Options Counseling is a collaborative process that considers an individual’s needs, preferences, values, and financial resources to empower them to make informed decisions about
long-term care.
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Options Counselors
Options Counselors help older adults and individuals with disabilities find the right resources and services by offering personalized guidance and support.
Options counseling involves more than just providing guidance on the options available.
Our counselors are skilled at navigating the long-term care system and can help explain the application or appeal process for benefit programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
Some of the key responsibilities and assistance provided by Options Counselors include:
Assessment: Conducting comprehensive assessments to understand the individual’s strengths, challenges, and goals related to aging or disability.
Information and Referral: Providing information about a wide range of available services and resources, including healthcare, housing, transportation, financial assistance, legal services, and social support programs. They also facilitate referrals to appropriate agencies or organizations.
Benefits Counseling: Assisting individuals in understanding and accessing benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other entitlement programs.
Long-Term Care Planning: Helping individuals and families navigate long-term care options, including home-based care, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and other community-based services.
Advocacy: Advocating on behalf of individuals to ensure their rights are protected and their needs are met within various systems, such as healthcare, housing, and social services.
Benefits of Options Counseling
Options Counseling can help individuals and families:
Understand their long-term care needs and options.
Make informed decisions about long-term care and support.
Access the resources they need to live safely and independently in the community.
Reduce stress and anxiety about long-term care.
Options Counseling FAQs
Still have questions? Fill Out A Referral Form and let the Dallas County ADRC work with you!
Get SupportIt can be difficult to determine what benefits or programs pay for long-term care services and support.
The answer largely depends on the financial means of the individual in need of care, as well as the extent of care required.
Payment for long-term care services and supports can come from various sources, including government programs, private insurance, and out-of-pocket expenses.
In Texas, Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term care services.
Here’s an overview of the payment process:
Medicaid: Medicaid is a state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including coverage for long-term care services.
In Texas, the Medicaid program covers long-term care services such as nursing home care, home health care, and assisted living for eligible individuals with limited income and assets.
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits in Texas, individuals must meet certain financial and functional eligibility criteria, including income limits and asset restrictions.
Medicaid also offers home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers, which provide long-term care services in home and community settings for individuals who would otherwise require nursing home care.
Medicare: Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, may cover short-term skilled nursing care and home health care services following a hospital stay, but it does not generally cover long-term care services for extended periods.
However, Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits beyond traditional Medicare, such as some coverage for long-term care services.
Long-Term Care Insurance: Some individuals purchase long-term care insurance policies to help cover the costs of future long-term care services.
These insurance policies typically have specific coverage limitations, waiting periods, and premium costs based on factors such as age, health status, and the extent of coverage selected.
Veterans Benefits: Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for long-term care benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including coverage for nursing home care, assisted living, and in-home care services.
Eligibility criteria for VA long-term care benefits may vary based on factors such as military service history, disability status, and income.
Private Pay: Individuals who do not qualify for government assistance programs or do not have long-term care insurance coverage may pay for long-term care services out of pocket.
The cost of long-term care services can vary widely depending on the type of care needed, the provider’s rates, and the geographic location.
Planning for long-term care can be overwhelming, especially if you or a loved one is not familiar with the options and resources available.
That's why our Options Counselors are here to provide valuable information and resources to assist you in making informed decisions about long-term care and support.
We know that every individual's situation is unique, and our counselors are ready to help you weigh the pros and cons of different options while taking into consideration your personal values, resources, and preferences.
If you need help, please don't hesitate to reach out to us – we are here to support you.
Long-term care services and supports (LTSS) are intended to assist individuals with their personal care needs for an extended period of time.
These services generally involve help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, incontinence care, medication management, meal preparation, housework, and more.
It's important to note that most long-term care is not medical care, but rather assistance with basic personal tasks of everyday life, which are also known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
These services can include:
Personal Care: Assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating for individuals who have difficulty performing these tasks independently due to physical or cognitive limitations.
Home Health Care: Skilled nursing care, therapy services (physical, occupational, or speech therapy), and assistance with medical treatments or monitoring provided in the individual’s home.
Assisted Living Facilities: Residential facilities that provide housing, meals, personal care services, and 24-hour supervision for individuals who need some assistance with ADLs but do not require the level of care provided in nursing homes.
Nursing Homes: Facilities that offer round-the-clock nursing care, medical supervision, rehabilitation services, and assistance with ADLs for individuals with more complex medical needs or disabilities.
Adult Day Care: Supervised daytime programs that offer social activities, meals, and assistance with personal care for older adults or individuals with disabilities, providing respite for caregivers.
Respite Care: Temporary care services provided to give family caregivers a break from their caregiving responsibilities, either in the individual’s home or in a facility.
Hospice Care: End-of-life care focused on providing comfort and support for individuals with terminal illnesses and their families, including pain management, emotional and spiritual support, and assistance with practical matters.
LTSS can be delivered in various settings, including the individual’s home, community-based settings, residential care facilities, or institutional settings, depending on the person’s needs and preferences.
These services are often coordinated through government programs, private insurance, or a combination of both, and eligibility criteria may vary based on factors such as age, income, disability status, and level of need.