Category: Seniors health

Medical Assistance Program in Philadelphia, PA: How to Access Affordable Healthcare for Low-Income Seniors

Access to affordable healthcare is crucial for low-income seniors to maintain their health and independent living. Medical Assistance Program in Philadelphia, PA, helps seniors in need to overcome the financial burden of this much-needed care. Here is AmeriBest Homecare’s guide on affordable healthcare, focusing on Medical Assistance (MA).

Understanding the Medical Assistance Program in Philadelphia, PA

The Medical Assistance Program, also known as Medicaid, is a joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families, including seniors. In Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Medical Assistance Program.

The program covers a wide range of healthcare services, including,

Doctor visits
Hospital stays
Prescription medications
Long-term care

Seniors can apply for Medicaid through the DHS website or by visiting their local County Assistance Office.

Medicaid Assistance Program Eligibility for Low-Income Seniors in Philadelphia

To qualify for Medicaid, low-income seniors in Philadelphia must meet certain eligibility criteria. The income limits and asset restrictions vary depending on the individual’s circumstances.

Medical Assistance General Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is grouped by Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and non-MAGI:

MAGI

Children 18 and under
Pregnant women
Parents and caretakers of children under 21
Adults 19=64 with income at or below 133% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines (FPIG)
Family planning services

Non-MAGI

Individuals 65 and older
Individuals who are blind or disabled
Medical Assistance Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)
Individuals receiving long-term care or community-based care

Examples of income that may be counted when determining eligibility include,

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits
Foster Care payments
Certain housing or utility subsidies
Weatherization Payments
Child Support Payments (only for MAGI MA)

In addition to income limits, other factors such as age, disability, citizenship status, and medical needs are considered when determining Medicaid eligibility. It is essential for seniors to gather necessary documentation, such as proof of income, identification, and medical records, to support their application.

Accessing Independent Living in Philadelphia, PA

Independent living provides multiple benefits to seniors, including improved mental health and well-being. At AmeriBest Homecare, we’re dedicated to helping seniors through the process of finding the right caregiver and managing their healthcare costs. We provide educational tools and guidance for seniors who wish to apply for Medical Assistance programs in Philadelphia, PA.

Accessing affordable healthcare is crucial for low-income seniors. Through the Medical Assistance Program and independent living options, seniors can find the support they need to maintain their health and well-being. By leveraging available resources and understanding eligibility requirements, low-income seniors can access the affordable healthcare they deserve.

Are You Looking for Independent Living in Philadelphia, PA?

At AmeriBest Home Care, we want to empower you to choose the right care for you or your loved one. Whether you’re caring for elderly parents or someone with a disability, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our program coordinators.

Home Care Agencies in Allentown, PA

When it’s time to get your loved one home care, you must go with an agency you can trust. Many home care agencies Allentown, PA advertise themselves as offering quality services. But how do you know if they will walk the walk? There are several qualities to look for in home care agencies, but safety, reliability, and compassion are among the most important. This article will look at these three traits so you can find the best care for your loved one.

Safety

Safety occurs on several levels. Here are some to consider:

Keeping Your Loved One Safe: A home aide should prioritize your loved one’s safety. They should make sure all doors and windows are locked at night and before leaving a client home alone. They should clear areas so they are free from tripping hazards. They should see to it that your relative does not end up in a dangerous situation.
Making Sure They are Safe: It’s sad but true. Seniors are often victims of abuse. It’s critical to find home care agencies Allentown, PA that hire staff that have been thoroughly vetted and background checked.
Familiarity with Medical Treatments: A caregiver with medical training will know what medical treatments your loved one needs. They will administer them with great caution. They will make sure their clients get the therapy they need.

Reliability

Reliability is essential in the field of home care.

You may be providing care for an elderly loved one part-time and may hire a caregiver to relieve you when you are at work. If the caregiver doesn’t show up on time, you may be late for work. It’s even worse if they don’t show up at all.

