If you are having conversations with loved ones about alternatives to nursing homes in Buffalo, New York, consult the state Department of Health's county-by-county list of quality care measurements. Chances are they have already evaluated your options, from assisted living to Medicare to private nursing care. New York State has a thorough and professional network of agencies and professionals to help you make informed and beneficial decisions in avoidance of nursing homes.
Medicaid Managed Care
As long as you are not already living in a nursing home or other residential facility, you may be eligible for Medicaid Managed Care. If you have qualified for Medicaid, you are required to enroll in the managed care program, in most cases. This will assure you that you have ongoing alternatives to nursing homes in Buffalo, for Medicaid Managed Care will provide all the health-care services you will need to stay in your own home throughout your life, including cancer treatments.
CASA
The Community Alternative Systems Agency provides long-term services designed especially for citizens of Erie County who qualify for Medicaid, to help elderly and/or disabled persons remain independent for as long as possible. With CASA, you have even more alternatives to nursing homes in Buffalo, New York. All you need is a doctor's medical order for home care services.
Once you are qualified, CASA will provide aides for your personal and environmental care, as well as private duty nursing if you need continuous skilled nursing.You may even be able to recruit, hire and superivse your own aides, if you qualify for the Consumer Directed Personal Attendant Program.
HIV Home Care
The AIDS Institute of the New York Department of Health offers home care services to New York State residents with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured. This covers prescriptions, primary care and doctor-supervised home care services for chronic, medically-dependent people.
If you are at risk for being homeless, Benedict House is a non-profit program for persons 18 years and older who are living with AIDS. As long as you are capable of independent living and psychologically fit to live in a group setting where you will be interacting with others, Benedict House may be a strong alternative to nursing homes, if you are living with HIV/AIDS in Buffalo.
Geriatric Management
The more elderly people find alternatives to nursing homes, the more they need geriatric management to help them avoid becoming isolated and antisocial. New York State has an Interagency Planning Council for Geriatric Mental Health, hoping to head off the expected increase of mental illness in the "Elder Boom" as New York State's population over 65 increases more than 50 percent in the next 20 years. Take advantage of the service delivery systems set up for Buffalo and Erie County residents, and keep yourself or your loved one healthy emotionally as well as physically.
Palliative Care
Hospice Buffalo provides palliative care for Erie County, with a wide offering of services for terminally ill patients and their families. Although it has two residential facilities, you can count on it to provide medical social services, nursing, personal care and pharmaceutical services, among others, so that you or your loved one can have continued alternatives to nursing homes and end life peacefully at home.
