Are you or a loved one in need of supervised care throughout the day? Whether you need social time, help with your medicine, nurse care, or other daytime assistance, the Louisiana Department of Health’s ADHC waiver could be exactly what you need. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this waiver, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process.
What is the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) waiver is a program for Louisianans who need care throughout the daytime hours and prefer to stay at home. The program is part of the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Aging and Adult Services. It operates with the purpose of helping adult beneficiaries get the help they need while continuing to live at home rather than in a nursing home.
What are the Benefits of the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver?
Need more information about ADHC waiver benefits? As a holder of this waiver, you’ll get:
- A safe place to spend part of the day.
- Socialization opportunities with other beneficiaries and your care team.
- Access to recreational activities suited to you.
- Help taking medicine.
- Nurse care as needed.
- Two small meals.
- A ride to and from the center.
And these aren’t all the services you get. In addition to the ADHC center-based benefits, you also get the following and more:
- Access to a support coordinator (someone who helps manage your case).
- A personal emergency response system (a wearable device with a button you can press to call for emergency help).
- Ongoing health monitoring services to ensure your well-being.
Note: The ADHC Louisiana program doesn’t provide around-the-clock care or services. ADHC centers are only open during the weekdays – not the weekends or evenings (though some centers will operate outside of normal hours). The specific hours of operation may vary based on the specific ADHC center.
How Do You Qualify for the Louisiana ADHC Waiver?
As you might expect, not everyone will be eligible for the ADHC waiver. Here’s the eligibility criteria you must meet (all four points must apply):
- You are at least 22 years old.
- You meet a nursing home level of care.
- You meet long-term care eligibility requirements set by Medicaid.
- Your income and resources (things you own) fall within the accepted limits. Learn more about these limits here.
How Do You Apply for the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Waiver?
To apply for the ADHC waiver, you’ll submit a request to add your name to the program’s list. To do that, call Louisiana Options in Long-Term Care at 1-877-456-1146.
Only so many people can receive services at one time, and services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis after certain groups are prioritized. Some of these prioritized groups include certain at-risk abuse victims, those recently discharged from the hospital, and current nursing home residents. So, we urge you to get your request in as soon as possible.
How Do Support Coordination Agencies Help Me with the ADHC Waiver?
Whether you need help getting ADHC services, run into issues after obtaining your ADHC Louisiana waiver, or simply have concerns, a support coordination agency can help. They serve as your advocate and provide assistance and support in navigating program systems. This support helps you get the most out of your waiver services.