It’s also essential that your loved one receives consistent care. A client will get used to their caregiver and may become agitated if a stranger shows up suddenly. When interviewing home care agencies Allentown, PA, ask them what their turnover s like. This will give you an idea of how likely it is that your loved one will receive care from the same person regularly.

Compassion

Compassion is a trait that’s expressed when a person sees someone suffering and immediately thinks of what they can do to relieve that suffering. It’s a necessary characteristic in healthcare workers. It will enable them to find ways to make your loved one’s life easier. It will inspire them to take action if they see your loved one in danger.

AmeriBest Home Care of Allentown, PA Can Help

There are several home care agencies Allentown, PA to choose from. But which can you trust to provide safe, reliable, and compassionate care? AmeriBest is recommended.

AmeriBest prides itself in offering quality care to respected members of our community. Our staff is carefully vetted to ensure they are trustworthy, qualified, and compassionate. Our low turnover rates mean your loved one will get consistent care.

Don’t trust your loved one’s care to just anyone. Call AmeriBest at 1800-HOMECARE to get the assistance you can trust. Click here to learn more.

Home Health Care Agencies in Harrisburg, PA

An AARP study indicates that 77% of adults older than 50 prefer to age in place. Home health care agencies Harrisburg, PA can provide the assistance you need to keep your loved one at home as long as possible. They offer help with daily tasks so seniors can live independently and enjoy a high quality of life.

The Benefits of Seniors Aging in Place

Aging in place offers several benefits to seniors. Here are some to consider:

Improves Mental Well-being: Seniors that stay in place are happier. Positive mental well-being is conducive to improved physical well-being. It reduces anxiety and depression that may contribute to pain and disease.

Saves Money: Nursing homes are typically more expensive than living at home with a home health aide. A home health aide is a money-saving option for people on a fixed budget and their loved ones.

Maintaining Community Connections: Many older adults have valuable community connections. They may be friendly with their neighbors. They may participate in community organizations. Checking into a nursing home would mean losing these beneficial ties.

Preserves Independence: Seniors enjoy having control over their lives. They like to make their schedules, shop for items that make them happy, and live in a comfortable setting. Aging at home allows them to continue living independently into their twilight years.

It Benefits Cognitive Function: Age-related memory loss is more likely to affect short-term memory than long-term memory. Taking a senior from their home reduces their connection with their long-term memories stripping their foundation for stimuli. It causes seniors confusion and stress. It increases the risk and severity of cognitive decline.

Home Health Care Agencies of Harrisburg, PA

Home health care agencies Harrisburg, PA support aging in place by delivering high-quality medical and personal care in the comfort of your own home. Facilities can work out a plan that takes care of your loved one’s needs so they can live more independently in other ways. Here are some of the services we offer:

Personal care assistance such as help getting dressed, bathing, preparing food, etc.
Personal errands: Home care aides can take clients to the grocery store and accompany them on other daily errands. They can also take them to a from doctor visits.
Medical Assistance: Aides can provide light medical assistance. They can check vitals, oversee medication administration, and assist with some treatments.

How AmeriBest Can Help

There are many home health care agencies Harrisburg, PA to choose from, but AmeriBest takes an approach that sets us apart.

AmeriBest provides high-quality care to the valued members of our community. We assess our client’s needs and develop a plan best suited to their lifestyle. We match them with a skilled, compassionate aide that fits their personality type and has experience dealing with their conditions.

Your loved one will be happiest aging in place. Ameribest offers the care they need for optimal well-being. Contact us to find out how we can improve your senior relative’s quality of life.

Medicaid Coverage After the COVID-19 Emergency: What You Need to Know

As the COVID-19 public health emergency comes to an end, it is essential to understand the implications for Medicaid recipients. Previously, the emergency designation provided a safety net, allowing individuals on Medicaid to maintain coverage despite changes in their circumstances. However, with the conclusion of the emergency, it becomes crucial for Medicaid beneficiaries to take proactive steps to ensure the continuity of their medical insurance coverage.

