home care in ohio – an informational webinar · 2014. 6. 9. · participant dial‐in...

Home Care in Ohio – An Informational Webinar May 16, 2013

1:00 ‐ 2:30 PM Eastern

Participant dial‐in information: 800‐701‐9749

Conference Call Participant Agenda

1. Welcome and Introduction

Sara Cirba, Advocacy and Development Associate

2. How to Access Home and Community-Based Care in Ohio

Patty Callahan, Caregiver Advocate, Ohio Area Agency on Aging

3. What Does Good Home Care Look Like and How Do You Get Good Care?

Beverley Laubert, Ohio State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

4. Home Care From a Caregiver’s Perspective

Larry Lewandowski

5. Question and Answer


6. Wrap up/closing remarks


5/16/2013

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To Hear Audio

Dial-in number: 1-800-701-9749

May 16, 2013

Welcome

Sara Cirba

Advocacy and Development Associate

Consumer Voice

How to Access Home and

Community-Based Care in

Ohio

Patty Callahan, LISW

Caregiver Advocate

Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging

In Ohio

� A range of services exists to support the independence of individuals who need some assistance to live in the community setting of their choice.

� Individuals should inquire about financial assistance or insurance coverage for any needed service, equipment, or supplies.

Payment Sources for Home and

Community Based Care� Self-pay

� Private Insurance

� Medicare (typically short-term)

� Medicaid

� Medicaid Waivers

� Community Aging Services

� Long-term Care Insurance

� Veteran’s Administration

Types of Services Available� Adult Day Services� Care or Case Management� Companions� Home Health Aides (or Personal Care Aides)� Homemakers� Chore Services� Meal Programs� Personal Emergency Response Systems� Home Modification� In-Home Therapists� Nurses� Respite Care� Hospice� Transportation

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Medicare� Medicare is the federal health insurance program for

people 65 and older.

� Medicare also covers individuals under age 65 who have been determined disabled by Social Security. This starts two years from the disability determination.

� Everyone who pays into the Social Security system (FICA taxes) earns coverage for Medicare.

Medicare Home Care Services� Typically very time-limited

� Does not cover private-duty nursing

� Requires a doctor’s order for all covered services

� Requires the individual to be homebound

� Individual must need nursing service or physical, occupational, or speech therapy

Medicaid� A State/Federal assistance program which serves low-

income people of any age

� Eligibility is based on limited income, assets, and on medical expenses

� Covers medical care, equipment, supplies

� Covers long-term care in a community setting, and in an institutional setting

Medicaid WaiversProvide for home and community-based services to people who:

� Require the level of care provided in a care facility. (“Intermediate” level of care)

� Meet the Medicaid financial criteria as determined by the Department of Job and Family Services in the county of residence.

Ohio Medicaid Waivers

For People Age 60 and Older� Passport Waiver

� Choices Waiver

� Assisted Living Waiver

To get started: Contact the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that serves your county.

To be directed to your Ohio AAA call the

Ohio Department of Aging - 1-866-243-5678.

For Area Agencies on Aging throughout the U.S.

Call the Eldercare Locator 1-800-766-1116, or go to:

(www.eldercare.gov).

Medicaid Waivers for People with

Developmental Disabilities� Individual Options Waiver

� Level 1 Waiver

� Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) Waiver

Contact your County Board of Developmental Disabilities to get started.

To be directed to your County Board: call the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Support Center: 1-800-617-6733

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Medicaid Waiver for

People Under Age 60� Ohio Home Care Waiver

Contact your County Department of Job and Family Services to get started.

Local Government Funding for Home

and Community-Based ServicesIn Ohio, county levy funds support home and community-based services for older adults and for people with developmental disabilities.

For persons age 60 and older:

Contact your Area Agency on Aging to locate your county program.

