND, another disability, or disabilities evaluated as 60 percent or more disabling.”

In addition, your income must be less than $14,978 without dependents or $18,773 with dependents.

To apply for the Housebound benefit, call your regional VA office. For a listing by state, go here. You can also apply online using the VA’s VONAPP (Veterans On Line Application) website.

Another Veteran’s benefit is the Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care. These are services such as case management, assistance with activities of daily living, and other home-related care services.

This is part of the VA Standard Medical Benefits Package for enrolled Veterans who meet the clinical needs for the service.

Other Veterans benefits include Skilled Home Health Care (nursing, physical/occupational/speech therapy, social work), Telehealth Care (phone/video care to track blood pressure, blood sugar, pulse, blood oxygen levels, heart/lung sounds), and Home Based Primary Care.

To apply for any of these Veterans benefits, contact your VA social worker/case manager and complete the Application for Extended Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EC). You can also call VA toll-free at 877-222-VETS (8387).

Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)  

PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that provides care to seniors in the home. The program provides services such as home care, counseling, meals, transportation, and many other care services.

To be eligible, you must be 1) 55 or older 2) live in the service area of PACE 3) need nursing home-level of care, and 4) be able to live safely in the community with help from PACE.

If you have Medicaid, there is no monthly premium for the long-term care portion of the benefit. If you have Medicare, you’ll pay a monthly premium to cover the long-term care benefit and a premium for Medicare Part D drugs.

There is no deductible or copay for drugs, service or care provided by your PACE team.

For more information, go to Medicare’s PACE page.

State and Local Services

In addition to the above federal resources, each state has an elder affairs/aging department with programs to support seniors, including home health and home care. For example, New Hampshire’sServiceLink is a comprehensive community-based resource for seniors who are looking for home care, housing, financial support, food assistance and many more services.

To find home health and home care in your area, click on your state’s link below.

Alabama - Department of Senior Services

Alaska - Division of Senior and Disabilities Services

Arizona - Aging and Adult Administration

Arkansas - Division of Aging and Adult Services

California - Department of Aging

Colorado - Division of Aging and Adult Services

Connecticut - Aging Services Division

Delaware - Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities

District of Columbia - Office on Aging

Florida - Department of Elder Affairs

Georgia - Division of Aging Services

Hawaii - Executive Office on Aging

Idaho - Commission on Aging

Illinois - Department on Aging

Indiana - Division of Aging

Iowa - Department of Elder Affairs

Kansas - Department for Aging and Disability Services

Kentucky - Department For Aging & Independent Living

Louisiana - Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs

Maine - Office of Elder Services

Maryland - Department of Aging

Massachusetts - Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Michigan - Office of Services to the Aging

Minnesota - Board on Aging

Mississippi - Council on Aging

Missouri - Division of Health and Senior Services

Montana - Office on Aging

Nebraska - Health and Human Services - State Unit on Aging

Nevada - Division for Aging Services

New Hampshire - Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services

New Jersey - Department of Health and Senior Services

New Mexico - Aging Network Division

New York - Office for the Aging

North Carolina - Division of Aging and Adult Services

North Dakota - Aging Services Division

Ohio - Department of Aging

Oklahoma - Department of Human Services

Oregon - Seniors and People With Disabilities

Pennsylvania - Department of Aging

Rhode Island - Department of Elderly Affairs

South Carolina - Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging

South Dakota - Office of Adult Services & Aging

Tennessee - Commission on Aging and Disability

Texas - Department of Aging and Disability Services

Utah - Division of Aging & Adult Services

Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

Virginia - Department for the Aging

Washington - Aging and Disability Services

West Virginia - Bureau of Senior Services

Wisconsin - Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources

Wyoming - Aging Division

At Jamie home care services, our mission is to provide satisfaction, dignity, respect, and 24 hour services to seniors and other individuals needing a CNA, PCA or HHA  companion.
We are here to provide around-the-clock services to any individual needing
Toileting,
Grooming,
Denture Care,
Ambulation,
Meal preparations,
Showers,
Dressings, 
Medication reminders,
Etc.
We also provide top quality care from our trained and skilled caregivers who are available 24 hours a day 7 days per week. email, text, or phone call we will never keep you waiting to receive the top quality care that you're entitled to.
we have 15 minute response service where we will have a professional care coordinator on stand by waiting to answer any questions and solve any problem that you may have. We believe in our caregivers and will continuously ensure the most accurate care available we will help ease the worry and concerns that you may have about the care of your loved ones.
we want to provide you with peace of mind and you can rest assured that your loved one is in good hands with a JHCS, LLC "If you want quality care let us do our share" give us a call and let us know about your needs 802-526-4387