Ensuring Continuity of Medicaid Coverage

According to hhs.gov, certain Medicare and Medicaid waivers and flexibilities that were put in place during the COVID-19 public health emergency will no longer be necessary and will expire. These waivers and flexibilities were implemented to expand access to care, provide flexibility to healthcare providers, and increase the capacity of the healthcare system.

Action Steps To Maintain Your Medicaid Coverage

1. Update your information: Make sure to update your information in COMPASS or contact 1-877-395-8930 or 1-215-560-7226 for assistance.

2. Renewal options:
– Look for renewal forms in the mail and complete them.
– Complete your renewal through COMPASS.
– Renew by phone by calling 1-866-550-4355.

3. Explore alternatives if no longer eligible: If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, Pennsylvania offers free and low-cost health insurance options. Visit Pennie or CHIP if you have children under the age of 19.

Available Assistance

If you need assistance during this process, the following resources are available:

– pa.gov and COMPASS
– Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Contact them at 1-877-395-8930 or 1-215-560-7226 for further assistance.
– Pennsylvania Health Action Network: Reach out to the helpline at 877-570-3642 or email helpline@pahealthaccess.org for additional support.
– 311 in Philadelphia

Exploring Health Insurance Alternatives

While some individuals may remain eligible for Medicaid, others may no longer meet the requirements. In such cases, it is important to explore alternative options for medical insurance coverage. Pennsylvania provides free and low-cost health insurance alternatives through the Pennie marketplace. For coverage options for children under 19, consider exploring CHIP.

AmeriBest Home Care Is Here to Help

The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency will impact many Medicaid recipients. Taking the necessary steps to maintain medical insurance coverage is crucial. By promptly updating information, renewing coverage, and exploring alternative options if necessary, Medicaid beneficiaries can ensure continuity of care and find peace of mind regarding their health coverage. Remember, assistance is available from various resources to help navigate this process effectively. Take action today to secure your Medicaid coverage and stay protected in these changing times.

Contact AmeriBest at 1800-HOMECARE for further assistance or learn more HERE.

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Help for Seniors in Philadelphia: Finding the Right Resources and Support to Age with Dignity

Caring for seniors comes with its share of challenges. In addition to personal sacrifice, you must consider that some seniors are concerned about their dignity. They fear losing their independence and may feel they are being treated like a child. Fortunately, there are ways to provide help for seniors in Philadelphia and support aging with dignity. Here are a few ideas.

Encourage Your Loved One to Stay Active in Their Community

Seniors feel more dignified and vital if they stay active in community events. Encourage them to volunteer with local nonprofits. Recommend rec centers that offer classes that provide social activities for seniors.

Have Your Senior Take Charge Of How They Want to Age

Discuss healthcare treatments with your loved one to ensure they are cared for according to their wishes. Have them fill out an advance directive to be shared with their doctor and family member.

An advance directive is a written statement that documents a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment should the person be unable to communicate with a doctor. It may also include a living will. It should be filled out when the person is still of sound mind.

You can also work with them to create a healthy diet and exercise routine they are happy with. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/advocacy/direct-action/letters-to-editor/main

Discuss Becoming a Local Advocate for Senior Care

Encourage your loved one to provide help for seniors in Philadelphia by becoming an advocate in their community. They can do this by:

Writing letters to the editors of local papers concerning senior issues in the area. These letters are often read by members of Congress.
Going to town meetings: Seniors can attend town meetings and discuss senior issues. Alternatively, they can meet with local politicians privately at state and county fairs.
Starting a Nonprofit: Seniors may consider starting a nonprofit to support senior-related causes.

Hire a Home Aide

Many seniors are reluctant to get home care because they feel it reduces their ability to age with dignity. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

A health home aid allows seniors to maintain their independence. They encourage them to engage in physical and mental activities that improve their health. They help them age in the comfort of their home so they don’t have to check into a hospital or nursing home.