For persons with developmental disabilities:

Contact your County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

� Adult Day Health Care

� Homemaker/Home Health Aide

� Home Based Primary Care

� Community Hospice Care

� Respite Care

� Skilled Home Care

� Care Coordination/TeleHealth

� Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA)

� Aid and Attendance and Housebound

Home and Community-Based

Services for Veterans

Starting Points for VA Home and

Community-Based Services� Caregiver Support Line 1-855-260-3274 or go to:

www.caregiver.va.gov

Or,

Contact the Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center.

Long-Term Care Assessments� Free in-home consultation to provide information on

long-term care options.

� Provided state-wide in Ohio

� Contact your Area Agency on Aging

Mental Health Services in OhioOhio Department of Mental Health

Toll-Free Bridge for consumers and families seeking information and referral1-877-275-63641-888-636-4889 [email protected]

� Treatment, Case Management, Housing (some areas)

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What Does Good Home Care

Look Like? How Do You Get

Good Home Care?

Beverley Laubert

Ohio State Long-Term Care OmbudsmanThe National Consumer Voice for Quality

Long-Term Care

Webinar May 16, 2013

Home� A place where we feel we belong

� Our domain: a territory ruled by us

Person-Centered Services

� Approaches designed to assist someone to plan their life and supports

� To enable individuals with disabilities or otherwise requiring support to increase their personal self-determination and improve their own independence.

� Discovers and acts on what is important to a person.

� A process for continual listening and learning, focusing on what is important to someone now and in the future

� Acting on what is important in alliance with their family and their friends

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Raise the Bar� Important: Choices

� Keep track of your natural schedule and share with caregivers

� Important: Active in the community

� Make and communicate plans

� Important: Individualized services

� Keep a list of favorites

� Important: Security – self and property

� Speak up

� Important: Dignity and Respect

� Say how you want to be addressed

� Important: Training

� Provide the “recipe”

� Provide feedback; know who is in charge

� Important: Service Planning

� Keep it close

� Be prepared

1-800-282-1206Office of the State Ombudsman

Home Care From a Caregiver’s

Perspective

Larry Lewandowski

Family Caregiver

Question and Answer

Facilitated by:

Sara Cirba


Consumer Voice

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Wrap Up/Closing Remarks

Sara Cirba


Consumer Voice

Contact UsConsumer Voice

1001 Connecticut Ave., NW

Suite 425

Washington, DC 20036

Ph. 202-332-2275

http://www.theconsumervoice.org

Email: [email protected]

1

Join the Consumer Voice Action Network!

If you care about the lives and well-being of people receiving long-term care at home, in assisted living or in nursing homes, you can help them by becoming an advocate and joining the Consumer Voice Action Network.

As a member of the Action Network, you will receive breaking news, action steps, newsletters and opportunities for YOU to take action regarding national and state policy developments in long-term care. We will give you the tools you need to make your advocacy easier, like the ability to contact your members of Congress (and other elected officials) directly through our website or issue a letter to the edi-tor.

By joining the Action Network, you will receive updates, breaking news, and newsletters that will keep you informed of the national and state policy developments in long-term care. Joining the Action Network will also give you tools to advocate on behalf of those receiving long-term care, as we will make it easier for you to contact your elected officials directly through our website.

Legislators pay attention to calls, letters and e-mails they get on a particular issue if they come from their constituents. Regulatory agencies seek public comments. Add your voice to the voice of oth-ers.

The louder our voice, the stronger our advocacy.

Joining the Consumer Voice Action Network is free. It’s also easy. You can register to be a part of the Action Network in a few ways:

• Register at this link: https://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8641/signup_page/action-network

• If you don’t have access to a computer, contact Sara Cirba at 202-332-2275 x221 and she will manually register you.

What is the action network?

Copyright © 2012 National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW • Suite 425 • Washington, DC 20036

Phone: 202.332.2275 • Fax: 202.403.3473 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.theconsumervoice.org

How can I join the network?

1

February 2013

Join the Consumer Voice Family Member Focus Group!

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) - a national organization that advocates for quality long-term care - is forming a focus group to get your opinion and thoughts on issues related to your loved one’s care and services.

As a participant in this group you will have the opportunity to:

• Respond and react to ideas and suggestions for changes in long-term care.

