Rhode Island implemented the global waiver in 2009, a pilot program intended to expand home- and community-based services for seniors. Home and community-based services include a variety of health care options. Here are answers to some of your questions to help you obtain the best services for your situation.
Q. My father needs help with getting dressed and taking showers in the morning. I need to hire a certified nursing assistant (CNA) to help him. Will my insurance cover that?
A. Unless your father has need for skilled services (nursing, physical therapy or speech therapy), your primary medical insurance typically will not pay for the services of a CNA. If your father had obtained long-term insurance prior to his need for a CNA, there may be a home-care provision that would cover some or all of the cost for services. If your father has no supplemental insurance, then he would have to pay out of pocket for those services.
Q. Are companions and home health aides or CNAs able to perform the same tasks?
A. The private duty services that may be legally performed differ greatly between a companion and home health aide. The Rhode Island Department of Health clearly states in its Regulations for Home Health Agencies that companion or homemakers are prohibited from any hands-on assistance. Those individuals lack the training and experience required to safely perform the more technical and personal related procedures required of most patients. Only a licensed home health aide must perform all such personal care.
Q. Are certified home care agencies and companion only agencies licensed and evaluated the same way?
A. Certified home care agencies are under both state and federal (Medicare) oversight. Extensive annual on-site evaluations are performed, ensuring peak performance in all areas of operation. In addition, certified home care companies have the opportunity to further validate the excellence of their services by applying for certification by the Community Health Accreditation Program or Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health-care Organizations. Those grueling certifications are not easily obtained but offer the consumers of home care services the highest degree of quality, assurance and protection. No such certifications and oversight are available or required by companion only companies.
David DiFilippo is the owner of Concord Health Services, which specializes in in-home assistance and medical services. The company has three divisions: Concord Companion Services, Concord Visiting Nurses and Milestone Rehabilitation. Submit questions to kparkcompass@yahoo.com.
On Saturday, January 23rd, the Haiti Charity Hope Foundation (HCHF) will host a fundraiser at the Elmwood Avenue Church of God to support Haitian relief efforts. The fundraiser, which will be held from 6-10 p.m. will include a Haitian style dinner, music and entertainment. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the door or online at HCHF.org. HCHF is also collecting donations of toiletries, first aid supplies, sheets and towels, and anti-bacterial soaps and lotions.
The Haiti Charity Hope Foundation was founded on the dreams of Haitian native and Concord Certified Nursing Assistant, Marie Gabriel, who single-handedly raised the money to build a church on land she owned in Haiti. The Foundation was borne with the aid of Jack Hurley, Teri Glynn, Jessica Allen and David DiFilippo (President of Concord Home Health Services) to help address the physical, spiritual and educational needs of the children of Haiti. HCHF serves the families of Lamothe, located to the East of Port Au Prince. Since its inception five years ago, HCHF has provided a clean drinking supply for local families and is constructing a new school designed by Haitian engineer, Alemy Mondestin, who lives and works in Rhode Island. At this time of need, all efforts are being directed to alleviating the pain and suffering caused by Haiti’s recent, massive earthquake.
Concord Home Health Services is proud to partner with Marie in her dream to help the children of Haiti achieve a better life.