Hello. My mother lives and wants to stay in her home. Her dementia has gotten worse. We live in PA and she does not have the funds to afford home care through an agency. Someone told us something about Medicaid and programs they have. Does anyone have experience in this for PA?
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/how-to-get-paid-for-being-a-caregiver-135476.htm
Medicaid is a program run by each state, therefore the rules can vary so take any advice on this forum with that in mind.
Consult with a Medicaid Planner for PA. There is a financial "look back" period on the application that you must be aware of and know how to manage your mom's affairs so that she doesn't get delayed or disqualified from this very important program (like the "gifting" of cash, property or assets).
You will need to have tempered expectations that Medicaid does not pay for full-time (or 24/7) in-home care and it is doubtful there are any supplemental state programs to fill the remaining schedule gaps. Even if you were trained by an agency and became an employee, I'm not sure how the agency could cover 100% of your hours with any other programs, but maybe they can.
Medicaid, as said "in home" does not provide 24/7 care. Mom will need to spend down any assets she has. She will stay in her home. Be aware though, that her house is exempt but when she passes, it then becomes an asset that Medicaid can recoup the money put out for her care. There is more concerning Medicaid recovery but just wanted u aware.
There was one poster that was unaware that there was anything called Medicaid recovery. The house got sold, proceeds divided up and 3 years later Medicaid sent a recovery letter. Poster never did come back and tell us how things worked out.
https://www.payingforseniorcare.com/pennsylvania/medicaid-waivers/community-healthchoices#:~:text=Program%20Description%20The%20Pennsylvania%20Community%20HealthChoices%20%28CHC%29%20Program,who%20require%20a%20nursing%20home%20level%20of%20care.
As far as I know, Medicaid will NOT pay for 24/7 aides in the home, which is what someone with dementia will eventually require.