Guardian Care is proud to be an Indiana Medicaid Home Care Provider. We work with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to provide comprehensive Home Health Services to Indiana residents. Traditional Medicaid is a program created to provide health care coverage to individuals with low income. Like other health care programs, eligibility and coverage are based on the member’s aid category.

Aged and Disabled Waiver (A&D) The Aged and Disabled Waiver provides an alternative to nursing facility admission for people who are aged, blind, or disabled. There is not an age requirement to qualify for this waiver. The waiver is designed to provide services to supplement informal supports for people who would require care in a nursing facility if waiver services or other supports were not available. Available services for A&D Waiver. Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBI) The Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver provides services to Medicaid eligible people of any age who have experienced an external insult resulting in a traumatic brain injury and who require services ordinarily only available in a nursing facility. This waiver is designed to provide supports, such as personal assistance, limited habilitation services, and respite care, as well as limited environmental modifications. Available Services for the TBI Waiver.

Headquartered in Fishers, we proudly serve all of Central Indiana’s Medicaid communities. We are a team of caregivers and professionals who are committed to providing quality care to patients. As a team of Hoosier natives, we care for our patients as we would care for our own families.

From spoiled food to living in the same pair of pajamas, certain signs suggest an aging parent needs help now.

“Always note anything out of character,” says Melissa Henston, a doctor of geriatric psychology. Admitting your parent needs help as they age is difficult — especially if they don’t want to move into senior living. Our caregivers can help seniors age comfortably in their own home without sacrificing independence. Home care can be personalized to your loved one’s needs, from one afternoon a week to help with cleaning and cooking to full-time, 24-hour care. The top three signs to look for include:

I. Are everyday tasks becoming more difficult?

Arthritis may make chopping vegetables or folding clothes difficult. Or poor eyesight could make it hard to notice grime or clutter. Your parent may no longer want to work in the yard due to mobility issues or depression. No matter the reason, difficulty keeping up with household chores is a common sign it may be time for in-home care.

II. Are you worried about falls or accidents?

Illness, medication, and loss of muscle can all reduce steadiness and coordination as we age. Some basic household tasks — like changing a lightbulb or cleaning a slippery tub — may become dangerous. Falls are the top cause of fatal and non-fatal accidents in seniors. Hiring a home care aide may prevent injury or a long and costly hospital stay.

III. Do they want to age in place with a loved one who needs help?

Home care is an ideal option for elderly loved ones who would like to maintain independence and get back to doing what they love. Depending on their health condition and goals, a home care aide may be able to make aging in place a reality for your loved one.

BEDROOM: • Move bedside items/tables closer and arrange the room so that there is a direct path in/out and to the bathroom. • Place night-lights in all bedrooms and bathrooms. Use night-lights that turn on automatically as the room becomes dark. • Always keep a charged flashlight near your bed for emergencies.

BATHROOM: • Consider using a shower chair, tub-mounted grab bars and raised toilet seats with hand rails to assist with sitting and standing, hand-held shower attachment or wearing “aqua shoes.” • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the shower floor.

KITCHEN: • Store commonly used items on shelves that are easy for you to reach. If you must reach overhead, keep a sturdy stool handy. • Eliminate throw rugs, if possible. If necessary, use rugs with a nonskid backing or add double-sided carpet tape around edges.

STAIRS: • Install handrails on both sides of the steps. They should run the full length of the steps. • Mark the top and bottom steps for better visibility with bright contrasting tape or paint. • Be sure stairs are well-lit and light bulbs are checked regularly to be in working order. Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.

OUTSIDE: • Install sturdy handrails for all steps or, if necessary, a ramp with handrails. • Also, make sure your porch has proper lighting and consider fixing uneven sideways/pathways.