How old do you have to be to receive services from Alternatives for the Older Adult?

Older adults can begin receiving services at the age of 60. Alternatives also works with caregivers of all ages.

How much do services at Alternatives cost?

The initial assessment and counseling provided by Alternatives is always free for everyone. Once service needs have been identified, cost is determined by the individual’s income and is provided on a sliding fee scale basis.

As an older adult, what services do I qualify for?

Alternatives will come to your home to do a free assessment. This assessment identifies what areas of daily living you may need some assistance in. Depending on the results of the assessment, you may qualify for homemaker services that will help you with house cleaning, laundry, and transportation to doctor appointments. You may also qualify for an emergency response system that can help you call for help after a fall. Home delivered meals, adult day center, assistance with Medicaid and Medicare D, and home health care, are all services Alternatives can help you access.

How do I know when I might need Alternatives help to stay at home?

If you are unable to do many of the activities that you used to, such as vacuuming, getting groceries, paying bills, etc., and you are wanting to remain in your own home, it may be beneficial to you to ask for help.

My loved one won’t talk about the fact that they may need some help. What should I do?

Call Alternatives. Our professional staff is trained to offer confidential services while respecting the individual’s need for privacy, respect and dignity.

Where do you provide services?

Alternatives staff will visit the older adult in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

If I have services provided by Alternatives, how often will I see my Care Coordinator (social worker)?

First, Alternatives staff will come out to do the free assessment. Once services have begun, we will visit you any time you request a change in services, or when there is service interruption such as when you enter the hospital. When there are no service changes or interruptions, we will visit you at least once every 6 months to make sure you are satisfied. We welcome phone calls or requests for a visit any time.

How do I make a referral to Alternatives?

Call our office at 1-800-798-0988 Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Our friendly Case Associates will ask you a few initial questions to set up the free assessment. A Care Coordinator (social worker) will then be assigned to call you for an appointment.

Do you provide help with transportation?

During the initial assessment transportation may be identified as a need. We may link you to a homemaker that could provide transportation to doctor appointments and the grocery store. There are sometimes other additional community resources that Alternatives can refer you to for transportation needs.

If Alternatives employees don’t actually provide the house cleaning and errand running, what exactly does Alternatives do?

Alternatives’ assesses your ability to live independently in your own home. Then depending on your needs, Alternatives will link you with all of the resources necessary to help you remain in your own home. Alternatives will monitor these services to help ensure your needs are being met.