In-Home Supports are crucial services designed to enable individuals to receive care and assistance within the comfort and familiarity of their own homes and communities. These supports encompass a wide array of services, from personal care assistance to help with daily activities like housekeeping, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. For residents of Massachusetts seeking to maintain their independence at home, understanding the landscape of available programs is the first step.
This guide serves as a comprehensive resource to navigate the various Mass Rehab Home Care Assistance Programs available in Massachusetts. Whether you are an aging adult, an individual with a disability, or a veteran, numerous programs are tailored to meet diverse needs and circumstances, ensuring that those who require support can receive it while remaining in their preferred living environment.
Understanding Massachusetts Home Care Programs
Massachusetts offers a robust network of home care programs designed to support its residents. These programs are generally categorized by the administering state agency and the specific population they serve. Below is an overview of key programs, helping you understand which might be the most suitable for your or your loved one’s needs.
The State Home Care Program
The State Home Care Program is a cornerstone of Massachusetts’ commitment to supporting older adults. Administered by the Executive Office of Aging & Independence and delivered through Aging Services Access Points, this program is designed for individuals aged 60 and over, as well as those under 60 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or related conditions. It caters to individuals who need assistance with daily living to remain at home, regardless of MassHealth eligibility. Depending on income, monthly co-payments may apply.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: Residents 60+ or under 60 with Alzheimer’s or related diseases.
- Services: Support with daily living activities, enabling older adults to stay in their communities.
- Administered by: Executive Office of Aging & Independence, delivered by Aging Services Access Points.
- Cost: Monthly co-payments may apply based on income.
MassHealth Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
For MassHealth-eligible individuals who require a level of care typically provided in a facility, HCBS Waivers offer an alternative. These waivers facilitate access to services and supports necessary for successful community living, allowing participants to receive MassHealth services in conjunction with waiver-specific benefits. It’s important to note that enrollment in more than one HCBS Waiver at a time is not permitted. Each of MassHealth’s ten HCBS Waivers has specific financial and clinical eligibility criteria.
Moving Forward Plan (MFP) – Residential Supports (MFP-RS) Waiver
The Residential Supports (MFP-RS) Waiver is designed to assist MassHealth-eligible adults in transitioning from nursing facilities, chronic disease hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or psychiatric hospitals back to community living. This waiver is particularly beneficial for individuals who require 24/7 supervision and staff support in a residential setting, which can include group homes, assisted living residences, or shared living arrangements. Operated by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the MFP-RS Waiver serves adults aged 18 and older without a maximum age limit.
Key Features:
- Target Population: MassHealth-eligible adults transitioning from facility-based care.
- Services: 24/7 residential support in various settings like group homes and assisted living.
- Operated by: Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
- Age Range: Adults 18+ with no maximum age.
HCBS Waivers for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Several HCBS Waivers are specifically designed for adults with intellectual disabilities, each catering to different levels of support needs.
Adult Supports Waiver
The Adult Supports Waiver provides community-based services and supports for MassHealth-eligible adults with intellectual disabilities who live in family homes, adult foster care, or independently and do not require 24-hour care. This waiver is for those whose health and welfare needs can be effectively met in community settings without intensive, around-the-clock support. It is also operated by the Department of Developmental Services and serves adults aged 22 and older.
Community Living Waiver
For individuals requiring a higher level of support than the Adult Supports Waiver but less than the Intensive Supports Waiver, the Community Living Waiver is available. This program also serves MassHealth-eligible adults with intellectual disabilities, offering services in community settings such as family homes, adult foster care, or independent living arrangements. Participants typically do not require 24-hour care but need more substantial support than those in the Adult Supports Waiver. It is also operated by DDS and for adults 22+.
Intensive Supports Waiver
The Intensive Supports Waiver is tailored for MassHealth-eligible adults with intellectual disabilities who need supervision and access to support 24/7. Participants may reside in out-of-home residential settings or their family homes, receiving a comprehensive suite of supports. This waiver, operated by the Department of Developmental Services, is for adults aged 22 and older.
Children’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Waiver
This HCBS Waiver program focuses on providing one-on-one behavioral, social, and communication-based interventions and related support services to MassHealth-eligible children with autism, from birth through age eight. The Children’s Autism Waiver is also operated by the Department of Developmental Services. Further details can be found at DDS Autism Waiver Service Program Overview.
Frail Elder Waiver
The Frail Elder Waiver is specifically designed for MassHealth-eligible adults aged 60 and older who meet nursing facility care criteria but prefer to live at home. This program offers services that assist with self-care and everyday tasks, supporting older adults in maintaining their independence within their communities. Operated by the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the FEW program also allows participants aged 65+ to enroll in the Senior Care Options (SCO) program for integrated waiver and Medicare services.
Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver
For MassHealth-eligible individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) who would otherwise require nursing facility or hospital care, the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver provides community services. Operated by MassAbility, this waiver offers the necessary support services for individuals with TBI to live safely in the community, serving adults aged 18 and older. More information is available at Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver.
In-Home Treatment for Children and Adolescents
The Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Division of Child, Youth and Family Services offers In-home treatment for children and adolescents with mental health conditions. This includes a range of services such as case management, individual and family flexible support, residential and day programs, respite care, and intensive residential treatment. DMH collaborates with providers and health plans to support Massachusetts youth with their mental health needs. More details are available at DMH Child, Youth and Family Services Overview.
Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP)
The Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP) by MassAbility provides customized supports for individuals of all ages with traumatic brain injuries. Services include service coordination, regional service centers, assistive technology, recreation programs, substance abuse treatment, and community-based supports.
