Health: Passport Home Health Care Program

Health care costs have topped headlines as Congress debates how to make medical care more affordable for Americans.

That is a big concern especially for seniors especially on a fixed budget.

This Passport Home Care Program is state-funded and free of charge.

By calling the Area Agency on Aging you can arrange for a nurse or social worker to meet with you in your own home to determine your in-home care needs, options for obtaining care, and your eligibility.

A person is eligible for Passport in-home services if he or she is:

* 60 years of age or older
* Eligible for Medicaid
* Lives in a home or apartment
* Needs hands-on help with daily activities (bathing,dressing,meals) to remain at home

The person and his/her doctor agree to the care plan Health and safety needs can be met by home care services. The full package of services costs no more than 60% of the cost of Medicaid nursing home care.

Here's a list of the in-home services available through passport:

* Adult Day Service
* Chore Services
* Emergency Response Systems
* Home Delivered Meals
* Home Medical Equipment and Supplies
* Homemaker Services
* Independent Living Assistance
* Minor Home Modifications, Maintenance and Repairs
* Personal Care/Respite
* Social Work/Counseling
* Transportation

For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging at (330) 896-9172.