Homecare Program
Background
The statewide Homecare Program was established in 1982 by the Kentucky General Assembly. Homecare provides supportive services to the frail elderly who are at risk of institutionalization. The program is available in all 17 counties with direct services contracted through a provider selected in a competitive bidding process.
What is the Homecare Program?
The goal of the Kentucky State Homecare Program is to provide home and community-based support necessary to help the frail elderly avoid or at least delay institutional care. Based on an in-home assessment and a detailed plan of care, a case manager can work one-on-one with a frail elderly person. Through services such as home-delivered meals, escorted transportation, and household management assistance, elderly persons can better maintain health, safety, and well-being in their own homes.
What services does the Homecare Program Provide?
The goal of the Homecare Program is to provide basic services to the frail elderly who have functional disabilities or chronic health/social problems that will allow them to remain in the community and prevent early or unnecessary institutionalization.
The Homecare Program provides services such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, laundry, routine bathing, skin care, dressing, mouth care, home-delivered meals, escort service to medical appointments, housekeeping, minor home repairs, and respite services for caregivers.
What are the eligibility requirements?
​To be eligible to receive Homecare Program services, an individual must be 60 years of age or older and determined to be eligible by a qualified case manager. Individuals must need assistance in two activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting or three instrumental activities of daily living including meal preparation, laundry, housekeeping, and grocery shopping. They may also have a combination of deficiencies to be eligible for program services.
What is the cost for services?
Homecare Program Service fees are based on the recipient’s income using a sliding fee scale. Extraordinary medical expenses may be considered.
How do I apply for the Homecare Program?
A referral to the Homecare Program does not have to be made by a healthcare professional. Anyone concerned about an individual may call the Aging and Disability Resource Center housed in the BGAAAIL at 859-266-1116 or toll-free at (866) 665-7921 to make a referral. The caller must have basic contact information and knowledge of the general services needs. Many county programs do have a waiting list for Homecare Program services.