How to apply for Iowa in-home support services for older adults (Area Agencies on Aging case management, homemaker, and personal care)

Who it's for

Iowa's Area Agencies on Aging offer services that help older adults stay in their homes, or return home after a hospital or nursing facility stay, without needing Medicaid. Services can include options counseling, case management to assess needs and arrange services, assisted transportation, behavioral health supports, chore help (yard work, mowing, snow removal), homemaker help (shopping, light housework, meals), material aid on a limited basis (such as grab bars, smoke detectors, medical equipment, or ramps), personal care (dressing, bathing, grooming), and respite care for caregivers. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or call Iowa Compass at 1-800-779-2001.

What you'll need

• Call to ask what to bring

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa in-home support services for older adults (Area Agencies on Aging case management, homemaker, and personal care). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call Iowa Compass at 1-800-779-2001 to ask about in-home support services for older adults.
2. Apply online or by phone.
3. Ask what documents or information to bring or have ready before your assessment.
4. Complete the assessment of your needs with the local Area Agency on Aging.
5. Discuss which services may fit your needs, such as case management, homemaker help, personal care, transportation, chore help, respite care, or limited material aid.
6. Ask about the Medicaid Elderly Waiver if you need nursing-home level care.

What to expect: After you apply, the local Area Agency on Aging will review your needs and decide what services it can provide. Services depend on your assessment and on local funding. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate. There is no renewal requirement listed for this program.

Renewals

none