• Provide us with feedback on your experiences with your loved one’s care.

Your feedback will be used to guide us in our policy work. The call is ONLY open to family members. Your name will not be shared outside the group and nothing you say will affect the services your loved one is receiving.

First focus group meeting

DATE: March 13, 2013

TIME: 2:00-3:30 pm ET

HOW: By telephone on a toll-free conference line.

You will be joined by other family members and Consumer Voice staff. We will ask you questions and give you an opportunity to respond. You will receive the questions before the call.

Contact Sara Cirba at [email protected] or at 202-332-2275 x 221.

Do you have ideas on how to improve your loved one’s

care at home or in a facility?

If so, join the Consumer Voice Family Member Focus Group



When will the Family Member Focus Group be held?

How can you sign up?

1

March 2013

Join the Consumer Voice’s Home Care Consumer

Focus Group!

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) - a national organization that advocates for quality long-term care - is forming a focus group to get your input and thoughts on issues related to the care and services you receive in your home.

As a participant in this group you will have the opportunity to:

• Respond and react to ideas and suggestions for changes in long-term care.

• Provide us with feedback on personal experiences regarding your care.

Your feedback will be used to guide us in our policy work.

The first focus group will take place Monday, April 1st, 2013 from 2:00-3:30 pm ET. Once you join the focus group, you will be given additional details of our first call.

Contact Sara Cirba at [email protected], 202-332-2275 x 221, or toll-free at 866-992-3668.

We hope you join our Home Care Consumer Focus Group and look forward to hearing from you in April!

Are you receiving long-term services and supports in your home?

If so, join the Consumer Voice Home Care Consumer Focus Group



When will the Home Care Consumer Focus Group be held?

How can you sign up?

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Accessing Aging Resources Information Provided by

the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging

What Are Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)?

Established by the Federal Government in the Older Americans Act of 1965. Every part of the US and our territories are served by an AAA (over 670).

Most states have multi-county regions served by an AAA. Ohio has 12 regions which are pictured to the right(called Planning & Service Areas-PSA for short). To see a more detailed map of the regions in Ohio, go to www.ohioaging.org

Area Agencies on Aging in Ohio: What Do We Do?

o Fund Community Based Services (under Title 3 of the Older Americans Act)

o Provide Information, Assistance & Education to older adults, adults with disabilities and their families on a variety of issues like long term care services, housing, and health and wellness (call or check the website of any AAA to get connected to services and programs)

o Advocate on behalf of older adults, adults with disabilities and their families.

o In Ohio, Administer the programs designed to allow those over 60 who are eligible for Medicaid and would be living in a nursing facility to receive care in the community.

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Area Agencies on Aging in Ohio by Multi-County Area Locate Your County in Italics Below

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio 175 Tri County Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45246 800/252-0155 or 513/721-1025 (serving Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton & Warren counties) Area Agency on Aging, PSA 2 40 W. Second Street, Suite 400 Dayton, OH 45402 800/258-7277 or 937/341-3000 (serving Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble & Shelby counties) Area Agency on Aging 3, Inc 200 East High Street, Suite 2A Lima, OH 45801 800/653-7277 or 419/222-7723 (serving Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Putnam & Van Wert counties) Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. 2155 Arlington Ave. Toledo, OH 43609-0624 800/472-7277 or 419/382-0624 (serving Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Sandusky, Williams & Wood counties) Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc 780 Park Ave. W. Mansfield, OH 44906 800/860-5799 or 419/524-4144 (serving Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca & Wyandot counties) Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging 174 E. Long St. Columbus, OH 43215 800/589-7277 or614/645-7250 (serving Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway & Union counties)

