The Aging Waiver and MAG's in-home programs

Who runs in-home senior programs in Utah County?

Mountainland Association of Governments (MAG) Aging & Family Services is the Area Agency on Aging for Utah, Wasatch and Summit counties; its Senior Helpline and options counselors at 801-229-3804 screen people for in-home programs.

MAG's offices are at 282 W. River Bend Lane in Provo. The same department runs Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, the long-term care ombudsman and SHIP Medicare counseling, so one call often opens several doors.

What is the Utah Aging Waiver?

The Medicaid Waiver for Individuals Age 65 or Older, usually called the Aging Waiver, pays for non-medical services that help eligible older adults stay at home; applicants must be 65 or older, meet nursing facility level of care, and be Medicaid eligible.

• Adult companion services
• Adult day health
• Case management
• Chore services
• Emergency response systems
• Environmental accessibility adaptations
• Homemaker services
• Medication reminder systems
• Non-medical transportation
• Personal attendant services
• Respite care
• Supplemental meals
• Supportive maintenance home health aide

The Aging Waiver serves a limited number of people and keeps a waiting list. Participants receive only the services an assessment shows they need.

What is MAG's Alternatives program?

Alternatives is a state-funded program MAG manages that provides non-medical in-home services to adults 18 and older, with preference to people 60 and older, who are at risk of nursing home placement, meet federal poverty guidelines and have limited assets.

It reaches people who need help at home but are not on Medicaid. Services can include personal care, homemaking and chores, adult day care, emergency response systems, transportation and medical equipment, coordinated by a MAG case manager.

Can veterans in Utah County get self-directed home care?

Yes. The Veterans Directed program lets veterans of any age who are enrolled in VA health care and at risk of nursing home placement direct their own home and community-based services; MAG lists 801-582-1565, extension 2492, for eligibility questions.

Veterans and surviving spouses should also look at VA Aid and Attendance, a pension increase that can help pay for assisted living or home care.

How does the screening and waiting list work?

After a phone screening with a MAG options counselor, eligible people go on the waiting list for the program that fits; once accepted, a case manager meets with them regularly and arranges services through contracted providers.

Call early, before a crisis, because waiting lists move slowly. MAG notes that paid caregiver opportunities through its programs are limited and pay little, so most families combine program help with family caregiving or a private agency.