Are you a senior citizen or an adult with a disability? If so, it’s time to get educated about the benefits you could take advantage of through the Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS). In this article, we’ll share the basics of the OAAS, including available waivers, how to apply, and more. Let’s get right into it!
What is the OAAS?
The OAAS is an office tasked with providing long-term care services to two groups of people – (1) senior citizens and (2) adults with disabilities. The goal is to deliver any necessary care and funding while preserving the member’s autonomy. The Office prioritizes informal caregiving and public resources but does utilize facility care as necessary.
What Waivers and Services are Offered Through OAAS?
The mode by which the OAAS delivers services and benefits to beneficiaries is through waivers and programs. Here are a few of the most prominent ones:
Home and Community-Based Services
- Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver – This waiver is a non-residential program providing care to people who require ongoing nursing services but don’t necessarily require around-the-clock help. Some services include nursing care, personal care, dietary services, and medication administration.
- Community Choices (CC) Waiver – This waiver program is for those who need in-home or community-based care and have a disability. Some of the main services included in this waiver include transition services for moving out of nursing homes, case management, and assistance with basic care.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Program – This program helps eligible seniors and adults find affordable housing with services that support their well-being.
Adult Protective Services – Adult Protective Services investigates cases where needy and vulnerable adults 18 to 59 years old may be at risk of experiencing the following:
- Exploitation
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Neglect at the hands of a caregiver
Long Term-Personal Care Services (LT-PCS) – This program provides close assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). They include grooming, dressing, bathing, eating, and more.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) – PACE is a program that provides all the services older adults need to thrive in the community. Care may be provided in any setting and at any time. Services include primary care, transportation, inpatient hospital care, social work, and much more.
Read this easy-to-understand brochure for a more comprehensive list of programs available through the OAAS.
How to Get OAAS Services and Benefits
The only way to find out whether you may qualify for OAAS benefits is to apply for Medicaid and then inquire about the program. Don’t know where to start? Read this article on how to apply for LA Medicaid. After you’ve done that and have been approved for Medicaid, reference your approval letter or speak to a Medicaid coordinator about the next steps. Alternatively, if you’ve already been approved for Medicaid and want to speak with someone at the OAAS about potential benefits, call the Louisiana Options in Long-Term Care Hotline at 1-877-456-1146. Be sure to have your Medicaid number handy when calling.
So, there you have it – a quick look at OAAS, some of the waivers and programs the Office offers, and how to access OAAS benefits. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you secure the benefits and services you need.
