In-Home Services

Community Based Long Term Care

In-Home Services include a range of services designed to allow older persons the choice of remaining at home. In-Home Services include but are not limited to the following services: Adult Day Care, Care Management, Home Delivered Meals, Home Health, Medical, Equipment & Supplies, Personal Care and Respite.

All In-Home Services are provided after a thorough assessment to determine needs and eligibility for in-home services. The assessment focuses on the individual's physical health, functional ability, and mental status.

Assessment Procedure

A Community Assessment determines the need and eligibility for In-Home Services or Nursing Home Care. The In-Home Services care plan is developed from the findings of this assessment, and services are initiated as needed.

Each assessment, generally conducted in the home, includes questions on the applicants' physical health, functional ability, mental and cognitive functioning, caregiver and other supports, physical environment, and financial resources.

A pre-Admission Assessment is conducted to determine clinical eligibility for Nursing Home placement. This assessment is primarily intended for adults, 18 years and over, for whom placement in a nursing home is being considered and for whom state funding for a nursing home bed is being sought. Other consumer groups appropriate for a nursing home evaluation are: Anyone considering a nursing home and who desires having an assessment completed; individuals, regardless of their financial situation, who have a primary or secondary diagnosis of mental illness, mental retardation, or other related condition.

All the services listed below require either a Community or Pre-Admission Assessment.

Adult Daycare

Adult Daycare Centers provide the frail elderly who are living at home an alternative to premature nursing home placement. During daytime hours, participants can receive supervised care in a supportive, safe, and structured environment.

Adult Daycare Centers reduce stress on full-time caregivers by offering reassurance and time to meet other responsibilities.Please click here to see Adult Day Care Centers under contract with us.

Care Management

This service is designed to manage the care an individual receives from our in-home service providers. Care Managers identify when a consumer's needs have changed and insure that services outlined in care plans are being delivered. The care plan is developed and implemented with the input of the consumer. The care manager orders the services and stays in contact with both the consumer and the service provider to ensure the services are provided as ordered. All in-home services recipient receive ongoing care management services.

List Shopping

List Shopping services provide assistance to seniors who cannot shop independently, and have no family or friends in the area to help them. List shopping is provided twice a month.

Family Caregiver Support Program

The Family Caregiver Support Program provides support for individuals caring for an elderly relative in their home. The program helps the caregiver find in-home services to assist in caring for the elderly relative. Financial and emotional support is also provided to help relieve caregiving stress.

To qualify, the family must live in Delaware County, and be financially eligible. The elderly relative must be at least 60 years of age or have Alzheimer's Disease or dementia, and need help with bathing, dressing, and supervision.

The program helps the caregiver purchase services such as companions, home health aides, adult day care; supplies such as bed pads, lotions, and disposable undergarments; assistive devices such as tub benches, specialized telephones, and rental of a stair glide; and home adaptations such as ramps, tub bars, and widened doorways.

Program staff also can help caregivers by listening and talking through problems. At the caregiver's request, a Care Manager will visit with them at home and introduce them to others who are also caring for their relative.

Home Delivered Meals/ Senior Suppers

This program provides daily nutritious meals to home-bound older adults. Hot meals are delivered Monday thru Friday, with cold meals being available for evenings and weekends. Meals are supervised by a Registered Dietician. In emergency cases, home delivery can begin shortly after an In-Home Services Assessment.

Mental Health Counseling

Mental Health Counseling program provides help for older adults experiencing short-term mental or emotional crises. Services are provided in the home or in a peer group setting.

PDA Waiver Program

The Pennsylvania Dept. of Aging (PDA) Waiver Program is for people 60 years of age and older. Under the program, home and community-based long-term care services can be provided as an alternative to nursing home care. It is called a "Waiver" program because services are funded through a special waiver of certain Medicaid restrictions, allowing payments typically used for nursing home care to be used for in-home services.

After a thorough assessment to determine eligibility for the program, an assigned care manager will design a care plan with the consumer and monitor appropriate services.

SERVICES

If you are determined to be eligible, the following services may be available at no cost to you, enabling you to live more comfortably at home.

Our PDA Waiver Services:

Once a consumer is enrolled in the PDA Waiver Program, they are assigned a COSA Care Manager. A care plan is developed jointly by the consumer and the care manager, after which services are authorized. The consumer will then be able to choose any company or agency from a list of participating providers. All service providers are certified by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Public Welfare to ensure that they meet Medicaid standards.

Personal Assistance Services

What is it?

Personal Assistance Service is in-home personal care for consumers with functional disabilities who need assistance to accomplish daily living tasks.

OK. What is it, really?

Personal assistance service allows you to select someone to assist you with your daily activities and that person will be paid through this service. If you have a neighbor or a friend who you feel can safely assist you with your needs you are able to pay that person to assist you rather than have an aide come in from an agency. By offering older consumers the choice of selecting their attendants, consumers are empowered to tailor services to best meet their needs.

What are my responsibilities?

The consumer is responsible for managing all aspects of his or her personal assistance services such as: advertising, hiring, training, supervising and firing attendants. COSA has contracted with an outside provider, the Jewish Educational Vocational Service, who will be responsible for paying, recording, filing and paying all applicable taxes and purchasing liability insurance. The consumer is considered the employer.

Sounds great. How do I access it?

You contact the COSA Information and Assistance Dept. at 610-490-1220. They will complete an intake and arrange for someone from COSA to come out to your home and do an assessment to determine your needs. If you are found in need of the service and eligible for it, it will be arranged. All consumers receiving Home & Community Based Care must participate in COSA cost sharing system. Any fees or contributions requested are determined by income.

Personal Care Assistance

Personal Care Assistance is provided to those consumers needing assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and walking.

Protective Services

Protective Services Program investigates confidential reports of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment of county residents aged 60 or older. Services are initiated to protect victims, stop abuse, and prevent future incidents.

Reports can be made anonymously. Confidentiality is assured in all cases. If you believe someone is in need of Adult Protective Services contact : 610-490-1300. After business hours, please call 610-622-9284.