Are you struggling to afford nursing or in-home care but want to stay independent? California’s Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALW) might be the answer. This program is designed for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities on Medi-Cal who need nursing facility-level care.
In addition, the assisted living California program provides care in a more affordable and familiar setting, like a residential care facility or subsidized housing. In this guide, we’ll explore the ALW’s eligibility requirements, what it covers, and how it can benefit you.
What is the Assisted Living Waiver Program?
Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALW) allows some seniors and individuals with disabilities to receive Medi-Cal benefits in an assisted living setting rather than a home care service. The program aims to help people stay in a home-like setting for as long as possible while reducing costs for the state compared to nursing home care. What’s included in the program?
- Personal care assistance
- Home health assistants
- Homemaker services
- Public subsidized housing
- Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly
Are You Eligible for the ALWP?
In this section, you’ll be equipped with information on the eligibility criteria for ALWP. So, let’s get into it!
Eligible for Medi-Cal
Participants of the Assisted Living Waiver program in California must be eligible for Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. For California senior living participation in the ALW program, full scope of Medi-Cal coverage with no share of cost (SOC) is required.
Disability and Age
The applicants must be at least 21 years old or a maximum of 65 years old if disabled. This makes it very clear that the program is for both elderly individuals and young people with disabilities who need long-term care.
Financial Restrictions
If you really wish to qualify for the ALW program, you must meet specific financial requirements. Similar to many Medicaid programs, ALW has set income and asset level limits. Let’s understand both in detail.
Asset Limits:
The income limit depends on the percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. In 2023, a single person applying for assisted living couldn’t make more than $1,677 per month, and a married couple applying together couldn’t make more than $2,269 per month. It’s important to note that if only one spouse needs care, only their income is counted towards this limit.
Income Limits
There’s also a limit on the amount of assets you can have to qualify for assisted living California. In 2023, the asset limit for a single person was $130,000, and for a married couple applying together, it was $195,000. There are some exceptions, though. Things like your primary residence, car, and household items aren’t counted towards the asset limit.
Benefits of ALWP for Applicants
The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) Program has numerous valuable benefits for individuals who need help with daily living activities. Let’s glance at the benefits of ALWP and see its positive impacts on participants’ lives.
Skip Nursing Homes
With the Assisted Living Waiver Program, participants are allowed to receive the care they need without compromising independence and privacy comparatively in nursing homes. Assisted living California facilities often provide a more social environment with opportunities to enroll in activities and outings.
Help with Daily Tasks
Get the support you need with bathing, dressing, eating, and getting around. This can make a big difference in your ability to manage your day-to-day activities and live comfortably in your own home for longer.
For example, if you have difficulty getting dressed in the morning, an assisted living caregiver can help you get ready for the day. Or, if you have trouble preparing meals, a caregiver can cook for you or help you with grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Special Care for Memory Needs
If you have Alzheimer’s-related behavioral changes or any form of dementia, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The program offers specialized memory care units with trained staff for a safe and supportive environment.
Additionally, the purpose of forming units is to meet the individual’s specific needs with cognitive impairments. In fact, they often have additional security measures in place to ensure residents’ well-being.
Medical Care at Home
ALWP provides access to nurses who can help with medications, wound care, and health monitoring. With this, individuals can avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital which can give them peace of mind knowing that they have someone to look after their health needs.
Help Around the House
The ALW program can provide cleaning, cooking, and laundry services, too, so you can relax and spend your time on things you enjoy. Having help with housework can free up your time and energy for things that are important to you, like spending time with close ones or pursuing hobbies.
Applying for the Assisted Living Waiver Program
Now, it’s time to learn about the Assisted Living Waiver Program application process.
Eligibility Check
Before diving in, it’s a plus if applicants consult with a specialist or Medi-Cal expert. They can help confirm eligibility for the ALW program.
Gather Documents
After passing the eligibility check, start collecting the following documents:
- Full Name and Date of Birth
- Medi-Cal Number and Issue Date
- Address and Phone Number
- Proof of Monthly Income
- Completed Physician’s Report (verifying nursing facility level of care needed)
- Power of Attorney documents (if applicable)
- Preferred Assisted Living communities (optional but helpful)
Connect with a Care Coordination Agency (CCA)
Locate a CCA approved to assist with the ALW program. They’ll guide participants through the application process and answer any questions they may have.
Complete the Intake Process
During the intake, provide the gathered documents and information to the CCA. They’ll assess your eligibility and submit the application to the DHCS (California Department of Health Care Services.
Waitlist and Placement
After applying, you’ll be placed on a waitlist. Wait times can vary depending on program availability. The CCA will stay in touch to inform you when a slot opens at your preferred assisted living facility.
Conclusion
Overall, the California Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALW) offers a valuable alternative for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who need nursing facility-level care. It allows them to receive care in a more affordable and familiar setting, promoting independence and a better quality of life.
So, if you’re one of those struggling to afford care but want to stay independent, check out whether you qualify for the assisted living California ALW program. You can get in touch with expert assisted living caregivers at Oakdale Redding for expert senior care services or to clear your doubts.
