Personal Care Services and Private Duty in Massachusetts

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age of 60 years or older.
• Resides in the geographical area served by the ASAP.
• Income for the individual or couple is at or below the ASAP income guidelines.
• Income guidelines can be found on the Elder Affairs website, www.mass.gov and follow links to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Office of Elder Affairs, and the state home care program.
• Elder is determined to be frail based on assistance needed with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

Fees: The Home Care Program operates on a sliding fee scale, which is based on the elder or couple’s gross income. The ASAP can require proof of income. There is no asset test, beyond the income generated by the assets. Fees range from $0 to $140 per month.

Home Care Services: The core service is case management. The following services are provided either directly by the ASAP or by contract with other vendors:

• Homemaker
• Personal Care
• Chore Services
• Supportive Home Care
• Medication Dispensing Aide System

As noted above, the service package is limited by state budget constraints and is developed by the case manager in consultation with the elder and family.

Case Manger from ASAP sends referral to provider.

Case Manager authorizes services based on need.

Provider completes intake and schedules services. Services include, but are not limited to:

• Personal care
• Companion
• Occupational therapy
• Nursing
• Medication management
• Medical escort
• Homemaking
• Chores