Massachusetts Home Care (HCP) and Enhanced Community Options Programs (ECOP)

What are the Home Care and Enhanced Community Options Programs?

What are the Eligibility Requirements for HCP and ECOP?

The Home Care Program requires that Massachusetts residents be living at home or in the home of a caregiver; they cannot reside in an adult foster home, assisted living residence or nursing home. They must be at least 60 years old or diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The income limit for an individual is approximately $25,000 / year or $35,000 for a couple. Finally, individuals must be assessed and found to have a need for services by a case manager.

For subsidized respite care only, there is a higher income limit of approximately $45,000. Respite care is available for individuals with income in excess of that amount however they will be charged the full cost of the care.

The Enhanced Community Options Program has similar eligibility requirements to the Home Care Program, however individuals must require a higher level of care. Participants must be assessed and determined to require the level of care provided in a skilled nursing facility (or nursing home).

What Services are Provided in the Home Care and Enhanced Community Options Programs?

A very wide range of support services for seniors, the disabled and their caregivers are provided in these two programs. Final services are determined on a case-by-case basis and can include any of the following:

-Adult day health care
-Alzheimer's / dementia care
-Companion services
-Food shopping
-Home health aides
-Home health services
-Homemaker services
-Meal delivery
-Meal planning and preparation
-Medication assistance
-Minor home repair and yard work
-Nutritional counseling
-Personal care services
-Personal emergency response services
-Respite care
-Skilled nursing care
-Transportation assistance

How to Apply for the Home Care and Enhanced Community Options Programs

Both programs and respite care are managed by the local Massachusetts Area Agencies on Aging. To learn more and apply for these program contact your local area agency on aging or call the helpline at 800-AGE-INFO.

Massachusetts residents might also be interested in the Caregiver Homes Program which is another option that enables the elderly to remain living in the community.