Home care also provides help for seniors in Philadelphia by keeping them from asking for assistance from friends and family. Aides provide them with personal care at home with the utmost care and discretion. They can arrange the home so seniors can independently access the products they need throughout the day.

Many facilities offer help for seniors in Philadelphia, but AmeriBest takes an approach that sets us apart. We carefully assess the individuals we care for, ensuring they get the customized care they require. We find well-trained caregivers suited to your loved one’s needs and personality.

AmeriBest will ensure your loved ages with dignity. Contact us for senior care you can count on.

In Home Care Services in Allentown, PA: Supporting Senior’s Independence and Well-Being with Personalized Assistance

Many seniors feel that home care services in Allentown, PA are a means of losing their independence. But home care aides can make seniors more independent. Their efforts make it easier for seniors to live on their terms. This article will discuss several ways home care in Allentown, PA can make seniors more independent and increase their well-being.

How In-Home Care Services Allentown, PA Can Increase Senior Independence

Here are some tasks a home health care aide performs that help seniors maintain independence.

Rearranges Household Items

A home health care aid can rearrange a senior’s home so the items they need regularly are more accessible. Practical organization methods make it easier for seniors to perform daily tasks alone. They can easily reach for medications, personal care items, clothing, and other necessary items.

Running Errands

Many seniors have trouble leaving their homes due to limitations with walking and driving. A home care aide can accompany them on errands so they get to spend time out of the home. They can take them on shopping trips so they can shop for the items they want. Or they can take them to events so they can socialize with others.

Inspires Creativity

Home care in Allentown, PA encourages seniors to partake in hobbies and activities that boost creativity. The senior is free to choose activities that appeal to them and pursue them as they wish. This enhances independent thinking that can open all sorts of doors.

Improves Health

A home health care aide can improve their client’s health by encouraging them to exercise and get proper nutrition. They can assist them with medical treatments. When seniors start feeling better, they will experience improved mobility and general wellness. They will be more likely to participate in activities that add meaning to their lives.

Connect Them to the Outside World

Caregivers can help their clients forge a connection to the outside world. They can take them out for events and activities. They can also teach them how to interact on social media. Once seniors form social groups, they can create a schedule, chat with others via phone or video, and so much more.

Stay in Your Home Longer

Many seniors associate moving into an adult home with a loss of independence. Once seniors live in an adult home, they can’t plan their schedules, decide what to eat, etc. In home care services Allentown, PA helps a person stay in their home longer so they retain independence over their daily schedules.

Your loved one may resist getting home care Allentown, PA, but when you tell them how it will increase their independence, they will be more likely to come around.

AmeriBest In-Home Care Services Allentown PA

When you feel it’s time, choose AmeriBest first. We provide top-notch care to the valued members of our community. Our skilled and compassionate workers will treat your loved one with the respect and dignity they deserve.

In Home Caregiver in Harrisburg, PA: Providing Compassionate and Skilled Assistance to Aging Adults

As your loved ones get older, they may require extra care. You may choose to check your relative into a senior facility. But an AARP study shows 90% of adults over 65 prefer to age in place. Your best choice is to hire an in home caregiver Harrisburg, PA. The aid will assist your loved one with daily tasks. They will help them with personal and medical care. They will provide them with the assistance they need to live independently in their home.

It’s essential to find in home care services Harrisburg, PA that offer the right balance of skill and compassion. This article will discuss what to look for in your home health aide.

Compassion

The literal meaning of compassion is “to suffer together.” It is a feeling that develops when you see someone suffering and feel motivated to relieve their pain. It is not the same as altruism or empathy but a related concept.

Compassion can be developed, but it cannot be learned. It is an innate quality often found in medical professionals.

