Need a Waiver, Home Modifications, Assistive Technology, or Help Transitioning from a Nursing Home? We’re Here to Help—But First, Be Prepared.
If you or a loved one needs assistance accessing a waiver program, securing home modifications, obtaining assistive technology, or transitioning out of a nursing home and back into a home or community setting, our team is ready to support you every step of the way. These services can be life-changing—but the process to access them is often complex and requires more than just a need. It requires readiness.
Before you begin, understand this: To successfully receive a waiver or any related support service, you must come equipped with three critical things—
Plan
Services and support do NOT happen the moment you sign up for them. When you apply for services it can take a while before you get them. So you need assistance with getting through the process as quickly as possible.
PERSISTENCE
We stay proactive when getting people the support they need. We know who to call, when to call, and what to say. So people who work with us can receive their services and support much more quickly than if they were trying to enroll themselves.
PATIENCE
If it’s us or someone else working with you, it still takes time for all the paperwork to be processed and the services to be administered. But we can often get participants through the process more quickly.
Understanding Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in Pennsylvania
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), often referred to as Waiver-Funded Services or Waiver Programs, are specialized support programs designed to help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related needs receive care in their own homes or communities rather than in institutional settings such as nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
The term “waiver” comes from the fact that the federal government allows states—like Pennsylvania—to “waive” certain standard requirements of the traditional Medicaid program. This waiver gives the state flexibility to redirect Medicaid funding, which would normally be allocated for institutional care, toward services and supports that enable individuals to remain safely and independently in their own homes or community-based settings.
HCBS programs are vital because they offer a broader range of services than those typically covered by standard Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid). These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each participant and may include personal care assistance, home modifications, adult day services, respite care, assistive technology, transportation, meal delivery, and more.
Each HCBS waiver program has its own set of eligibility criteria based on factors such as age, level of care needed, income, and disability status. Individuals must go through an application and assessment process to determine if they qualify for a specific waiver. Once approved, participants receive a personalized service plan developed in coordination with their support team to ensure their needs are met while maintaining the highest possible level of independence and quality of life.
In Pennsylvania, HCBS plays a critical role in allowing individuals to live where they feel most comfortable—at home—while still receiving the comprehensive care and support they need to thrive.