"For Quality Care Let Us Do Our Share"

Senior care made easy blog

www.Jamieshomecare.com

Jamie's Home Care Services

3049 Cleveland Ave Suite 276

Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-333-9517

www.jamieshomecare.com

Senior and elderly assistance programs.

Senior and elderly assistance programs.

Older Americans, the elderly, and seniors can receive help from a number of assistance programs that specialize in meeting their needs. Resources are offered by the federal government, your state, Area Agency on Aging offices, and other non-profits and social service organizations. With the population of the country continuing to age and more individuals reaching the so called senior “status”, the demand for assistance, information, and advice continues to increase.

The exact type of resources and programs will vary by state, county, and agency. Examples of some of the programs offered for senior citizens and the elderly include government benefit programs, Medicare, senior centers, home care programs, employment resources, meal sites, and much more.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a federal government funded program that is administered by many agency on aging offices. Individuals who are unemployed, 55 or older, and who are looking for a new job can look into and sign up for the Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Assessments will be completed by case managers, and they will try to obtain information about the participant’s current skills and interests, employment history, physical capabilities, need for supportive services, potential for transition to a regular job and help them participate in community service assignments.

Enrollees in the SCSEP program will be offered free physical examination and job training opportunities. They will be placed into part time jobs, in which they will gain an income, learn new skills, and have the opportunity to transition into full time employment.Click here for more information.

Senior food programs

Congregate meals are offered in all states. Individuals can choose from meal sites including churches, senior centers, religious facilities, area on aging offices, and housing facilities. Not only can a senior citizen get a free, nutritious hot meal or lunch, but they can also have the opportunity to socialize, attend workshops, and get support from the community.

 

People who can’t make it to a meal site and who are homebound can look into home delivered meals. Clients will need to be unable to shop for food or prepare meals on their own, and they need to be home bound. The home delivered meal programs are also commonly referred to as Meals on Wheels. Volunteers will bring food and meals to homebound seniors, which can help them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. In addition to receiving food and access to the nutrition services, seniors are offered daily contact with staff or program volunteers. They will provide seniors a link to additional services in their communities. Read more Meals on Wheels.

Free food is offered to seniors over 60 years of age from the federal government funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Healthy meals and groceries are offered in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and your state. Additional nutrition information is also provided in order to help facilitate good health. Click here.

For seniors struggling to feed their pets, free dog or cat food may be available too. Some Meals on Wheels services now provide this for low income elderly and the homebound. It is not yet offered nationwide, but an increasing number of providers are implementing this program. The free food for a clients pet will free up their often fixed income salaries for other basic needs. In addition, having a healthy pet can really help a senior citizen or disabled person by providing companionship and other benefits. More.

Medical bills and insurance

Seniors have options when it comes to health insurance, such as Medicare and government programs that can help people pay their medical bills. Information and resources are offered to help the elderly deal with escalating medical costs.

Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)can help seniors understand their health insurance benefits, plans that are available, medical bills and rights. This program supports Medicare beneficiaries, including people who are under 65 years old.

The SHIP program provides clients access to trained staff and volunteers who usually operate from area on aging offices. The counselors will provide those who need information with both in-person and telephone assistance and information. Get help with the following.

Medicare program, including details and help applying for benefits such as Prescription Drug Coverage Program (Medicare Part D) and any state Medicare supplements.Assistance with health insurance denials, appeals and grievances.Disabled Medicare beneficiaries, even those under 65, receive information, help with health care needs, and support.Learn about Long Term Care Insurance as well as Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs, preferred provider organizations).Medical bill assistance programs as well as additional resources may be offered for low-income beneficiaries.Other services are offered from the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program.

