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What Is the Alternative Care (AC) Program?

April 13, 2022

For seniors, there are many options when it comes to care. From nursing homes to in-home caregiving services, the care provided always depends on the medical needs of the individual.

However, there is another factor to take into consideration: Location.

Many seniors have lived in their homes for years and would prefer to stay there. At Best Care, we believe they should be given that option wherever possible! Here’s a quick look at the AC program, and how it can help seniors in certain circumstances.

What is the Alternative Care Program?

The Alternative Care (AC) program provides home- and community-based services to people who need a nursing home level of care, but prefer to live in the community. When compatible with medical needs, being able to stay in a familiar place with people they know can dramatically improve the quality of life for many seniors.

The Alternative Care program provides many of the same services as the Elderly Waiver program and is designed for people with low income and assets, who are not eligible for Medical Assistance.

Who qualifies for the Alternative Care Program?

To qualify for the AC program, a person must:

  • Be 65 years old or over
  • Need a nursing home level of care, as determined by the Long-Term Care Consultation process
  • Not have enough income and assets to pay for a nursing home stay over 135 days
  • Need services that Alternative Care can provide for less than 75% of what Medical Assistance would pay for an older person with a similar level of need
  • Have no other way to pay for the services.

It’s important to note that individuals who do not qualify for medical assistance may still qualify for PCA services under the Alternative Care Program.

Benefits of Alternative Care for seniors

The AC program is ideal for giving seniors the type of care they need to live a full and dignified life in their own homes when they may not be able to pay in full and do not qualify for medical assistance. At Best Care, we believe that everyone, regardless of income, should be able to enjoy their twilight years as they choose, and Alternative Care can help people do so!

Services covered by the AC program include:

  • Adult day services
  • Case management
  • Chore services
  • Companion services
  • Consumer-directed community supports
  • Family caregiver support services, including respite
  • Home health aides
  • Home-delivered meals
  • Homemaker services
  • Home and vehicle modifications
  • Individual community living supports (ICLS)
  • Non-medical transportation
  • Nutrition services
  • Personal emergency response systems
  • Personal care assistance
  • Skilled nursing visits
  • Specialized equipment and supplies

If you are looking into alternative home care for seniors and want to find out more about Alternative Care, please reach out. Our team can answer any questions on eligibility and applications, as well as guide you towards helpful resources.

An older woman gets help from her PCA
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