What is Home Care?

A non-medical home care agency provides a range of services in a person’s home to support their daily living activities and enhance their quality of life. This type of care is often offered by personal care or private duty home care agencies and does not require a licensed professional or a physician’s prescription.

Non-Medical Home Care Services

Medication Reminders: Helping individuals remember to take their prescribed medications.

Meal Preparation: Preparing nutritious meals based on dietary needs and preferences.

Transfers: Assisting with moving from a chair, toilet, or bed, ensuring safety and comfort.

Bathing and Grooming: Providing help with personal hygiene, including bathing and getting dressed.

Light Housekeeping: Performing light household tasks such as tidying up, laundry, and dishes.

Transportation: Offering transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and other essential errands.

Companionship: Engaging with individuals in activities they enjoy, such as hobbies, watching movies, or conversing about their day or past experiences.

Paying for Non-Medical Home Care

In Pennsylvania, various funding sources are available for non-medical home care and personal assistance services, depending on your eligibility and financial situation. Home care agencies can help you explore these payment options and programs, and provide support with determining your eligibility and applying for services.

Explore Common Ways to Pay for Home Health Services

Self-Pay

Individuals or their families can choose to pay out-of-pocket for non-medical home care and personal assistance services. This method involves directly paying the home care provider for the services rendered. Rates and services vary by provider.

Medicaid

For eligible individuals, Medicaid provides funding for non-medical home care services through various waiver programs:

  • Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver: This program offers long-term services and supports to individuals who meet functional and financial eligibility requirements. Services include personal assistance, non-medical transportation, and skilled nursing. For more information, visit EnrollCHC.com.
  • OBRA Waiver: This waiver serves individuals who do not qualify for the CHC Waiver. It provides services similar to the CHC Waiver but is targeted at specific populations who meet different eligibility criteria. For more information, visit the OBRA Waiver webpage.
  • Act 150 Waiver: This waiver offers personal assistance services to individuals with physical disabilities who meet both functional and financial eligibility criteria. It is designed to help individuals remain in their homes rather than moving to institutional care.

OPTIONS Program

The OPTIONS program, funded by the lottery, provides financial assistance for home and community-based services to older adults who do not qualify for Medicaid. This program helps cover costs related to non-medical home care services for eligible individuals.

Veterans’ Benefits

Veterans may be eligible for home care services through authorization of skilled and custodial services. These services are often ordered through a Veterans’ hospital or clinic.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies often cover non-medical home care and personal assistance services. Coverage details can vary significantly among policies. It is essential to contact the insurance provider to determine the specifics of what is covered and how to file a claim.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may offer additional benefits that cover non-medical home care services. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s important to review the specifics of each plan to understand what services are included.

Finding a Home Care Agency

Finding a trustworthy home care agency is essential for maintaining your or your loved one’s independence and quality of life. To ensure you’re selecting a reputable provider, make sure the agency is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You can also use PHA’s Find a Provider Tool to search by location or the specific services you need, making it easier to find the perfect match.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Home Care Agency

Once you’ve found a few non-medical home care options, it’s time to choose the one that’s best for you. Before starting services, ask the important questions to ensure the agency is a good fit. Make sure to cover key details about their services, staff qualifications, and care plans to find the right match for your needs.

View our sample questions below to get started.
  • May I see a sample service agreement and a listing of your prices?
  • Are you licensed?
  • How do you supervise and oversee the care provided by your caregivers?
  • Are your services covered by long-term care insurance and will you process the paperwork?
  • Are the caregivers your employees or are you a referral agency (a registry)?
  • What type of training do your employees receive when they’re hired? Do you provide ongoing training? Please describe it.
  • Are your employees bonded?
  • How long have most of your employees worked for you?
  • What is the background of your average caregiver (i.e. homemaker, certified nurse aide, high school graduate, retiree)?
  • How do you ensure that the caregiver and the person receiving care will be compatible?
  • What happens if the caregiver doesn’t show up?
  • Please describe how workers have been trained to communicate with people who have cognitive (thinking) disabilities such as dementia.
  • If you provide transportation, have you checked out your caregivers’ driving records? 
  • What kind of weekly (or daily) report will I receive?
  • Can you put me in touch with someone who has used your services?
  • Have you received any type of national accreditation?