The federal government Medicare service is a national social insurance program. It was created and is administered by the U.S. federal government, and it has been in operation since 1965. The program guarantees access to health insurance for seniors and Americans ages 65 and older. Younger people can also benefit from Medicare, and the program can help individuals with disabilities as well as people with end stage renal disease.

In general, the Medicare program pays for about 50 percent of the medical bills and health care costs for enrollees. The participant will need to pay the balance of the costs. Any out-of-pocket costs that the individual needs to pay will vary depending on the exact amount of health care a Medicare enrollee needs. This might include uncovered services, which can be vision care, long-term, hearing, and dental, and it may also include supplemental insurance. There are several main components to this medical bill assistance program.

Part A can pay for helps bills incurred while at a hospital or some skilled nursing facility expenses.Part B of Medicare helps pay for outpatient services such as physical therapy as well as regular doctor’s visits. Seniors will need to usually pay some form of premium in order to receive this coverage; however the government can subsidize it.Extra help is not a very well known component, and this is available for prescription drugs as well. The government will subsidize any premiums or expenses that seniors need to pay for Part D. See more below.Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries, or QMB, is a more general assistance program that helps people who are signed up for Medicare pay their co-pays and monthly premiums.

Seniors can get help with prescriptions from Medicare Part D. This is a patient assistance program that was created by the federal government and which is offered through pharmaceutical companies that provide prescription drugs. The medications will be offered to qualified senior citizens for free or at a reduced cost.

Another benefit provided from Medicare Part D include prescription savings discount cards or publicly funded programs, information on generic medications to save on prescription costs, websites for price comparisons, and access to mail order pharmacies.

Many seniors and disabled who receive Medicaid, SSI or Medicare can receive additional financial assistance and savings from a federal government program known as Extra Help. A focus is on providing funds and discounts for prescription medications and medical bills, with emphasis on seniors who are enrolled in Medicare Part B and D. Learn more Extra Help.

Health Insurance Counseling is offered in many states at senior centers and area on aging offices. This is similar to SHIP (see above) is that certified health insurance counselors can be made to answer questions on supplemental insurance, Medicare, long-term care insurance, and other related medical questions. All services and information is generally offered at no cost.

While not quite as common, oftentimes Medical Transportation can be arranged. Some senior centers can provide transportation to health care and doctor appointments for persons 60 years old and older. It is usually offered at a minimal cost, but some locations may offer the rides for free.

Medicaid Waiver for Older Adults is a program that will enable individuals who are aged 50 and over who require long-term care services to remain in a community setting. Resources are offered to individuals even though their advanced age or a disability they may have would warrant placement in a long term care facility.

Free health care for the needs of senior needs - While older adults have many of the same medical conditions of people of any age, some of the more common requests include for hearing aids, prescription medications, and basic check ups. There are a few government programs and non-profits that offer assistance that senior citizens may find very useful for their needs. Read free medical and health care programs.

Attendant Services is to help those who are disabled, including seniors. The main objective is to support qualified persons with disabilities who need ongoing health and medical assistance. The attendant services program helps to maintain independence by allowing clients to complete their education, work in a job, and to generally avoid living in a special health care home or highly supervised setting. The services and resources will be provided to qualified people based on the client’s abilities, lifestyle, and preferences.

Durable Medical Equipment, or DME, as well as other devices are provided by both government agencies and private organizations. Senior citizens can receive a wide variety of items, ranging from wheelchairs to walkers or assistive technology items for their home. The terms will variy, and the equipment may be available for free, loaned out or sold at a reduced price. Click Assistive technology and durable equipment assistance programs.

Additional programs for seniors

While many state, federal, and local programs and resources focus on medical and nutritional issues, there are a number of other services available.

Information and Assistance targeted at seniors is available in many states, and is usually administered by area agency on aging offices or a service called Eldercare Locator. The programs provide a single point of information and entry into the aging network. Seniors citizens, elderly, and older adults can gain a single place for access, or phone number to call, for information on services and government benefits. Information is also available for families and caregivers. Some of what can be provided includes information on income and financial aid, transportation, senior citizens centers, pharmacy assistance, daily meals, housing/rent assistance, and food pantries. Read more on Eldercare Locator, or find a local agency on aging office below.

