Quality Assurance Services

Ongoing process to assess the needs of an older individual and effectively plan, arrange, coordinate and follow-up on services which most appropriately meet the identified needs as mutually defined by the older individual, the access and assistance staff, and where appropriate, a family member(s) or other caregiver(s).

Temporary relief for caregivers including an array of services provided to dependent older individuals who need supervision. Services are provided in the older individual’s home environment on a short-term, temporary basis while the primary caregiver is unavailable or needs relief.

A hot or other appropriate meal served to an eligible older individual which meets 33.5 percent of the dietary reference intakes established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and complies with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the Secretary of Agriculture, and which is served in a congregate setting.

The objective is to reduce food insecurity and promote socialization of older individuals.

Services for homebound, frail older individuals provided to establish an automatic monitoring system which links to emergency medical services when the individual’s life or safety is in jeopardy.

Emergency Response System services include the installation of the individual monitoring unit, key lockbox, training associated with the use of the system, periodic checking to ensure that the unit is functioning properly, equipment maintenance calls, response to an emergency call by a medical professional, para-professional or volunteer, and follow-up with the older individual.

Provision of prescription medication and supplies, nutritional supplements, incontinence supplies, durable medical equipment, vision care, dental care, hearing aids or other devices necessary to promote or maintain the health and/or safety of the older individual.

Hot, cold, frozen, dried, canned, fresh, or supplemental food (with a satisfactory storage life) which provides a minimum of 33.5 percent of the dietary reference intakes established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and complies with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the Secretary of Agriculture, and is delivered to an eligible participant in their place of residence.

The objective is to reduce food insecurity, help the recipient sustain independent living in a safe and healthful environment.

The Benefits Counseling team provides some legal assistance services to individuals age 60 and over. The program partners with Texas Legal Services Center for assistance on long-term care Medicaid applications, Qualified Income Trusts (QITs), and advance directives. In addition, the program can refer to local legal assistance programs.

Assisting an older individual having difficulty in performing a minimum of two activities of daily living identified in the assessment process, with tasks an individual would typically perform if they were able.

Training home health attendants provide personal assistance services under the direction and supervision of a registered professional nurse.

Services are provided to functionally impaired older individuals to help prevent or postpone institutionalization. Home health attendants may perform household services such as: bathing, grooming, preparation of light meals, housekeeping, laundry, oral hygiene, feeding and assistance with self-administered medications, charting of vital signs and other essential services that maintain a safe environment for the older individual.

Services consist of repairs or modifications of dwellings occupied by older individuals that are essential for the health and safety of the occupant(s).

Services may include: bathroom modifications (handrails, ADA toilet installation, shower modifications), functional widening of pathways, weatherization, home accessibility wheelchair ramps and step repairs, portable A/C and heating or window units, unstable flooring, minor plumbing and electrical and outside safety lighting. Repairs do not include; roof repairs, trash hauling, or landscaping and beautification.

Taking an older individual from one location to another. This service type is demand/response which is designed to carry older individuals from specific origin to specific destination upon request.

Older individuals request the transportation service in advance of their need, usually twenty-four to forty-eight hours prior to the trip. Eligible trips include: trips to local senior center, grocery shopping, medical appts, post office, and other essential shopping. Transportation services do not include: casino trips.