So how does compassion come into play regarding in-home care services Harrisburg, PA? A home health aide will see the difficulty their client is having. They will come up with ways to make things easier.

This may include outright assistance. For example, if the senior has trouble eating, the caregiver may feed them.

Or the aid may use an angle that allows seniors to complete tasks independently. For instance, they may help a loved one rearrange their home to give them better access to the items they need often.

Skill

Skill is another necessary trait an in home caregiver Harrisburg, PA must have.

There are several skill sets a caregiver must develop. They must know the medical treatments their client needs. Their knowledge ensures they will oversee clients so they take their medications on time. They may also administer medications and treatment if recommended.

There are also several soft skills a caregiver must develop. They must be patient and put their client’s needs before their own. They must be adept at time management to ensure their caregiving duties are completed. They must be observant so they can recognize signs of deteriorating health.

What Sets AmeriBest In-Home Care Services Harrisburg, PA Apart

AmerBest believes we stand out thanks to our skilled, compassionate health aides and nursing assistants. We hire paraprofessionals that are vetted, trained, and covered by insurance. They can help clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

We realize our highly skilled staff would be nothing without compassion. Our home aids will show a sense of caring and warmth while dealing with their clients. Our low turnover rate ensures your loved one receives consistent care from the same team member.

The decision to get your loved one additional care is not an easy one to make. Contact AmeriBest to discover what our in home care services Harrisburg, PA entails. We will help improve your elderly relative’s quality of life.

Agency with Choice: Empowering Seniors with Disabilities to Direct Their Care

The discussion you will have with your loved one regarding the decision to get home care is a challenging one to have. Often, they will feel as if their independence is being taken away. They can look at it as an end instead of a beginning. You can make your loved one feel better about home care by suggesting an agency with choice. An agency with choice will empower seniors with disabilities by allowing them input as to how they are cared for and when they are cared for. Seniors in control will have a better outlook on getting home care.

Read on to find out how to let your loved one’s voice be heard.

How to Empower Your Loved One with an Agency of Choice

You will make your loved one feel more empowered about the care they are getting by:

Asking Them What Type of Care They Need

Talk to your loved one about the kind of care they need. Do they require help getting dressed? Washing the dishes? Cleaning the house? Being able to ask for the care they need will help them maintain independence. It will also give them insight into how much easier their lives can be with home care.

Asking Them When They Want Care

An agency of choice will allow seniors to customize a schedule that works for them. They may decide they want round-the-clock care, or they may decide they only require care for a few hours a day. Seniors will feel more empowered getting the care they need when needed.

Letting Them Choose Their Caregivers

Many home care agencies will find a caregiver best suited to seniors’ needs and personalities. You can further empower your loved one by making them a vital part of the caregiver-choosing process. Allow them to review caregiver profiles to find one best suited to their needs.

Showing Them How a Caregiver Promotes Independence

Older people may feel that getting a caregiver means an end to independence. But often, caregivers can make seniors feel more independent. They can engage them in mental and physical activities that keep them physically strong and healthy. They can take care of tasks that allow them to be more active in their communities.

Giving Them Freedom Over Their Health Decisions

Your loved one should have a say regarding which type of medical treatments they want, their diet and exercise routine, and other health-related matters. A 2013 NIH study shows people who feel more in charge of their health have more positive health outcomes.

Ameribest Home Care is an Agency of Choice You Can Trust

Ameribest is dedicated to providing optimal home health services to members of our community. Our goal is to allow our clients to live dignified, independent lives in the comfort of their own homes. We account for the needs of each of our customers and match them with qualified and trustworthy staff members.

We are an agency of choice you can trust. Contact us for all your adult healthcare needs.

Home Caregivers in Allentown, PA: Personalized and Compassionate Support for Seniors

Home Care in Allentown, PA: The Benefits of Personalized and Compassionate Support for Seniors

As we age, our bodies and minds change. While much of this change is a beautiful part of life, it can also come with challenges to our ability to carry out daily activities. This is especially true for seniors who live with chronic illness or disability. Fortunately, personalized care by AmeriBest Home Caregivers Allentown, PA, offers seniors the assistance they need to live independent lives.

