Home and Community Based Services
In Home Services
Eligibility for In-Home Services
The Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging seeks to provide all seniors with programs that will allow them to remain living independently in their homes for as long as they are able to do so. To be eligible for In-Home Services an individual must be:
- A Mifflin or Juniata County resident in a non-institutional setting.
- 60 years of age or older.
- Have a physical, mental, or emotional disability that requires assistance in order to remain living independently in their home.
- Homebound to the extent that they are unable to leave their residences without assistance and/or supervision.
- Lack adequate informal support from family or others.
Eligibility and approval for services will be determined through the assessment process, which is authorized by the care management staff and supervisor. All services authorized by the care manager are carried out by providers who are contracted with the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging.
Options Services
Care Management
A care manager will assist in identifying an older adult’s needs and help link them to local resources or agency services to meet those needs. A care plan is created to ensure the individual’s needs are met. The care manager will provide regular follow up through monitoring calls, visits, and annual reassessments.
Non-Congregate/ In Home Meal Service – Through our home delivered meal service, a hot meal is provided to older adults up to 5 days a week. Meals are delivered out of the local senior center by a group of volunteers. Meals may be appropriate when a person is homebound, unable to prepare their own meal, and has no supports who are able to provide a balanced daily meal. A brief personal assessment is completed to determine eligibility. Click here to view the October Menu.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)– An emergency response button may be available for older individuals who are a fall risk and are living alone. These buttons can be pressed to call for help in the event of a fall or other emergency situation. The unit can be worn as a necklace or bracelet. The agency may pay towards the monthly fee of the unit, and cost-sharing will apply. A personal needs assessment will be completed to determine eligibility.
Personal Care (PC)– Assistance with hands on personal care needs which may include bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. In some cases this service may also include laundry and shopping assistance. This service is income-based, and cost sharing will apply. A personal needs assessment will be completed to determine eligibility, and the individual’s request will be reviewed for approval by the care management team.
Home Support (HS)– Services provided may include laundry and shopping for up to two hours a week. This service does not include housekeeping. The service is income based, and cost sharing will apply. A personal needs assessment will be completed to determine eligibility, and the individual’s request will be reviewed by the care management team.
Caregiver Support Program
Help is available on a cost sharing basis to reimburse caregivers for services, consumable supplies and home adaptations that relate to caregiving needs. The amount of reimbursement given will depend on the individual’s cost of care needs, the percentage of reimbursement that you qualify for (based on the household income of the person receiving care), and the amount of benefits available. Based on the cost sharing scale, a caregiver may be eligible for $200-$500 a month for supplies and up to $2000 (lifetime benefit) for home adaptations or assistive devices. A personal needs assessment is completed with the older adult and the individual’s case will be reviewed for approval by the care management team.
Grandparenting/Other Older Relative Caregiver Program
Help is available on a cost sharing basis for individuals over 55 years of age who are providing care to a grandchild under age 18 or relative with a disability between ages 18-59. Through this program, a caregiver may receive up to $200 per month for reimbursement for supplies and services necessary for raising their dependent grandchild or relative with a disability. A person can be reimbursed for things such as school supplies, tutoring, basic hygiene products and respite. A personal needs assessment is completed with the older adult caregiver, and the individual’s case will be reviewed for approval by the care management team.
Protective Services
The Adult Protective Services Department conducts investigations for abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment of older adults. In the event that a case is substantiated and the investigator determines the person is at imminent risk of danger to person or property, a care plan is presented to the older adult to reduce any risk to themselves or their property. Anyone may make a report to the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging, and a reporter’s information always remains confidential. There is a protective services staff person on call and available after hours and on holidays. The Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging also receives reports of individuals’ age 18-59 that may be in need of protective services, forwarding them to our investigating agency, Liberty Health Corporation.
Domiciliary Care
Individuals who are 18 years or older and are unable to live independently can consider Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) as an alternative to institutional living. Dom Care homes are a more comfortable, homelike living arrangement. The homes are private residences that house up to three consumers. The Dom Care provider opens their home to consumers, providing meals, laundry, and personal care to ensure that all of the consumer’s needs are met. If the consumer meets the eligibility criteria, it is the responsibility of the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging to work with a consumer to find a Dom Care home that is compatible to their needs, preferences, and interests.
The Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging is responsible for initial certification and annual inspections of all local Dom Care homes.