Senior Legal Assistance can offer free or low cost legal advice, counseling and representation to older Americans. Your local Area Agencies on Aging office may vary well contract with local attorneys in order to offer this service. Priority for legal advice and support is given to issues involving the following issues, including government disability benefits, income maintenance, and health care.

Congregate Housing Services Program can provide state subsidies and other support services to eligible residents of low and moderate income senior housing who, due to chronic health conditions or advanced age, need daily help with activities such as personal services, meals, and housekeeping.

Senior Centers operate in many towns, cities, and counties. Various resources and programs are administered from the centers. For example, they can provide free and low-cost health screenings. Examples may include checks and health care for issues such as vision testing, blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, depression, glucose (for diabetes), hearing, stroke, osteoporosis, foot and screenings for several types of cancer. Additionally, pharmacists often offer their time and services at the centers. They will frequently provide consultations to discuss prescription medications, nutritionists will assist with a personal nutrition plan, and nurses provide individual guidance and discuss specific health concerns. Flu or pneumonia shots are often given during the fall months to keep seniors well. Also, health education seminars and disease prevention are offered throughout the year.

Not only can medical needs be met, but Senior Centers also offer other services. This can include a place for people to stop by to get a meal or pick up an emergency food box or lunch. It is a place to go for social activities and companionship. Also, many centers will hold workshops and provide seminars on issues such as low cost housing, medical bill programs like Medicare, and budgeting classes.

Get financial advice and bill paying assistance. These programs are normally cosponsored by the AARP Foundation as well as Aging and Adults. Services will often include money management assistance to help low-income senior citizens and adults with physical disabilities that have difficulty paying routine bills, budgeting and keeping track of financial matters. The goal of this resource is to also promote independent living for individuals and senior citizens who are at risk of losing their independence due to inability to pay their bills on time and in general manage their financial affairs. The program uses a combination of credit counselors and volunteers to assist individuals who may not have relatives or friends who are willing to help.

Sadly, many older Americans are the targets of scams or fraud, even when it comes to medical bills, health care, and prescriptions. A free service known asSenior Medical Patrol (SMP) was created by a group of specialists that help individuals detect billing errors and fraud, even when it comes to Medicare. Most of the counselors operate out of agency on agency offices in towns and cities across the nation. More.

Oftentimes individuals can learn about financial assistance programs, such as rent or energy assistance. For example, the federal government Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income households. Priority is usually given to people who are most at risk such as seniors or the disabled. Assistance can be offered for households who are experiencing a home energy emergency.

A crisis can be addressed too. This may result from an unpaid utility or heating bill, the receipt of a shut off notice, or lack of fuel or wood. Payments from LIHEAP are for home cooling and heating and other emergency energy-related costs during the cooling (April-September) and heating (October-March) seasons. In general, qualified households may be provided a onetime cash benefit per season, up to $600 per heating or cooling season. Payments will be made directly to the vendor or utility company.

Another example is housing. Rent assistance vouchers can be provided to seniors and the elderly from programs such as Section 202 or 8. Both are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but are administered by public housing agencies. You are of aging office can often provide details on housing resources, such as Section 202 housing vouchers.

Transportation can be provided to seniors for appointments, shopping trips, and other needs. Many agency on aging centers, non-profits such as the Salvation Army, and maybe even churches offer this service either for free or a reduced price. A number of needs can be fulfilled by these services. The most common reason will be for a doctor appointment or shopping trip for groceries, however rides can be provided for other reasons as well. Individuals with mobility issues can also access these programs and drivers will usually be able to help them get into and out of the vehicle that is being used. Learn more ontransportation services for seniors.

State Agency on Aging Offices

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Arizona

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California

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Connecticut

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Florida

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Idaho

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Indiana

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Kansas

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Louisiana

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Michigan

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Mississippi

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Nevada

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New Jersey

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North Carolina

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Oklahoma

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Pennsylvania

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South Carolina

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Texas

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Virginia

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West Virginia

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