Myth vs. Fact: Home Care Edition

Myth vs. Fact: Home Care Edition

👥 A Message from Our Team

At Patron Senior Living, we hear many of the same questions from families and healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, there are also many misconceptions about home care that can prevent individuals from accessing services they may qualify for.

This month, we're separating fact from fiction to help you and your clients make informed decisions about in-home care.

❌ Myth #1: Medicare and Medicaid Are the Same

✅ Fact:

Although their names sound similar, they are two different programs.

• Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals age 65 and older or those with certain disabilities. It generally covers short-term skilled home health services but does not cover ongoing non-medical personal care.

• Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that may cover long-term in-home care services for eligible individuals through programs like the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Program.

Knowing the difference can help families access the right services sooner.

❌ Myth #2: Home Care Is Only for Seniors

✅ Fact:

Home care isn't just for older adults.

Many individuals receiving home care are:

• Adults with disabilities

• Individuals recovering from an illness or injury

• People with chronic medical conditions

• Those who need assistance with daily activities to remain safely at home

Home care is about supporting independence—regardless of age.

❌ Myth #3: Family Members Can't Get Paid to Care for a Loved One

✅ Fact:

Many people are surprised to learn that eligible family members may be able to become paid caregivers through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

Depending on state guidelines and individual eligibility, family caregivers may receive compensation for providing approved in-home care services.

❌ Myth #4: If You're Slightly Over the Medicaid Income Limit, You Won't Qualify

✅ Fact:

Not always.

Some individuals may qualify through a Medicaid spend down, which allows certain medical or insurance expenses to reduce countable income for Medicaid eligibility.

Recently, Patron Senior Living helped a Nebraska client who was just $36 over the Medicaid income limit. By partnering with Trek Insurance Solutions to establish an allowable spend down, the client qualified for full Medicaid benefits, avoided a $900 monthly Medicaid cost share, and gained access to the home care services she needed.

❌ Myth #5: Home Care Means Giving Up Independence

✅ Fact:

The opposite is true.

The goal of home care is to help individuals remain as independent as possible while continuing to live safely in their own homes.

Whether it's assistance with personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, or companionship, home care is designed to support—not replace—a person's independence.

🤝 How Patron Senior Living Can Help

Our team works closely with clients, families, social workers, and case managers to help navigate the home care journey.

We can assist with:

✔ Medicaid and HCBS Waiver education

✔ Home care consultations

✔ Family caregiver support

✔ Medicaid spend down resources

✔ Care coordination with healthcare professionals

✔ Connecting clients to available community resources

Our goal is to make accessing home care as simple and stress-free as possible.