Help Paying for In-Home Care

The Office for the Aging has funding to provide in-home care for older adults (age 60+) who require assistance with activities of daily living. Families or individuals who are struggling with either providing care for their loved ones or receiving assistance for themselves may be eligible for the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP). EISEP, a program of the Office for the Aging, provides non-medical, in-home services and case management for people 60 and over who can be cared for safely at home. Home care services include help with bathing, dressing, cooking, shopping, laundry, and housekeeping.

A case manager will arrange for and monitor these services to make sure they are meeting the individual’s needs. Clients are required to share the cost of services based on income. These costs are determined by a sliding fee scale and range from no-cost to full-cost. If a single individual has a monthly income of $1471, services would be provided at no cost; for a couple, that amount would be $1,991. Any income in excess of those figures would require that the individual or couple pay on a sliding fee scale. There is no charge for case management. For more information about EISEP, or to find out if you qualify, please contact Long Term Care Services at 274-5278.

Respite for Caregivers

Additionally, the Office for the Aging has respite funding available to help family members take a break from caregiving for an older adult or person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Respite care can take place in one’s home, or overnight in a long term care facility if needed. Contact the Tompkins County Office for the Aging at 274-5482, to learn more about eligibility for these programs or to discuss your family caregiving concerns.