Long Term Care Program - Pre-Admission Assessment

Anyone seeking placement in a nursing facility or community residential facility may receive assistance and information from the Wayne County Area Agency on Aging. Those who will need financial help from Medical Assistance for nursing facility care or from Supplemental Security Income for personal or assisted living care must be referred to the Agency for a level of care determination. Area Agency on Aging staff specializing in long-term care will assist the family to determine the most appropriate, least restrictive level of care. This process is known as Pre-Admission Assessment and together with financial eligibility determination seeks to assure the best long-term option for Wayne County residents.

Changes Because of OBRA

Changes brought about by OBRA (the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) require the identification of individuals with special needs who are seeking admission to a nursing facility. The Agency provides a specialized assessment of targeted individuals—those with mental health diagnoses, developmental disabilities, or other similar conditions, to determine the most appropriate community care setting.

Other Assistance by the Agency

As part of the long-term care continuum, the Agency is able to provide assistance to anyone in the community seeking information about facilities and agencies in our area who provide long-term care. Additionally, the Agency can assist nursing facility eligible consumers to remain in their own homes by arranging community-based services to defer or delay nursing facility placement. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging Medical Assistance Waiver Program may be able to help financially appropriate nursing eligible seniors who choose to remain in their homes. The OPTIONS Program through the Agency is an array of long-term care choices based on assessment by one of our professional Care Managers and establishment of a care plan with the consumer and his or her family. This allows seniors to share in the cost of services actually needed verses the cost of placement in a nursing home. When assets are spent down, the eligible consumer continues needed care under the Waiver. All of these programs and services are arranged through our knowledgeable care management staff.

Questions

Other long-term care choices are available in our area. Further information about these and other placement options can be obtained by calling the Wayne County Aging Office.