A program aimed at helping people stay in their homes, as opposed to going to nursing homes, is facing obstacles. Susan Mitchell, case worker in Washington County, explains the elderly waiver program provides in home services that clients would typically receive in a nursing home setting. She states there are strict guidelines regarding income and assets to qualify for the program. Some of the services include meals and house keeping.
Recently, Mitchell states, it has taken 30 to 60 days to hear back from the state regarding applications and level of care information provided by doctors have been questioned at the state level.
Mitchell adds there are benefits to providing services at home for the clients and taxpayers, as the cost to provide in home services is much lower than the average cost of living in a nursing home. She states the nursing level of care for at home services cannot exceed $1,339 per month and the skilled level of care, which is rare, is $2,765 per month while the approximate cost to live in a nursing home is $6,000 per month.
For more information listen to today’s Washington Page.