Long-Term Care: CHOICES

Let us redefine your idea of home care and give the term “in good hands” a more personal touch.

Day-by-day, many families are faced with home care decisions regarding an elderly or disabled family member. Numerous questions arise, and, as a result, a number of different options and outcomes. How can one know which direction is best for their loved one?

Typically, the primary of these challenges family members encounter is financially related since home care can be expensive. The TennCare CHOICES Medicaid program may prove helpful for many who face certain obstacles concerning affordability.

The CHOICES program provides a level of care similar to that of a nursing home. It offers support not only for the assisted individual, but also for the family thereof. Services and personal care provided range from grocery shopping and preparing meals to eating, bathing, and dressing. This allows a client’s family much more flexibility in the balance and scheduling of time. Furthermore, the client is able to remain in a familiar environment with a service provider of their choosing.

The CHOICES program is “consumer-directed” overall. Essentially, this means that the client may employ friends, neighbors, or even some family members to provide in-home care. Where the elderly are concerned, this provides an opportunity for adult children to be compensated for what would traditionally mean loss of time and income.

In order to qualify for the program, certain criteria must be met. Those disabled, 21 and older, senior citizens, and individuals who require a level of care provided in a nursing home; additionally, individuals must meet the requirements for Medicaid long-term services and supports.

For more information concerning eligibility, please visit https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/choices/to-qualify-for-choices.html.