By Matt Walker
West Virginia consistently ranks among the top states in the nation by percentage of population aged 65 and older and percentage of home ownership. Older West Virginians are proud and independent, but sometimes a little help at home goes a long way. Health plans across the country—and in the Mountain State—are embracing the home care concept, expanding access to assistance with activities of daily living, or ADLs, such as eating, bathing, dressing, mobility and continence. Medicaid and veteran programs nationwide have long covered home care, and now many Medicare Advantage plans and private health insurance plans are inching in this direction.
In a state with transportation and access to care barriers, home care services can be the difference between a senior receiving an important prescription or becoming medication non-compliant and arriving at a life-saving appointment or suffering a catastrophic health event requiring hospitalization. Simply checking in with a vulnerable senior on a weekly basis can help recognize changes in consistent pattens and habits that are often health predictors for elders. Noticing that a senior missed church or has not checked their mail for several days may indicate a health issue that warrants attention.
The home care industry has evolved from a somewhat immature sector to one of the fastest growing in the country. For example, President Barack Obama’s executive orders to eliminate minimum wage and overtime exemptions afforded millions of caregivers fair wages and treatment for their tireless work. Being a caregiver is hard work. President Donald Trump’s expansion of the Veterans Choice Program gave deserving veterans permanent choice to use private health care providers—including home care.
Many seniors thrive in a traditional long-term care model, but some do not. For those seniors intent on aging at home, home care services must be available, effective and affordable. The home care markets, both for-profit and nonprofit, tell us that is exactly what is happening. Employment numbers have skyrocketed, new agencies have opened their doors, and more qualified, experienced caregivers have emerged with comprehensive background checks, drug testing and training to provide excellent home care. Increased competition is yielding competitive pricing and innovation, such as electronic visit verification and digital data sharing.
West Virginia Medicaid has responded in kind, releasing thousands of Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) slots in 2020, bringing total program enrollment to an all-time high. The ADW program likely saves the state millions of dollars each year and allows vulnerable West Virginians to remain home, thanks to several hours of ADL care provided on a daily basis.
As the coronavirus pandemic stretches West Virginia’s health care system to its limit, many seniors are choosing to remain at home, often feeling isolated and lonely. During this difficult time, home care agencies have accepted the challenge to provide care, arming caregivers with personal protective equipment and training to keep them and their clients safe and healthy. The pandemic has accelerated many trends already in motion, such as increased reliance on technology, as well as the increased utilization of home care.
About the Author
Matt Walker is a co-owner of Village Caregiving, a home care agency serving 1,500 clients and families at 15 office locations in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania and employing 800 registered nurses, managers and caregivers.
