Illinois Medicaid waivers provide respite care for eligible older adults, giving primary caregivers a much-needed break without disrupting care. By waiving certain Medicaid rules, the state ensures coverage is accessible to families and seniors, making respite care a viable option for many.
What is Respite Care for Seniors?
Respite care is designed to benefit both the primary caregiver and the elderly care recipient. Providing continuous, nonstop care to a senior with extensive care needs can be exhausting. The caregiver must be on alert throughout the day and sometimes at night to ensure the older adult’s well-being.
The constant supervision can take a toll on the emotional and physical health of the primary caregiver. Burnout is possible when the caregiver neglects their own needs and instead prioritizes the needs of the care recipient. Illness, frustration, anger, and even resentment can ensue.
When a primary caregiver neglects self-care, their ability to be compassionate and attentive toward the aging adult dwindles. As a result, the older person receives subpar care and may even be the target of the caregiver’s resentment. The solution to preventing a reduced quality of care is respite care.
Respite caregivers may be caregiving professionals from home care agencies or volunteers from local organizations. These individuals provide short-term, intermittent care, often for a few hours or a few days, to give the primary caregiver relief from their ongoing responsibilities.
What are the Benefits of Respite Care?
The caregiver has time to socialize, exercise, or visit the doctor for a medical checkup, while knowing their elderly loved one’s care needs are being fulfilled. Upon returning to caregiving, the primary caregiver feels refreshed and reenergized and is able to once again deliver quality care.
The value of respite care is high, preventing burnout and ensuring the continuity of optimum care. Due to the relief respite caregivers provide, the senior enjoys top-level care. The primary caregiver, too, benefits from their time off to see the doctor and strengthen their social ties.
What is the Average Cost of Professional Respite Care?
While the value of respite care is clear, families may wonder how to pay for it. Professional in-home respite care costs vary but generally fall into an hourly range of $15 to $40. The cost for respite care that extends to a few days is more expensive than short-term stays.
Aside from the duration of respite care, other factors come into play when determining costs. The type of care and location impact the cost of respite care. Skilled care is higher in cost, for example. Older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia benefit from respite memory care, which is pricier.
Does the Illinois Medicaid Waiver Cover Respite Care?
Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of respite care. Families, however, use other funding sources, like Medicaid. Although Medicaid does not cover respite care as a standard benefit, Illinois offers a Medicaid Waiver program that includes coverage of respite care services for qualified seniors.
However, in order for respite care to be covered, the senior must qualify for Medicaid. Most eligibility is based on modified adjusted gross income. Aside from income, the elderly must meet other requirements, such as age, residency, assets, and citizenship status.
💡 Note: Medicaid rules and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Always check with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for the most up-to-date information.
Individuals who are 60 years and older and eligible for Medicaid can receive coverage for respite care through Illinois’ waiver program. The senior and their primary caregiver do not pay for the respite care services provided through the Medicaid waiver.
It’s important for seniors and their families to be aware that Medicaid waivers are not automatically awarded to those who qualify. Even eligible older adults may be placed on a waiting list in the event of limited slots. Medicaid waivers, therefore, should not be considered entitlements.
How to Apply for the Illinois Medicaid Respite Waiver
Seniors in need of respite care coverage can apply for Medicaid online, by mail, or in person. Community organizations, local offices, and hospitals may have personnel on hand to assist the elderly with the application process. Enrolling in Medicaid is necessary to receive coverage for respite care.
Seniors are encouraged to apply for Medicaid even if they think they don’t qualify, as there’s no penalty to apply. In order to qualify for the waiver, the senior must show a need for care by taking a functional assessment. A healthcare provider visits the home to conduct the assessment.
Once the case worker or medical professional determines the level of care needed, the elderly individual should submit their application for the Medicaid waiver program and wait for approval. Once approved, the senior works with a case worker to create a personalized care plan, which includes respite care.
Respite Care from Assisting Hands in Palos Heights, IL
Families caring for an elderly loved one should incorporate quality respite care from Assisting Hands Home Care. Our reputable home care agency offers compassionate in-home care services to promote the physical, emotional, and social health of seniors while providing relief to family caregivers.
Respite care plans are customized to closely match the level of care the primary caregiver provides. Examples of caregiver duties include respectful assistance with hygiene tasks, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and timely medication reminders. Light housekeeping and fall risk assessments are included.
Family caregivers trust their loved one is in good hands, as our dedicated caregivers are trained in CPR, first aid and know how to respond in an emergency. Our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured to give families confidence in their care. Skilled respite care, like dementia care, is also available.
Assisting Hands Home Care, serving Palos Heights, IL and surrounding communities such as Homer Glen, Worth, Lockport, and Chicago Ridge, is a family’s preferred choice, as we are a Medicaid-approved provider.
Learn More about our home care services.
