The Louisiana Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) is dedicated to helping elderly individuals and people with disabilities live fulfilling lives within their own homes and communities. Through a variety of programs, OAAS provides crucial home and community-based services (HCBS) designed to offer the necessary support for independent living. These programs are vital for those who need assistance to remain in their familiar surroundings, offering an alternative to institutional care.
It’s important to understand that these HCBS programs are designed to supplement, not replace, existing support systems. They are not intended to provide 24-hour care. Individuals may need to combine these services with other resources, both paid and unpaid, to create a comprehensive support network that meets their unique needs.
Medicaid-Funded Home and Community Care Options
For eligible individuals, Medicaid waivers and state plan programs offer a range of services. Here are some key options available in Louisiana:
Community Choices Waiver (CCW)
The Community Choices Waiver (CCW) is a significant program for seniors and adults with disabilities who require a level of care typically provided in a nursing facility. CCW offers a pathway to remain at home by providing a personalized service package. Each participant receives a budget determined by their individual needs assessment, allowing for tailored support.
The services available under the CCW are diverse, including:
- Support Coordination: Assistance in navigating and managing services.
- Nursing and Skilled Therapy: Professional healthcare services delivered at home.
- In-Home Monitoring Systems: Technology to enhance safety and independence.
- Home Modifications and Assistive Technologies: Adaptations to the home and devices to improve accessibility and function.
- Personal Care: Help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Home-Delivered Meals: Ensuring nutritional needs are met.
- Monitored In-Home Caregiving: Supervised care within the home environment.
- Caregiver Respite: Temporary relief for family caregivers.
Learn more about the Community Choices Waiver.
Adult Day Health Care Waiver (ADHC)
The Adult Day Health Care Waiver (ADHC) offers community-based support through licensed adult day health centers. These centers provide a supervised and safe environment for adults during the day, offering a supportive setting outside the home.
Services within ADHC facilities include:
- Personal care assistance
- Health education
- Health screening
- Medication management
- Social and recreational activities
Learn more about the Adult Day Health Care Waiver.
Long-Term Personal Care Services
The Long-Term Personal Care Services program is designed to assist individuals who need help with activities of daily living. This program provides personal care assistance to those who meet the eligibility criteria. Like other OAAS programs, it’s important to note that this program is not designed for 24/7 support when considered alone or in combination with other OAAS offerings.
Learn more about Long-Term Personal Care Services.
Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
The Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) takes a comprehensive approach to senior care. PACE coordinates and delivers a full spectrum of services – preventive, primary, acute, and long-term care – with the goal of enabling seniors to continue living in their communities. The program strongly emphasizes enhancing quality of life while maintaining community connections for older adults.
Learn more about the PACE program.
To find out more about any of these Medicaid services or to begin the application process, please contact the Louisiana Options in Long Term Care Hotline at 1.877.456.1146 (TDD: 1.877.544.9544). The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and calls are free of charge.
Other Louisiana Community Support Programs
Beyond Medicaid, Louisiana offers additional community-based programs to support specific needs:
Permanent Supportive Housing
The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program addresses the needs of individuals with severe and complex disabilities who also require stable housing. PSH combines affordable rental housing with individualized community-based support services, enabling successful community living.
Learn more about Permanent Supportive Housing.
For further details about Permanent Supportive Housing, please call the PSH office directly at 1.844.698.9075.
Louisiana’s Traumatic Head and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Program (THSCI)
The Traumatic Head and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Program (THSCI) is tailored to Louisiana residents who have experienced traumatic head or spinal cord injuries. This program offers flexible and individualized services to support recovery and community integration.
Learn more about Louisiana’s Traumatic Head and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Program.
For more information regarding the Louisiana’s Traumatic Head and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Program, please call 1.888.891.9441.
State Personal Assistance Services Program (SPAS)
The State Personal Assistance Services Program (SPAS) provides crucial personal assistance to individuals with significant disabilities. SPAS helps with activities of daily living, promoting independence and community participation.
