Family caregivers provide vital support but often sacrifice their health and well-being. Arizona's Non-Medical Home and Community-Based Services (NMHCBS) program offers resources to assist family caregivers and keep their loved ones safe at home. How can the Arizona NMHCBS program help you and your loved one?
Are you taking care of an aging or disabled family member in Arizona? The state has a Non-Medical HCBS program that provides support services to help your loved one remain in their home. The Arizona NMHCBS program provides long-term support services for residents to avoid unnecessary institutionalization. The services allow care recipients to age in place while getting the care and assistance they need for daily living.
In Arizona, consumer direction philosophy respects the wishes and desires of participants. You have a say in the care plan development process so your loved one receives the care they need in a way that works for them.
The Non-Medical HCBS program supports and assists your loved one at home, significantly relieving your caregiver job. The main objectives of Arizona's NMHCBS are:
The program offers a wide range of non-medical services and supports, which are tailored to meet the needs of your loved one. They receive care and aid with daily living, allowing them to remain in their residence. The program covers several primary services:
As a caregiver, you are essential to the care plan development process. You can work with the program to determine what services your loved one needs and how they will be delivered. This allows you to have some control over the care your loved one receives.
Arizona residents over 65 or disabled adults over 18 may qualify for NMHCBS support. Applicants must be eligible for assistance with at least three daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating, etc.). Participants cannot receive Arizona NMHCBS and Arizona Medicaid concurrently.
Covered services improve the recipient's quality of life while supporting the unpaid family caregiver. Benefits include:
Advocate for your loved one. Speak with your case manager about what your care recipient needs most. Some benefits, like access to adaptive technology or special services, might be available. Be honest and direct about what your loved one requires to age in place.
For eligible recipients, NMHCBS services are free through Medicaid waiver funding. This includes in-home caregiver assistance. Family member caregivers can be paid for care through the Medicaid Consumer Directed Option. The recipient selects the family caregiver, who must complete training and pass background checks before getting paid hourly to care for their relative.
Access to NMHCBS supportive resources starts with applying the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Here are the five steps:
Completed applications should be submitted to the local Area Agency on Aging office. Addresses can be found on the AHCCCS website.
Caring for your loved one takes dedication. Arizona's NMHCBS program offers vital support to ease the caregiving journey for family caregivers. The services allow individuals needing long-term care to remain comfortable and age in place.
Resources like respite care, adult day activities, and in-home assistance give family caregivers a much-needed break. Familiarizing with the eligibility criteria, covered services, and Arizona's NMHCBS program application process can benefit family caregivers and care recipients. Don't hesitate to seek support and take advantage of the resources available as a caregiver. There is help out there.
