California provides Home and Community Based Services for seniors needing care primarily through the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) and the In-Home Supportive Services Program (IHSS).

 

The ALW is restricted to facilities which participate in the ALW waiver program. Because so few facilities participate, access to this program is very limited. To see if your facility accepts the ALW, click here. The program is only available if the applicant's income is low enough as to not require a Share of Cost payment.

 

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) allows a senior to stay at home and receive a limited amount of care. This program has a Share of Cost payment if a person has income that exceeds a personal needs allowance.

 

These programs can be viable alternatives to having to go into a skilled nursing home setting.  The Law Office of James Dolenga can help you determine if HCBS care is appropriate for you and put together a Medi-Cal asset protection plan that both helps you qualify for HCBS care and minimizes your Share of Cost payment, if any.