Home and Community-Based Care

Nearly 10 million Americans need long-term services and supports to assist them in life’s daily activities. Tasks that most people take for granted – getting dressed, going to the bathroom, walking, shopping, and preparing meals – are often impossible or difficult for people with disabilities.

These services can be provided through home-based care and community-based care. Home-based services can include help with basic needs, medication assistance, wound care, and intravenous therapy. Community-based services can include senior centers, transportation services, meal delivery or meal sites, visiting nurses or home health aides, adult day care, and homemaker services. Most people who need long-term care live at home and in the community and get by using a combination of family caregivers and paid assistance.

Consumers know that home and community-based care can meet their needs better than nursing homes because consumers have greater control over services and costs, can supplement their care with family and community supports, are less isolated, and tend to be more satisfied with their services.

The price tag for long-term care, unfortunately, can be astronomical and beyond the resources of most families. At best Medicare and Medicaid pays only a fraction of these costs – mostly short-term, medically necessary home health care and prescription drugs and limited or no coverage for other necessary services like cleaning and cooking.