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NOTE: There are some agencies that specialize in Alzheimer's care or can provide nurses and aides who are specially trained to deal with the challenges of caring for someone with the disease. When contacting these organizations, ask if they provide this expertise. Medicare will cover home care for beneficiaries with Alzheimer's as long as: a) there is a skilled need as defined by Medicare guidelines, and b) the individual's doctor writes a prescription requesting it. Unfortunately, if an individual needs help with custodial tasks only and there are no associated skills needed, then home care must be paid for privately. Medicaid, the joint federal and state program for people who have limited income or assets, may cover home-care services for eligible persons. If eligible, you will be assigned a Medicaid-licensed home-care agency. Services vary by state; contact your local agency on aging or Medicaid office to learn what is covered in your area. Managed care or "Medicare managed care" may cover home care if the home-care agency is contracted with your particular managed care organization (MCO). A telephone call to your MCO provider to find out its terms beforehand is recommended. Private insurance plans may also cover some of the costs of home-care services. With the exception of people eligible for Medicaid, a large proportion of the home-care costs are paid for privately by the individual or family Specific Alzheimer's-related questions to ask the home healthcare provider: 1. Does your staff have Alzheimer's-specific training? If so, give examples. 2. Does the agency serve a large number of people with Alzheimer's? How many? 3. Is it possible for the aide to spend time with the person with Alzheimer's, prior to actual contracted time, in order to see if they are comfortable with one another? 4. May I call references that have used your agency to care for a person with Alzheimer's? |