Home Care Assistance Program (Under 60)
The Home Care Assistance Program specifically assists adults under 60 with disabilities. This MassAbility program provides homemaker services such as housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and meal supports.
Veteran’s Independence Plus Program (VIP)
The Veteran’s Independence Plus Program (VIP) supports veterans of any age at risk of nursing home placement and their family caregivers. Jointly administered by the Executive Office of Aging & Independence and the Department of Veterans’ Services, VIP offers home and community-based services, comprehensive assessments, service plan development, and the ability to purchase goods and services to meet individual needs.
Additional Community and Independent Living Services
Beyond specific waiver programs, Massachusetts offers a range of services promoting community living and independence.
Community Life Services
Community Life Services encompass various programs and resources that empower individuals to live independently. These include transportation services, technology assistance, and peer supports, focusing on secondary functional needs.
Adult Supported Living Services
For individuals with severe physical disabilities, Adult Supported Living Services through MassAbility provide an array of services and case management to facilitate community living.
Assistive Technology Programs
Massachusetts offers several assistive technology programs to enhance independence:
- Assistive Technology Program: Assistive Technology Program by MassAbility provides devices and services to individuals of all ages with disabilities to control their environment and achieve their goals.
- Assistive Technology for the Blind Program: Assistive Technology for the Blind Program through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind offers technology options to access print material, improve daily function, mobility, and communication for people of all ages who are blind.
Blind Reintegration for Independence, Development, and Growth for Elders (BRIDGE) Program
The BRIDGE Program provides independent living services to individuals aged 55 and older who are legally blind, through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.
Children’s Services Program (Blindness)
The Children’s Services Program assists families with children who are blind by offering information and referrals to relevant services and resources.
Clubhouse Services
Clubhouse Services are support programs for individuals with mental health needs, fostering skills in social networking, independent living, budgeting, transportation, self-care, education, and employment.
Councils on Aging (COA)
Councils on Aging (COA) serve as community focal points for social and support services for older adults, families, and caregivers across Massachusetts, offering various programs including meals.
Community Health and Prevention Programs
Community Health and Prevention Programs by the Department of Public Health include chronic disease self-management, healthy aging initiatives, and health access programs. Check the Healthy Living Center of Excellence for current offerings.
Deaf Blind Extended Supports
Deaf Blind Extended Supports through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind offer services to people who are deaf-blind or legally blind with cognitive issues, aiming to enhance independence and quality of life.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness resources from the Department of Public Health provide training and support for individuals and health systems to assist people with disabilities during emergencies.
Home Modification Loan Program
The Home Modification Loan Program by MassAbility offers low-interest loans to modify homes for adults, children with disabilities, and older adults, promoting independent living.
Independent Living Center (ILC) Services
Independent Living Center (ILC) Services offer support, role modeling, and advocacy by and for individuals with all types of disabilities through community-based organizations run by persons with disabilities.
Independent Living Programs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people (DHILS)
DHILS programs provide peer mentoring, self-advocacy training, information and referral, and trainings on assistive technology, communication skills, and job seeking for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Independent Living Social Services (Blindness)
Independent Living Social Services for individuals who are blind, offered by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, aim to increase independence and improve quality of life.
Information and Referral Services
For connecting with community services and supports, Information and Referral specialists are available through the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (Massoptions.org), the Department of Mental Health, and Aging and Disability Resource Consortia (ADRCs).
Interpreter/CART Services
Interpreter/CART Services by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provide referrals for interpreting services (ASL, spoken English, oral, tactile, close vision) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) for real-time captioning.
Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP)
MASSCAP is a statewide association of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in Massachusetts, dedicated to fighting poverty and promoting self-sufficiency.
Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)
The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) aims to ensure equal participation for people with disabilities, offering training, advocacy, and monitoring of disability rights.
Massachusetts PCA Referral Directory
The Massachusetts PCA Referral Directory is an online registry for individuals who receive and provide personal care assistance, facilitating the hiring of PCAs or direct care workers.
MassHealth Disability Accommodation Ombudsman
The MassHealth Disability Accommodation Ombudsman assists MassHealth members and applicants with disabilities in receiving necessary accommodations for effective communication with MassHealth.
My Ombudsman
My Ombudsman is an independent program for MassHealth members enrolled in managed and integrated care plans, helping them understand benefits, address concerns, and resolve access issues.
Options Counseling
Options Counseling is a free, short-term service providing assistance with exploring options and resources for current or future needs.
Outreach Centers for Veterans
Outreach Centers for Veterans are nonprofit organizations assisting veterans and their families with benefits, transportation, counseling, and peer support.
Turning 22
Turning 22 provides transition services for young people with severe disabilities moving from special education into the adult service system, through MassAbility and the Department of Developmental Services.
Universal Access Program
The Universal Access Program by the Department of Conservation and Recreation enhances accessibility at Massachusetts State Parks through site improvements, adaptive equipment, and events.
Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO)
Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs) are located in municipalities across Massachusetts to connect veterans and families with benefits. Contact information is available through the VSO Directory or Mass Vets Advisor.
Conclusion
Massachusetts offers a wide spectrum of Mass Rehab Home Care Assistance Programs and services designed to support diverse populations in maintaining their independence at home and within their communities. From specialized waivers for specific conditions to broad community support services, resources are available for aging adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and children. Navigating these options may seem complex, but resources like Information and Referral services, Councils on Aging, and program-specific contacts are in place to guide you. Exploring the links provided and reaching out to the administering agencies is the next step in accessing the right support for your needs.