Area Agency on Aging, District 7, Inc. F32-URG, P.O. Box 500 (mail only) 160 Dorsey Drive Rio Grande, OH 45674-0500 800/582-7277 or 740/245-5306 (serving Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto & Vinton counties) Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging P.O. Box 370 (mail only) Reno, OH 45773-0370 1400 Pike Street Marietta, OH 45750 800/331-2644 or 740/373-6400 740 (serving Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry & Washington counties) Area Agency on Aging Region 9, Inc. 60788 Southgate Rd. (S.R. 209S) Byesville, OH 43723 800/945-4250 or 740/439-4478 740 (serving Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Muskingum & Tuscarawas counties) Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging 925 Euclid Ave. #600 Cleveland, OH 44115 800/626-7277 or 216/621-8010 216 (serving Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain & Medina counties) Area Agency on Aging 10B Inc. 1550 Corporate Woods Pkwy. Uniontown, OH 44685 800/421-7277 or 330/896-9172 (serving Portage, Stark, Summit & Wayne counties) Area Agency on Aging 11, Inc. 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, 2nd Floor Niles, Ohio 44446 800/686-7367 or 330/505-2300 330 (serving Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning & Trumbull counties)

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How to Find What Assistance is Available?

Eldercare Locator- 800-766-1116 (www.eldercare.gov) Free information on services anywhere in the United States.

Free Long Term Care Assessment- 1-800-589-7277 (www.coaaa.org) Free in home consultation to help families make long term care choices. Can be provided anywhere in Ohio.

Many counties and local communities have Senior Citizen Service Handbooks which list a wide variety of services. Check with your AAA to see if one is available.

Websites to check: o www.medicare.gov- has several specialized areas to

check for services in your area—nursing home compare, home health compare, physician compare, kidney dialysis compare and hospital compare.

o www.ltcohio.org-Long Term Care Consumer Guide Information about nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Ohio. Includes resident satisfaction survey results.

o www.ohiobenefitsbank.org-Free service that allows Ohioans to complete applications for programs such as Food Assistance (formerly Food Stamps), the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Child care subsidies, and file their Federal and State taxes. People can serve themselves by using a home or library computer or go to the site of a Benefits Bank Trained counselor. These sites are listed on the website or available by calling 1-800-648-1176.

o www.benefitscheckup.com -National Website of over 12,000 providers listed—free confidential search.

o www.proseniors.org-This web site has very comprehensive and easy to understand fact sheets on legal and benefit issues for residents of Ohio. It also offers limited legal advice and referrals to elder law attorneys to older adults and their families through its phone number which is 1-800-488-6070.

http://www.ltcohio.org-/

http://www.benefitscheckup.com/

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What Types of Services Are Available in Most Communities?

Many cities/towns have numerous services for older adults who wish to receive care while living in their own home, apartment or condominium. The funding for these programs varies by each service. Some services charge a fee, some accept a donation, and some will bill insurance if the person has it and the service is covered. Individuals should inquire about financial assistance that may be available for a particular service. Adult Day Services – also referred to as Adult Day Care

Programs offering social and recreational activities, supervision, health services, and meals in a protective setting for older adults with physical or cognitive disabilities. Typically open weekdays during business hours.

Chore Services

Assistance with heavy house cleaning, minor home repairs, and yard work. Companions

Provide conversation, supervision and some help with meals or tasks. Emergency Response Systems (ERS)

A service that provides individuals with a call button, which alerts a call center to get help from family, friends, or emergency services. Services may include smoke detection and medication reminders. Services/units may be rented or purchased.

Home Health Aides (or Personal Care Aide)

Provide assistance with personal care such as, bathing, dressing, feeding, some minor medical care and light housekeeping.

Homemakers

Provide assistance with light housekeeping, laundry, cooking, and errands. Home Modification

Changes or additions to the structure of a home to improve safety and accessibility. Hospice

Services for the terminally ill provided in the home, a hospital, or a long-term care facility. Includes home health services, volunteer support, grief counseling, and pain management.

In Home Therapists

Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapies--Provide training in communication, physical movement or doing daily tasks.

Meal Programs

Meals delivered to homebound individuals or at group dining locations in the community. Typically provided five or more days per week.

