Community Attendant Services

Community Attendant Services is a non-technical, medically related personal care service that is available to eligible adults and children whose health problems cause them to be functionally limited in performing activities of daily living according to a practitioner's statement of medical need. These services are provided by a certified nurse aide or a personal caregiver. If you are eligible for Medicaid assistance, contact your state Medicaid office and request information and how to apply for assistance. There are two Medicaid programs that offer personal care services:

(1) Title XIX Personal Care Services (PCS) optional state plan benefit, and,

(2) The 1915(c) home and community based services (HCBS) waivers.

Each state has its own office that provides community attendant services. Your state may call them by another name. You will need to contact your state's Medicaid office and ask for personal care services or for services though the HCBS program of your state.

The following services are typical of what most states provide through their Medicaid programs. You need to determine which of the below services you need and apply for them. A Medicaid worker should be available to answer your questions and provide you with information on how to apply and to determine if you are eligible for the services.

Escort: Accompanying the client on trips to obtain medical diagnosis, treatment, or both. Additional time may not be allocated for escort services for other purposes such as accompanying you to the beauty or barber shop. This service does not include the direct transportation of the client by the attendant.

Home Management: Community Attendant Services also provide assistance with housekeeping activities that support the client's health and safety, including:

  • changing bed linens
  • housekeeping
  • laundering
  • shopping
  • storing purchased items
  • washing dishes

Personal Care: Assistance with activities related to the care of the client's physical health, including:

  • bathing
  • dressing
  • grooming
  • routine hair and skin care
  • preparing meals
  • feeding
  • exercising
  • helping with self-administered medication
  • toileting
  • transferring/ambulating

Other Eligibility Requirements

  • There is no age limit.
  • You must have a functional limitation with at least one personal care task, based on medical condition.
  • You must have a medical practitioner's statement of medical need.
  • You must have an unmet need for home management and personal care tasks.

If this type of service seems right for you and your loved one, contact your State Medicaid program and ask how you may access these services.

If this is not what you are looking for, please leave this Community Attendant Services page and go back to theMedicaid Home Healthpage. If you do not qualify for Medicaid benefits or if you want to explore other options, return to the Home Page.