Home Care Advisory Group: 3 Questions to Ask When Considering Nursing Homes and Community-Based Settings

In a perfect world, everyone would remain free of injury, illness, or disabilities. Life, however, often says otherwise. Sooner or later, many face the difficult question of whether to place a loved one in a nursing home because they are no longer able to live safely on their own. It is no small decision, as it will impact the person’s quality of life and well-being. Home Care Advisory Group, which helps New Yorkers on Medicaid to find dignified home-care assistance, suggests considering community-based settings, which typically offer more flexibility, independence, and social inclusion. To decide between the two possibilities, the company recommends thinking about three questions that can shed light on the path forward.

1. What level of care does the loved one require?

How much care a person needs lies on a broad spectrum. Some people are very independent and require minimal assistance while the needs of others are much more extensive. To determine how much help a loved one requires, consider the follow:

• Their medical conditions, including their prognosis and recovery regimens
• Any mobility or flexibility issues
• The state of their cognitive abilities
• Their confidence in social situations
• Their daily living requirements, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, doing laundry, handling finances, and shopping
• Their ability to manage medications
• The length of care required

With that information, family members can better understand the pros and cons of nursing homes vs. community-based settings. With the first, the individual can receive round-the-clock medical attention and assistance while with the second, varying levels of support are provided, depending on the needs of the person.

2. Does the person qualify for a Medicaid waiver program?

This is crucial, especially for New Yorkers on Medicaid. There are specialized programs that may allow an individual to either leave a nursing home or avoid living in one altogether. Look carefully at their qualifications and ask Home Care Advisory Group for more information about them. In general, Medicaid waiver programs include:

• The Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Medicaid Waiver Program
• The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver Program

There are also various services through Medicaid that focus on individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. By familiarizing themselves with these programs, family members can determine if they are right for their loved one and feel more confident about their long-term care decision.

3. Can a friend or family member serve as a paid caregiver through the CDPAP?

Another option for New Yorkers on Medicaid is the CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program), which allows the individual to choose their own caregiver. With careful thought and planning, this can be an excellent alternative to nursing homes, particularly since the caregiver is paid and does not need to be certified. Home Care Advisory Group can provide more information on this possibility, including the application process.

Some final thoughts about nursing homes vs. community-based settings

Remember that in the end, a community-based setting is not automatically better than a nursing home. Instead, it comes down to an assessment of the person’s needs vs. what both options can provide. Please call Home Care Advisory Group for expert insights into the CDPAP, the NHTD Medicaid Waiver Program, and the TBI Waiver Program. The company’s specialists will explain the ins and outs of each one so that a realistic, productive choice can be made with confidence. 

About Home Care Advisory Group

Home Care Advisory Group streamlines the home care process, ensuring patients will never have to leave their homes or visit the doctor to complete the requirements. Throughout every step, its certified Senior Care Specialists make everything smooth and easy. Whether gathering necessary documentation, completing applications, or troubleshooting issues, team members minimize delays and ensure a hassle-free experience. Home Care Advisory Group’s suite of services include CDPAP, Medicaid applications, the exploration of home care options for patients with Medicare or Medicaid, the management of long-term care insurance claims, assistance with Veterans’ benefits, and more.

For more information about Home Care Advisory Group and CDPAP, please visit https://homecareadvisory.org/cdpap-program/.