Nurses

Provide medical care and medical monitoring. Respite Care

Short-term care provided for an older person to allow caregivers time away from their caregiving role. Provided by trained professionals or volunteers in the home or by short-term admission to an assisted living or nursing facility

Senior Centers

Provide social activities, information and a range of services. Telephone Reassurance

Regular phone calls to check on the person’s well being. Transportation Services

Provide rides to appointments, shopping, and other activities.

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What is a Case or a Care Manager?

A professional who provides coordination of the services coming

into the home. Families involved in long-distance caregiving find it especially helpful to hire someone to coordinate home-care services.

Some government funded home care programs include a case manager to assist families in coordinating services.

Locate a private case manager by calling the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers at 520-881-8008 (www.caremanager.org).

What Is the Role of Local Tax Levy Funded Programs in Ohio?

In Ohio, local levy funds support a wide range of home and community based services for older adults. Many counties spend a large portion of their funds on nutrition (community and home-delivered meals), transportation, adult day services and in-home support such as homemaker services.

Many Ohio counties have countywide property tax levies, based on the fair market value of real estate. A few counties use sales tax and other types of taxes to fund levy services for older adults. For a complete listing in Ohio, go to www.goldenbuckeye.com.

In Central Ohio, there are senior service levies in Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union Counties. To access their services, visit the wwww.coaaa.org website for local contact information.

http://www.caremanager.org/

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What Is A Medicaid Waiver Program?

Ohio has several programs which are designed to provide home and community based care to those who would otherwise be living in a long term care facility on Medicaid. Three of them are administered by Area Agencies on Aging. These are:

PASSPORT- o Age 60 or older & financially eligible for Medicaid institutional care o Frail enough to require a nursing home level of care o Able to remain safely at home with the consent of their physician. o The cost of PASSPORT services needed at the time of application cannot

exceed 60 percent of the cost of nursing home care.

Choices Waiver

Choices is a consumer directed program available to current PASSPORT consumers

Providers can be agency or non-agency professional caregivers or individual providers such as friends, neighbors or some relatives (cannot be spouses, parents, step-parents and legal guardians). Care providers have to be trained.

Assisted Living Waiver-

Available for those in Ohio over the age of 21 living in a participating assisted living facility.

Pays the costs of care in an assisted living facility, allowing the consumer to use his or her resources to cover "room and board" expenses.

Individuals must meet certain service and care needs and meet established financial criteria.

What is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is an Insurance Program which primarily serves people over 65 regardless of Income. People pay into Medicare through their Social Security payroll taxes. Medicare is a Federal Program—the same across the US

Medicare covers hospital care, doctors and other health care provider’s bills—most of its care is short term in nature and provided by a health care professional.

VS.

Medicaid is an Assistance Program which serves low-income people of any age. Medicaid is paid for by both the Federal and State governments, so the services can vary from state to state.

In Ohio, Medicaid eligibility is based on limited income, assets and medical expenses. You apply for benefits at the Dept. of Job and Family Services.

Medicaid can cover hospital care, doctors and other health care provider’s bills, but it also covers long term care needs. These can be provided in an institution or in the community through a Medicaid Waiver program.

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Independent Living Options

Available in most cities/towns. These can be senior apartments, private homes/condos, or Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Some communities are subsidized so rent is less expensive for older adults who qualify based on income. Most offer a full apartment; not just a room. Many have waiting lists. For a full listing in Central Ohio, go to www.coaaa.org and look under the topic “Resources” and then “Senior Housing”.

Many have some transportation, social programs, noon meals, and emergency response systems available. This option is usually not appropriate for adults with significant confusion.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living units often include a private bedroom, cooking area and bathroom, locked doors and individual temperature controls.

Services may include meals, housekeeping, personal care, routine nursing services (medicines, special diets, dressings), health monitoring and service coordination. For a full listing in Central Ohio, go to www.coaaa.org.

In Ohio, Assisted Living Facilities are private pay and some are now eligible for Medicaid when a resident spends down his/her assets (for a list of facilities that accept the Medicaid Waiver for Assisted Living, go to www.goldenbuckeye.com)

Extended Care or Nursing Facilities

Known as nursing homes by the general public. Available in most communities. Regulated in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Health.

