Description:
The Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) program supports care for Floridians age 60 and older in family-type living arrangements within private homes, as an alternative to institutional or nursing home care. A basic subsidy is provided for support and maintenance of the elder, including some medical costs. A special subsidy may also be provided for services and/or supplies.
Services or Activities:
A basic subsidy of $160 per month is provided for all program participants. Special subsidies are authorized for some consumers and can be used for: incontinence supplies, medications, medical supplies, wheelchairs, assistive devices, ramps and home accessibility modifications, nutritional supplements, home health aide, home nursing, and other services to help maintain the individual at home. Formal case management is provided when needed.
Administration:
The Department is responsible for planning, monitoring, training, and technical assistance for the program. Unit rate contracts are established by Area Agencies on Aging for local administration of the program within each Planning and Service Area. Services include more than 150,000 subsidy checks issued annually
Eligibility:
Individuals must be age 60 or older, have income less than the Institutional Care Program (ICP) standard, meet the ICP asset limitation, be at risk of nursing home placement, receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), receive benefits as a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) or as a Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and have an approved adult caregiver living with them who is willing and able to provide care or help arrange for care.
For more information about HCE in your area, contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center or call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
