The state of Oregon offers several program options for senior home care, allowing seniors to remain in their own homes while receiving valuable services. These options not only save money, but they help maintain quality of life for the affected individuals. Some of these home care services include:
· Bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
· Housekeeping and laundry
· Meal preparation and delivery
· Medication assistance
· Shopping and running errands
Client-Employed Provider (CEP) Program
The Client-Employed Provider Program (CEP) is one home care service option in the state of Oregon. This program allows seniors who are receiving Medicaid coverage to select from and hire home care providers, also known as Home Care Workers (HCWs). HCWs can be neighbors, relatives, or friends. More information on finding a HCW can be obtained by reading the CEP Employers Guide, or by contacting the case manager at the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Department of Human Services (DHS) in Oregon. Neighbors, relatives, or friends who are interested in becoming a HCW can find more information by reading the Home Care Worker Guide.
Once an AAA or DHS case manager has been contacted, he or she can help the client select from and arrange for the required home care services. This process can involve the following steps:
1. Selecting a qualified service provider.
2. Having the provider enroll as an HCW in the CEP program.
3. Finding out which services are authorized for the HCW.
4. Providing a task list for the HCW.
Spousal Pay Program
Another in-home support program in Oregon is the Spousal Pay Program, which pays for services that are provided by the spouse of an eligible individual. In this case, the eligible individual must qualify for Medicaid coverage and must also have a debilitating condition which permanently limits his or her daily activities. The debilitating condition must result in the eligible individual requiring assistance in at least four of the following six areas:
· Bathing
· Eating
· Mobility
· Dressing/grooming
· Waste elimination
· Cognitive function
Spouses must be qualified to provide the required assistance, and the assistance must exceed what would typically be expected of a spouse.
Additional information on the Spousal Pay Program, as well as other home care programs in Oregon, may be located by contacting an AAA or DHS local office.