Fees for services can vary widely depending upon the type of care provided, the type of facility, and the economy of the local community. Financial assistance may be available for individuals who have exhausted their resources through Medicaid.

It is suggested that families visit and evaluate several facilities before making a final decision for placement of a family member.

Many nursing facilities accept residents for short term respite stays. Check with the facility for day rates and availability.

For a full listing of facilities in the US, visit www.medicare.gov and search its Nursing Home Compare area.

What Housing Options are Available?

http://www.coaaa.org/

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What Assistance is There For Caregivers?

A nationally funded program operated in Central Ohio by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging(COAAA). It provides the caregiver workshops, supplies caregiver resource centers with books and videos throughout the area, and funds services designed to assist caregivers on a short term basis. The services include: information and assistance, counseling, respite, and other supplemental services. For More information call Patty Callahan at 1-866-750-CARE(2273) or visit the COAAA website(www.coaaa.org) Or in your county, call one of these agencies:

o Delaware-Council for Older Adults 740-363-6677

o Fairfield-Meals on Wheels of Fairfield Co. 740-681-5050

o Fayette-Community Action of Fayette Co. 740-335-7282

o Franklin-Franklin Co. Office on Aging 614-525-5230

o Licking-Licking Co. Aging Program 740-345-0821 or 1-800-452-0097

o Madison-Madison Co. Senior Center 740-852-3001

o Pickaway-Pickaway County Senior Center 740-474-8831 o Union-Union County Senior Services 937-644-9629

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The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

1001 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 425, Washington, DC 20036


The best way to achieve quality care and services is for you and your home health or home care

agency to come together as a team. By actively participating in and monitoring your care and

services, you can help ensure quality.

Be Informed About Your Care

• Keep informed about your medical condition and treatments.

o You can accomplish this by communicating with your doctors and care staff,

asking questions, and being an active participant in your care planning process.

• Know what home care services are available to Ohio consumers.

o Ohio has a variety of programs that seniors receiving home care can utilize. For

more information visit: http://www.aging.ohio.gov/information/

� Waiver services allow individuals to live in a community setting and avoid

institutional placement. To be eligible for any waiver program, you must

meet Medicaid guidelines and waiver eligibility guidelines. Here is a

summary of Ohio Medicaid Waivers:

1. PASSPORT provides adult day, homemaker, personal care, chore,

community transition, emergency response system, enhanced

community living services, home delivered meals, home medical

equipment and supplies, independent living assistance, minor home

mods-maintenance and repair, non-medical transportation, nutritional

consultation, social work counseling and transportation. Individuals can

select who will provide personal care services. For more information on

PASSPORT visit http://aging.ohio.gov/services/passport/.

2. Choices is a very similar waiver that is available to elders in Ohio in some

areas of the state. It provides services similar to PASSPORT, except the

consumer can choose all of their providers of services with assistance

from an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Individuals age 60 and older are

eligible for Choices and PASSPORT if they meet the nursing level of care

and Medicaid financial eligibility. To apply for either waiver, visit the local

AAA. For more information on Choices visit

http://aging.ohio.gov/services/choices/

3. Ohio Home Care Waiver provides nursing, personal care aide, adult day

health services, supplemental transportation, out of home respite, home-

Fact Sheet:

How to Get Good Home Care in Ohio

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delivered meals, home modifications, supplemental adaptive/assistive

devices and emergency response systems. To apply for services, contact a

local department of job and family services which you can find here:

http://jfs.ohio.gov/county/index.stm. For more information visit

http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/ohc/ohio_home_care_waiver.stm.

o Ohio consumers can receive services and supports in their home through home

care and home health agencies. Individuals can either pay privately or use

Medicare to cover these costs. Additionally, individuals can compare data on the

home health agencies they are considering on Home Health Compare:

http://www.medicare.gov/HomeHealthCompare/search.aspx

Be Involved In Your Care

• Provide information about yourself to your home health or home care agency.

• Participate in developing your support plan.

• Talk to the facility about assigning the same aides to provide care and services to you.

