Frequently Asked Questions
How are caregivers assigned?
Suppose you or the patient choose a family or friend as a caregiver. In that case, we will train them to ensure they possess the knowledge and necessary skills to perform tasks such as cooking, shopping, light housekeeping, etc.
If you choose an agency caregiver, matching patients with the correct individual is vital to positive outcomes. We can schedule a meet-and-greet session between the patient and the possible caregiver to determine if they are a good match. We can switch caregivers if the patient is unhappy with their chosen caregiver.
How quickly can Stay at Home Homecare services start providing services upon the transfer to the agency?
Once a transfer request or start of a new service is confirmed, Stay at Home Homecare will contact the caregiver to ensure they have all the necessary documents. Once all the documents and the application are approved, the transfer and subsequent start of services can begin immediately. The only other factor affecting the start date is the authorization to start services sent by the Managed Care Organization (MCO). Home care services can usually begin as early as the following week. Let us know if you have more urgent needs.
How do I know if I'm eligible to become a caregiver?
Pennsylvania is one of the few states that allows family members and friends to care for the patient receiving services through Medicaid. As long as the patient chooses the family member as the caregiver and they pass a background check and ID verification and complete the necessary documentation, anyone can be eligible to become a caregiver. The only exception is if the chosen caregiver holds Power of Attorney over the patient or is the patient’s spouse. After completing the program, completing an application, submitting your ID and SS card, and taking a TB test (QuantiFERON or PPD), you will be eligible to become a paid caregiver.
Please call us, and we will happily review the information and answer your questions.
How long does it take to be approved for services?
We cannot approve applicants ourselves. You or the patient can apply for Homecare services by contacting an independent enrollment broker “Maximus.” If you find the process difficult and need help, call “Stay at Home Homecare,” and we will walk you through the steps required in this complex process. Our highly trained and experienced specialists have helped thousands of patients apply for the homecare program. We can help as much or as little as you need. The process generally takes two to three months to complete. It requires timely steps that include paperwork, phone calls, and possible visits by the representatives from “Maximus,” County Assistance Office, and MCO.
What is the difference between a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) and a nurse?
A homecare program through Medicaid uses a PCA focused on helping patients with non-medical activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, and more. PCAs generally spend every day with the patient.
On the other hand, skilled services through Medicare is a completely different program requiring a trained Registered Nurse qualified to perform more intensive medical tasks such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, wound dressing changes, etc. These services are often requested and approved after a hospitalization or medical procedure requiring home recovery time. Once approved, a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist can visit the patient at home two or three times a week for an hour or two.