What Is Personalized Care?

Personalized home care is tailored care provided to seniors in their own homes. Caregivers provide the specific services that seniors need so that they can live independently and care for themselves. Because it is personalized, home care can look different for different seniors.

Some of the services that providers like AmeriBest Home Care offer Allentown seniors include:

Companionship Caregiver Services

These services help seniors who live alone avoid isolation and loneliness. Caregivers engage seniors in physical and mental activities. They also provide company and conversation during meals and build a bond with seniors.

Assistance with Activities of Daily Living

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are activities like dressing, bathing, grooming, and feeding that can become more challenging as we age. For example, a senior with a disability may need assistance with toileting and bathing but be able to groom themselves and prepare their own meals. Tailored care ensures that a caregiver assists with only the activities that a senior needs, leaving them with the freedom and energy to do other activities on their own.

Medication Management

If your loved one has a chronic health condition, they have multiple medications they need to keep up with. A home health aide can help seniors manage their daily prescription medications as well as any other vitamins or supplements their doctor recommends. They can also help seniors keep up with refill reminders.

Home Safety

A personalized home care provider also helps assess a senior’s home for potential risks and hazards. They can make necessary adjustments, such as providing mobility aids and installing handrails.

Nutritional Support

A balanced diet is important to an aging body. Unfortunately, limited energy or mobility can make a balanced diet unsustainable for seniors. A home caregiver can assist with meal planning and preparation to ensure that seniors get the nutrition they need.

Transportation Assistance

Personalized home care providers help seniors get around by providing transportation assistance. They accompany seniors to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, and other necessary errands.

Personalizing Home Care

Because your loved one’s needs are unique, what services they need will differ from other seniors. That’s why it’s important to discuss home care options with agencies, to ensure that they can tailor their care to your senior’s needs. Tailored care means that your loved one can live with independence and dignity as they age without worrying about safety, health, or daily needs.

Looking for Home Caregivers in Allentown, PA?

If you’re looking for home health care for you or a loved one, contact us today. One of our program coordinators can discuss your needs and help you select the program and services that are right for you.

Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg: Enabling Independence and Quality of Life for Seniors

Aging affects every aspect of our lives, including physical health, mental well-being, and social connections. It can also lead to a decline in physical and mental health. At AmeriBest Home Care, we believe in enabling seniors to live quality, independent lives by providing home care assistance in Harrisburg, PA. One of the best ways we’ve found to help seniors live independently is to promote regular physical activity.

The Benefits of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity improves physical health outcomes, including reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also leads to better mobility, balance, and flexibility, which are crucial for maintaining independence as we age.

Physical activity also has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve cognitive function, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Regular physical activity has also been shown to improve sleep quality, which is increasingly important as we get older.

Physical activity also improves social connections. From daily walks in the community to exercise classes and groups, physical exercise provides additional opportunities for seniors to meet and engage with others in their community. This contact reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation in older adults.

How Home Care Helps Incorporate Physical Activity into Daily Life

Home care aides can help seniors incorporate physical activity into daily life with ease. Caregivers can help seniors find enjoyable and sustainable activities. They can also provide companionship for activities like,

Walking
Swimming
Cycling
Gardening
Dancing
Yoga

Caregivers can also help seniors engage in strength-training activities that improve strength and balance. They can also help seniors gradually increase their physical activity so that they don’t injure themselves or take on too much too quickly.

Are You Looking for Home Care Assistance in Harrisburg?

Regular physical activity can have numerous benefits for older adults, including improved physical and mental health and social connections. Finding the right activity is key, and an AmeriBest Home Care assistant can help. Contact us today. One of our program coordinators can discuss your needs and help you select the program and services that are right for you.