• Get to know your aides and treat them with respect and appreciation.

• Know what care or services you are supposed to receive according to your support plan.

• Communicate effectively with your aides.

• Monitor your care and services.

• Keep notes about your care.

• Know whom to contact for help or information, such as:

o Long-term care ombudsman program. Ombudsmen are advocates for

consumers of long-term care. To contact your long-term care ombudsman, call

the Ohio State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (800) 282-1206 or go to:

http://www.ltcombudsman.org/ombudsman/ohio

o Area Agencies on Aging. Area Agencies on Aging provide older adults and their

caregivers long-term care choices, consumer protection and education so they

can achieve the highest possible quality of life. To find your local Ohio Area

Agency on Aging, go to

http://www.aging.ohio.gov/resources/areaagenciesonaging/ or call (866) 243-

5678.

o Centers for Independent Living. These organizations provide services to increase

the independence of individuals with disabilities. To contact the CIL closest to

you, go to: http://www.virtualcil.net/cils/query-iandr.php?state=oh

o Protection & Advocacy Services (P&A). This agency works to address concerns

about care and services, rights, and access to services for people with disabilities.

To contact the OH P&A, go to: http://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/ or call (614)

466-7264.

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Many individuals prefer to receive care and services at home rather than in an institutional

setting, such as a nursing home. Some will use the services of a home care agency, while others

prefer to hire individuals privately to provide care and services. Despite best efforts by the

home care agency staff and administration, you may experience problems or concerns about

the care you receive in your home. There are things you can do to help resolve problems.

Express Your Concerns

• Express your concerns to your caregiver and/or their supervisor. Be as specific as you can

about the problems you’re having. Think of the 5 W’s – who, what, when, where, and why.

Try to have information about as many of those W’s as possible when making your

complaint.

o For example, instead of “I don’t like how she gives me a shower,” you might say, “I

have told Mary that I don’t like getting my hair wet during my shower, but the last

four times my hair has gotten wet because she lets the water run over my head.”

• Ask a family member or friend to be there with you if it would make you feel more

comfortable.

• Express what you would like to have happen and ask how the problem will be resolved to

your satisfaction. It would be best to think of your solution before you express your

concerns.

o For example, “When Mary gives me a shower, I would like her to make sure I have

on a shower cap, direct the spray of water so it doesn’t hit my head or face, and give

me a washcloth so that I can wash my face.”

• Know your rights based on your contract with the caregiver or agency, and/or based on

state law.

If You Need Outside Help

While it’s always best to try to resolve any problems directly with the caregiver or agency, if a

situation arises where you need additional help, there are places you can go:

Fact Sheet:

Where to Turn for Help with Your Home Care

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• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Long-term care ombudsmen serve as advocates for

consumers of long-term care. To find contact information for your long-term care

ombudsman, call the Ohio State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (800) 282-1206 or go to:

http://www.ltcombudsman.org/ombudsman/ohio

• Ohio Area Agencies on Aging (O4A). Area Agencies on Aging investigate abuse and neglect

of vulnerable older adults in Ohio who live in the community. Contact information for the

closest O4A office near you can be found here: http://www.ohioaging.org/default.aspx

• Centers for Independent Living (CILs). Centers for Independent Living are organizations

that provide services to maximize the independence of individuals with disabilities. To learn

more about the services they provide, and locate a CIL near you, go to

http://www.virtualcil.net/cils/query-iandr.php?state=oh.

• Ohio Disability Rights Network (also known as Protection & Advocacy) work to address

concerns about care and services, rights, access to services, and more for people with

disabilities both in residential and community settings. To contact the P&A in Ohio, go to

http://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/ or call (614) 466-7264.

For more information, see Piecing Together Quality Long-Term Care, a resource guide

published by The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care to empower

people with disabilities and older adults to be self-advocates for quality long-term care.

The guide may be downloaded for free or purchased in hard copy at

www.theconsumervoice.org.

home care in ohio – an informational webinar · 2014. 6. 9. · participant dial‐in...

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