by Mimi Schaible, Special Contributor – July 14, 2022 – Catholic Star Herald
Aging often brings with it the challenges of living safely at home either alone or with family. Nurses and social workers with the Diocese of Camden’s VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services often encounter individuals during some of these most difficult times of their lives. And when seniors and those with disabilities are faced with the need for help in the home, one call to our Resource and Referral Help Line 1-888-26-VITALity (1-888-268-4825) connects them to a nurse or social worker who will guide them to resources and assistance to stay as independent and safe as possible.
Did you know that there are many ways to get help in the home?
Skilled home care is a program that many individuals are familiar with because it is often provided after a hospital or rehabilitation stay. Services are ordered by a doctor, paid for by Medicare or other insurance, and may include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and sometimes very limited home health aide. Recovery or stabilization of the patient’s medical condition is the focus of skilled home care services, which are short term and limited. Once services end, many individuals are faced with the need for more help on an ongoing basis, especially with their activities of daily living.
There are many programs available that assist individuals with activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, moving about, as well as meal preparation and housekeeping. These services are not usually paid for by insurance, with the exception of long-term care policies. However, various programs are provided through county, state or private agencies, and income and resource limits may apply.
Programs like Medicaid’s Managed Long-Term Services and Support (MLTSS), Veteran’s Aid and Attendance, New Jersey Statewide Respite Care, Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC), Area Agencies on Aging/County Offices on Aging, Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP), and grants through ALS, cancer and other organizations may offer in-home help or financial assistance to pay for care. In some cases, a friend or family member may be paid by a specific program to care for a loved one. If services are not available or someone does not qualify, there are companies that provide nurse’s aides and companions for a fee.
VITALity’s nurses and social workers are well-versed in the many programs and services that are available throughout the Diocese. We are here to support you every step of the way in your journey. We can assist you in identifying what services are available and help make the connections, as well as provide support with paperwork and applications.
Mimi Schaible, RN, MSN, MBA, is director, Care Coordination & Consultation, for VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services.
