Relative Care with Colorado’s In-Home Support Services
Approximately 14 percent of the population provides unpaid elder care (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics). Currently, 37.1 million Americans are not being compensated for the care they give to a loved one or aging parent. (Source: University of Pennsylvania).
While many take on the role of family caregiver out of love and responsibility, it can come with severe financial strain. In fact, over one-third (38%) of unpaid family caregivers face a moderate to high degree of economic distress from caregiving (Source: National Institutes of Health).
However, paid relative care is now within reach for eligible Coloradans. For those who prefer to leave their care to a loved one, In-Home Support Services (IHSS) is the ideal choice.
Let’s explore this program and determine if it’s the right fit. Available to people who receive Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid), IHSS lets people who need support to live independently at home do just that.
What Is the IHSS Program?
IHSS is a unique Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) program that enables Medicaid-eligible residents to select a loved one as their paid family caregiver.
With the support of a home care agency licensed to operate in Colorado, participants are empowered to select the caregiver who will best meet their needs.
When deciding on a caregiver, participants can choose a loved one, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor, who earns a paycheck through the program.
Family caregivers can rest assured that they will be financially rewarded for their valuable time and effort. Pay rates are tied to service provider, state region, and local policy and generally range from $14.00 to $18.00 an hour.
Who Qualifies for Relative Care?
The service can be obtained through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Over 40,000 Coloradans receive services through HCBS waivers, which are an added set of benefits that Colorado Medicaid recipients can qualify for depending on certain circumstances (Source: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing).
To take advantage of these benefits, clients must be willing to obtain services directly in their homes or communities.
Colorado Medicaid clients can access IHSS relative care through the following HCBS waivers:
· Children’s Home and Community-Based Services
· Complementary and Integrative Health
· EBD (Elderly, Blind, Disabled).
Eligible candidates must be 18 years of age or older and live in the state of Colorado. They must also show a need for personal or home care services. While the applicant must demonstrate a valid health need, they must also have the capacity to self-direct the service or declare a representative who can do so.
Who Can Become an IHSS Family Caregiver?
Family caregivers can be a trusted loved one—a relative, close friend, or neighbor. To become an IHSS caregiver, individuals need to:
· Be 18 years of age or older
· Live in Colorado
· Pass a background check
Some providers may also require a drug screening, among other clearances. While relative care providers through IHSS must register with a home care agency approved to deliver the service, no formal certification or training is required.
Benefits of IHSS
Relative careoffers a host of benefits for both the client and caregiver. Clients gain the freedom to control their long-term care choices. IHSS, too, provides caregivers a paycheck for the essential care they give.
The primary benefits of CDPAP include:
A Loved One Delivers Care
IHSS puts clients in charge of their care. For some families, the idea of care from an outsider can be daunting. However, through IHSS, individuals can maintain the comfort and familiarity that family provides while receiving the daily care they need at home.
Paid to Provide Care
IHSS provides a unique financial incentive for family members to contribute to a loved one’s care needs. Family members do not need an official background in caregiving to receive remuneration for their assistance.
Family caregivers through a licensed home care agency receive a paycheck directly from the program.
Uninterrupted Care
Continuity of care ensures a client’s health and well-being are consistently maintained over time. With IHSS, clients are the primary recipients of their family caregiver’s assistance.
This guarantees that family caregivers are comfortable with their loved one’s care needs, which creates a higher quality of life.
Care on One’s Accord
Naturally, IHSS gives clients a greater say in their daily schedule as well as routine. This, as a result, renders increased flexibility in the decision-making process. Individuals who opt for relative care believe in its core tenet—that the best care comes from someone they trust.
A Final Note
Families can unlock the unique and multifold benefits of relative care with IHSS. Tapping an IHSS service provider is a great starting point for those interested in relative care.
These agencies can provide accurate and up-to-the-minute information about qualifications, policies, and procedures related to the initiative.