I’m afraid I don’t quite understand the financial implications of moving mom (enrolled in COPES) from her AFH to our home. I learned today she was approved there for 115 hours a month. How is that even possible since she will be here 24/7? Do you have experience to help me understand better? Thank you.
"HCBS – COPES Waiver Renewal
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) approved the renewal application for the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) waiver, WA.0049, on September 29, 2023. With the approved renewal application, the state is allowed to continue to provide COPES waiver services to eligible persons. The COPES waiver renewal is effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028.
The COPES waiver was implemented in 1982 and is one of the oldest waivers in the nation. It provides services to over 53,000 individuals living in their own homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Adult Family Homes in Washington state. Without the home and community-based services and supports provided under COPES, individuals would require the level of care provided in a nursing facility. Services in the COPES waiver act as a wraparound to services available in the Community First Choice (CFC) State Plan program. Services available in this waiver include:
Client Support Training/Wellness Education
Skilled Nursing
Home Delivered Meals
Environmental Modifications
Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies
Transportation
Adult Day Care
Adult Day Health
Community Choice Guiding
Community Support: Goods and Services"
Source: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/stakeholders/hcbs-%E2%80%93-copes-waiver-renewal
In my time on this forum since 2019 I've only ever read of one poster who was able to get his state's Medicaid to pay for 100% of in home 24/7 caregivers -- and he was a lawyer.
But my understanding is that we *would* become her paid caregivers under the COPES waivers, maybe as much as the current 115 hours per month. Is that counter to reality?
As far as the Medicaid approval, you will get some in home help, about 4 hours a day. You will be responsible for caring for her the rest of the time. Or, please clarify, is Medicaid paying you 115 hours a month? and if so, how much per hour?
Can she get these hours wherevshe is living now? If so, then why move her? Is itba money problem?
Medicaid never, except for this lawyer, gives 24/7 care in home care. Why are you not considering placing her in a Long-term facility with Medicaid paying?
Is there somewhere in all of this a case worker, a social workers, a worker at the AFH (adult family home) who can help guide you to some information? I just can't imagine that we, so widely spread around the world, would have the details that you need.
Your expressing your terror at having her in YOUR home makes me afraid FOR you. Please, under any circumstances, don't do this. While you don't give us any details here there is a good reason your mom is in care. She must stay in care. There isn't any way you are qualified to, or can cope with caring for you. Sacrificing your own life will not help her and may kill you. Don't do it. Keep searching for answers. Once you have taken your mom into your home you have made it HER home and you will have painted yourself in a corner you cannot easily escape.
I sure wish you the best.